Otis Singleton
Some people believe that certain individuals are more electrically conductive than others. For example, a person undergoing physical therapy for an injury reported that multiple TENS machines, which were being used for pain management, shut down unexpectedly, and in some cases, delivered painful shocks. It is speculated that certain individuals may have lower resistance to electricity, making them more electrically conductive. However, it's important to note that individual conductivity is not the sole factor determining the impact of electrical current on the human body, and voltage and current are also crucial considerations.
Are some people more electrical than others?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body capacitance | People with higher body capacitance will feel even 1 mA of A.C. current, while those with lower body capacitance may not feel much. |
| Current | The current passing through the body is more important than voltage in determining the effect of electric shock. |
| Conductivity | Some people may have higher electrical conductivity, but this is not the only factor determining the effect of electric shock. |
| Resistance | Some people naturally have lower resistance and may be more susceptible to electrical shocks. |
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What You'll Learn
Some people have less resistance than others
It is true that some people have less resistance than others. A person with a high body capacitance will feel even 1 mA of A.C. current. On the other hand, a person with lower body capacitance will not feel much with the same amount of current passed through them.
There are several factors that can affect a person's conductivity and resistance to electricity. For example, the voltage and current passing through the body can play a role. Additionally, individual differences in physiology, such as body composition and hydration levels, can also impact conductivity.
It is important to note that while conductivity may be a factor in how electricity affects a person, it is not the only explanation. For instance, if two people hit the same power line, one may die while the other survives. However, this outcome cannot be solely attributed to one person being more conductive than the other.
In practical terms, individual variations in electrical conductivity are not considered relevant. However, some individuals have reported unique experiences related to their high or low resistance. For instance, a person with low resistance may be more susceptible to shocks from machines, like a TENS unit, that are intended to deliver small electrical currents for therapeutic purposes.
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The capacitance of a person's body
The human body model defined by the Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) is a 100 pF capacitor in series with a 1.5 kΩ resistor. The capacitance of a human body in normal surroundings is typically in the tens to low hundreds of picofarads, which is small by typical electronic standards.
To determine the capacitance of the human body, a person of unknown capacitance is charged to 1000 volts. The person is then connected (in parallel) to an external capacitor of known capacitance. The voltage measured across the capacitor combination allows one to determine the unknown capacitance of the person (typically between 180 and 200 pF).
Body capacitance can be used to operate touch switches (e.g. for elevators or faucets). They respond to the close approach of a part of a human body, usually a fingertip. They don't require applying any force to their surfaces. Rather, the capacitance between electrodes at the device's surface and the fingertip is sensed.
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Voltage and current passing through the body
The human body can conduct electricity, and there are differences in how electricity is conducted between individuals. Factors such as skin resistance, internal body resistance, and the path the current takes through the body influence how voltage and current pass through the body.
The minimum current required for a person to feel an electric current is approximately 5 milliamperes (mA). The voltage required to produce this current depends on the resistance of the human body, which varies depending on the points of contact and the path the current takes. Ohm's law describes the relationship between voltage (V), resistance (R), and current (I), with V = I*R. For example, a body with a resistance of 1 million ohms would require 5,000 volts to generate a 5-mA current.
Some individuals have lower resistance than others, which can make them more susceptible to electrical currents. For example, a person with low resistance may be able to detect a broken ground connection or power supply leakage current, while others with higher resistance may not. Additionally, certain medical conditions or injuries can affect a person's conductivity. For instance, a person using a TENS machine for pain relief may experience unexpected shocks or device failures due to their unique electrical characteristics.
The nature of electrical injuries depends on factors such as the size and shape of the conductor, the body part involved, and moisture levels. High-voltage electrical injuries can cause burns, both from direct contact with the current and from heated objects or clothing. Determining whether an injury involved electric current flow through the body is essential in clinical settings, as it can influence treatment approaches.
While voltage plays a role in electrical injuries, the current passing through the body is the critical factor in determining the impact. A person with a higher body capacitance is likely to be more sensitive to lower currents, such as 1 mA of A.C. current. However, it is important to note that voltage differences can still cause painful sensations and nerve stimulation, even without a significant current flow inside the body.
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TENS machines and their impact on individuals
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines are small, portable devices that use low-voltage electrical currents to block pain or change one's perception of it. TENS therapy is a valuable tool for managing various types of pain and muscle-related discomfort. It is often used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and fibromyalgia.
TENS machines are typically used to ease pain during treatment, and the level of pain relief after a session varies from person to person. While some individuals experience relief for up to 24 hours post-session, others find that the pain returns as soon as the machine is turned off. The therapy is thought to work by encouraging the body to release natural painkillers called endorphins and by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
TENS machines have sticky pads that are placed on clean skin near the painful areas of the body. The user then turns on the machine and adjusts the dial until a tingling sensation is felt. It is important to note that this should not be painful. If any irritation or discomfort is experienced, the machine should be turned off, and the pads removed.
While TENS therapy is widely accessible and can be purchased over the counter, it is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended that individuals consult a healthcare professional before using a TENS machine, especially if they have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or have an implantable device.
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Differences in how electricity travels in people
It is known that some people have a higher body capacitance than others, which means they are more likely to feel a small A.C. current passing through their body. However, it is the current passing through the body, not the voltage, that is the key factor in determining this.
Some individuals have lower resistance to electricity, and can experience shocks from devices that work perfectly well for others. For example, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines, used for pain relief, have been known to malfunction for certain individuals, delivering painful shocks.
It is also theorised that differences in conductivity could be a factor in how electricity affects people. For instance, if two people were to hit the same power line, one might die while the other survives, but this could not be solely attributed to one person being more conductive than the other.
While there are differences in how electricity travels in people, and these differences can have some impact on experiences with electrical devices, it is not a useful consideration in terms of practical, real-world applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some people have less resistance than others and can conduct electricity better.
People with low resistance can tell a broken ground connection from power supply leakage current when others can't. However, they may experience issues with TENS machines, which are sometimes used for injury recovery, as they can shut down or give the user an electric shock.
The capacitance of a person's body can influence how they conduct electricity. A person with high body capacitance will feel even 1 mA of A.C. current, whereas a person with low body capacitance may not feel much.
No, conductivity is only one factor that determines how a person is affected by electricity. A voltage that is enough to shock the average person will give a strong shock to a highly conductive person as well.
