Re: Circuit Breakers

["Mike Malaxos" <rss@arach.net.au>]

The radiation is probably due to 5keV xrays generated at the moment of
switching or by microAmps leakage current if a slightly gassy vacuum type
breaker.  Is the radiation present when that section of the circuit is
isolated.?




Best Regards
M.Malaxos
Radiation Safety Services
69-71 Robinson Avenue Belmont
Western Australia.  6104 
Fax 61 89 475 0165
P 61 89 475 0099  a/h 089 255 1214
email rss@arach.net.au
 

----------
> From: Elaine Marshall <emarshall@FNAL.GOV>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject: Circuit Breakers
> Date: Saturday, 1 November 1997 3:30
> 
> During a recent survey in our warehouse, it was discovered that a circuit
> breaker (5 keV and 2000 amps) was about 10 times background on a Bicron
> Analyst.  These levels were localized to an area around the arc
suppressor.
>  No radioactive source label was present on the outside of the equipment.
> This item was purchased approximately two years ago as a spare and has
been
> in storage since then.  I have tried to contact the vendor (General
> Electric) to see what the source could be, but everyone I talk to keeps
> telling me that there is no way that it can be radioactive.  This is
> probably naturally occuring.  However, until I can identify what it is, I
> am bound by our procedures for labelling, posting, release, etc.  Does
> anyone have any idea of what element or isotope may be involved?
> 
> Elaine
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Elaine Marshall
> Fermilab
> Kirk and Wilson Roads / WH-7E
> PO Box 500, Mail Stop 119
> Batavia, IL 60510
> 
> PH......: 630-840-8756
> FAX.....: 630-840-3390
> 
> E-MAIL..: emarshall@fnal.gov
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------