Is it true that when the state electrocutes someone (capital punishment) that the power draw is so large that the lights dim in in that building (and others nearby)?
Or is that just movie lore, for effect?
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No, unless you’re in a 1940’s prison movie.
Movie lore, I don’t think the electric chair is a form of execution anymore anyway.
There is currently a movement in the Teaparty whereby members can purchase a handheld device called “Forever Fry”. You plug it into the wall and crank the handle, producing electricity on the same principle as a forever flashlight or radio. The Teabaggers provide the excess electricity needed to electrocute another human, and, as an added benefit, get the vicarious thrill of directly participating.
@ibstubro – that can’t be right, for a variety of reasons.
The least of which is that our power system is not equipped to send electricity BACK to the power company, unless you have certain kinds of solar energy hookups, and even then it is strictly regulated in terms of voltage and line quality.
Your idea, while clever, is more likely to have come from The Onion.
@ARE_you_kidding_me it’s not the first choice but most states that still execute people keep it as a back up or allow prisoners to opt for it over lethal injection (which given the difficulties some prisons have had sourcing the medicines needed for lethal injection might not be a bad idea).
The voltage of an electric chair is about 1500 to 2000 Volts with a current draw of about 5 to 7 Amps. Source Power is Volts x amps so it is a draw of about 10kW.
A large burner on your electric stove is about 3 kW. So figure an electric chair draws the same as a little more than 3 of the burners. How much do the lights dim if you turn on all 4 burners on your electric stove? Very little to not at all if your wiring is sized correctly.
The lights famously flickered during Ted Bundy’s final interview,
He insinuated it was due to them testing the chair.
@LuckyGuy – i see. And one assumes that the State employs electricians who can ensure adequate supply.
When you do see brief light dimming it’s usually a result of the inrush current from a big motor or other large load kicking on. It’s not terribly uncommon.
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