Electrician Woes

John J. Ryan

Any electrician can tell you about numerous experiences taking battery readings from the pilot cells in the main battery compartments. My problem was with my ears.

During a charge, you had to drop down into the well in either compartment, which was very hot, and you started to sweat very quickly, making you an excellent conductor. My biggest problem was with my ears, which are not straight out from my head, but large enough to go between the bus bars and metal.

The shock I used to get would give me the chance to see the prettiest colors, and the ability to taste every filling in my mouth. During a long charge, readings were taken every 15 minutes, an I averaged a shock a reading.

By the time the watch was over, or the charge finished, at times I thought I would glow in the dark, having been fully charged myself. Add to this the funny crunching sound your knees used to make when you accidentally kneeled in one of the cap holes, and it really made for an experience I will never forget.

They never told us about that in Electricians mate school. Had I known I think I would have change my rate to become a cook, but they had there problems too.

John J. Ryan EM#(SS)