S Narayan wrote:

"Tiffani" wrote in message ...


Jim Weir wrote:

So why was there 12 volts to begin with? Because Detroit started making
cars
with a much higher compression ratio and to turn the starters over, the
old 6
volt batteries weren't cutting it. Bingo. Two 6 volters in series
gives 12
volts and that was close enough for Detroit gummint work.

Actually the auto industry is moving to a 42 volt system in the future to
handle
increasing electrical requirements, plus more accessories (e.g. oil pump)
may be
electric in the future. Where can you find more information on this?
Why
http://www.42volt.org of course.


A 42V DC? shock could be pretty bad.

Not really. Touching a spark plug could feel pretty bad. Touching 42 volts
might give you a bzzz! However you wouldn't normally become part of the
circuit, anymore than you would with your domestic 120 volts or your telephone
(about 53 volts on hook, maybe double while ringing). Remember even if you did
get a shock, it's DC not AC. AC is worse for shocks because it can cause the
muscles to hold on to the conductor. DC tends to do the opposite. And it is
the amps that are most damaging to humans, not the volts.