Collection

2019 ASEE PNW Section Conference

Authors

Eve Klopf, Oregon Institute of Technology; Aaron Scher, Oregon Institute of Technology

detect live AC voltage. In thisexperiment, we commandeer this handy device to explore the concept of shielding. If you placethe plastic tip of the detector near a normal insulated wire with a live AC voltage, the meter willglow and beep to warn you that the wire is hot. Interestingly, if you keep the meter and liveinsulated wire in exactly the same position, but physically do not touch the barrel of the meter,the meter may go silent. Students are asked to explore this curious behavior by (safely)probing standard three-prong outlets and power cords with and without holding the meter.Students are then asked to use their findings to explain how the meter works. Next, studentswrap a standard power cord in aluminum foil and probe the foil. To some