Handling Considerations

The shower counters are very delicate devices which are easily damaged. Thus, care must be exercised whenever they are moved or used.

• Before turning on the high voltage for the shower counters (HAC5 for the preshower and HAC6 for the total absorber), check the shower counter log book located in the Hall A counting house for the latest values of the high voltage.

• Never disconnect or connect all the high voltage to the bases with the high voltage power turned on. Doing so will damage the bases (the zener diodes are destroyed).

• Never service the lead glass with the high voltage on. The high voltage poses a safety hazard.

• Never drop anything onto the bases and tubes; they are extremely fragile. They should not be used as support or to hold any weight. Also, do not drop the lead glass blocks. They will be damaged or destroyed.

• When ramping the HV, keep an eye on the current drawn by the individual bases. A light leak in the wrapping will produce a large current ( $> 1 \mu$A at low voltages (1 kV). If the tubes draw an excess amount of current turn them off and check for leaks in the wrapping.