Radiation Exposure at High Voltage
High voltage vacuum relays, like any high voltage component, can potentially produce hazardous X-rays when operated above 15 kV. However, Kilovac gas-filled high voltage relays can be operated safely at very high voltages without any concern for X-rays. Gas-filled relays cannot produce X-rays because the electrons collide with the gas molecules and are unable to accumulate sufficient energy to make significant radiation.
Many Kilovac relays rated for use above 15 kV are gas-filled relays and, whenever possible, we recommend you use one of these. If a vacuum relay must be used, then it, or the equipment it's in, should be shielded with lead which is at least .062 inches thick. If shielding is not possible, then appropriate warnings of the potential for X-ray exposure must be posted and a radiation monitoring program implemented. Contact your local health agency for more information.
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