Fusor Forums

A calibrated ion chamber is needed to get a true idea of just how much x-radiation is around. GM counters are not good for this work. At best, as long as they are not locking up, (saturated), They are only qualitative in nature.

Richard Hull

We made a HV acrylic safety shield thanks to all of the friendly advice here. I don't want to spend the holidays dead.


video:
https://youtu.be/5v3flwlnobc

ps; how do i embed a youtube video as thumb?

Slate shielding, like lead is only useful for x-rays - certainly such shielding is required for fusors using 40 kV or higher. Slate, besides its ease of cutting, looks good and like acrylic, is good as a high voltage shield as well. The plastic shield you are using is more effective against neutrons than an inch of lead. Paraffin is best; however, since it is unlikely that your fusor will produce any significant neutron radiation hazard, your acrylic shield is ok. I can't say this enough - a young child is far more susceptible to the damaging effects of x-ray radiation so extra precautions are warranted. Use shielding, minimize dose, keep as far away as feasible and yes, get a calibrated detector (I did.) Like lethal voltages, one gets only once chance (and the last one, too) with dangerous levels of radiation. Dosage is cumulative so error on the side of caution.