(Almost) shot dead by my flash

I had an Olympus F280 hi-speed sync flash explode and burn on me a day before halloween. I was using it to shoot for an hour or two at a haunted house we made, and then after work while I was at a bar it started to smoke, heat up super quickly, and deform. The flash was practically brand new, bought it used, but there wasnt a blemish on it and worked quite well that day until it decided to explode.

I had barley enough time to rip out the enloop batteries with my shirt sleeve, as the temp started to get so hot the battery casings started to melt, and the plastic started to lock in around the batteries.

Turned out the main capacitor exploded and burned, it melted the front "red eye" of the flash, as well as a gapping hold in the battery compartment, plus a sicking burning smell. It sucked to have to replace a brand new purchase. I had to buy a new one luckily for only ~$50

I was tinkering with a small flash once, just a little cheap low GN one. I had it apart and touched a high voltage pin or cap. It locked my arm and hand up solid and I couldn't let go. I ended up quickly swatting the flash away with something in my other hand. I don't recommend trying this. If you do have to poke around, I agree with the bleeding suggestion, and I'd also keep one hand in my pocket for electrical shock safety.

Leigh B said:

Studies have shown that current induced by voltages as low as 42 volts can be fatal.

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I would hate to be a part of that study group. "Ok, so now we know 41volts won't kill you, let's see what 42volts will do, hold still please".