Umair Gaines
It is a common misconception that a higher voltage is more lethal. While 10,000 volts can be life-threatening in certain circumstances, it is possible for it to be relatively harmless. The most important variable is how much energy is driving the electric current, measured in amps, which is directly related to voltage. Other factors include the frequency of the current, how long the shock lasts, and where it enters and exits the body. Human sensitivity to electricity varies, and the internal resistance between the ears is only 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms when measured from finger to toe. Ultimately, it is the current forced through the body that is the cause of death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lethality | 10,000 volts of electricity can be life-threatening in certain circumstances. However, it is possible for something to have 10,000 volts and be relatively harmless. |
| Factors | The energy driving the electric current, measured in amps, the frequency of the current, the duration of the shock, and the point of entry and exit in the body. |
| Human Sensitivity | Some people are more sensitive to electricity than others. |
| Current | Current is the real cause of death, not voltage. A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal. |
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What You'll Learn
Current, not voltage, is what kills humans
While it is understandable that the sight of a "Danger—High Voltage" sign would instill fear in anyone, it is important to understand that it is not the voltage that kills, but the current.
Electric current is what burns tissue, freezes muscles, and fibrillates hearts. However, electric current doesn't occur on its own; it needs voltage to motivate the current to flow through a victim. The amount of current flowing through a body is directly proportional to the amount of voltage applied between two points. So, while voltage is not the direct cause of death, it is a crucial factor in determining the amount of current that passes through the body.
The human body's resistance to electric current also plays a significant role in the severity of electric shock. Body resistance varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as body fat percentage and hydration levels. The internal resistance between the ears is approximately 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms when measured from finger to toe. This variation in resistance within the body can affect the flow of current and, consequently, the severity of the electric shock.
The amount of current required to be fatal depends on the location of the electric current's entry and exit points on the body. For example, a current entering through the toe and exiting through the rest of the body may not be fatal unless it supplies 20 milliamps over the heart. On the other hand, grabbing a hot and neutral 120V wall outlet with wet hands can be fatal as the current may travel through the heart.
In conclusion, while voltage plays a significant role in determining the amount of current flowing through the body, it is ultimately the current that causes the damage. Therefore, when it comes to electrical safety, understanding the relationship between voltage and current is crucial to prevent fatal accidents.
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Variables that affect electric shocks
While it is true that higher voltages draw more current, it is not the voltage that kills, but the current that the voltage pushes through the body. Electric shocks can occur at household voltages of 110 volts, or even as low as 42 volts.
The lethality of an electric shock depends on several variables:
- Current: The higher the current, the more lethal it is. A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal. A current of 10 mA or 0.01 A is a severe shock, but not fatal. A current of 100 mA or 0.1 A will cause muscle contractions.
- Duration: Longer shocks are more likely to be lethal. Short high-current pulses are usually less dangerous than longer-lasting low-current shocks.
- Pathway: If the current passes through vital organs, such as the heart muscle, it is more likely to be lethal. If the current passes through the head, there is a high chance of losing consciousness. If the current passes through the eyes, cataracts may develop over time.
- Frequency: Very high-frequency electric current causes tissue burning but may not be strong enough to cause cardiac arrest.
- Internal vs External: Damage from a main circuit or power distribution panel is more likely to be internal, leading to cardiac arrest.
- Medical Implants: Artificial cardiac pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are sensitive to very small currents.
Other variables that can affect the impact of an electric shock include the individual's sex, age, and body resistance. Women are more vulnerable to electric shock than men. Children are also at risk, with 20% of all electrical injuries affecting them. Body resistance also plays a role, as the internal resistance between the ears is only 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms from finger to toe.
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How amps are delivered
While 10,000 volts of electricity can be lethal, it is not the voltage that kills humans, but the current forced through the body. Voltage is the measurement of the electric potential or "pressure" at which electricity flows through a system. The higher the voltage, the more current is drawn.
Amps, or amperes, are a measure of the volume of electricity flowing through wires. The larger the amperage, the more electricity can flow through the circuit. Amps are delivered through a circuit, which will provide or draw only as many amps as the physical laws force it to provide or draw at a particular point in time.
The main electrical service delivered to a house from the electrical utility company has a total available capacity, measured in amps. Most homes have an electrical service of between 100 to 200 amps. Homes with 60-amp or 100-amp service often require an electrical service update during major remodelling or expansion projects.
Inside a home, you can determine the amp rating of the main circuit breaker or fuse by looking at the service panel (also called the breaker box). Here, you will see different circuit breakers listed as 15 amps, 20 amps, and 30 amps. Large appliances like air conditioners, washers, and dryers will be connected to 30-amp circuits, while most outlets in a home will be powered by 20-amp or 15-amp circuits.
It is important to note that a current of 10 mA or 0.01 A is a severe shock, but it is not fatal. As the amperage increases to 100 mA or 0.1 A, muscle contractions set in. A current of only 10 mA is sufficient to kill a human due to the low resistance of the heart. However, the current rarely reaches the heart due to the higher resistance of the skin, which completely absorbs the current.
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Human sensitivity to electricity
The scientific community has not found conclusive evidence supporting EHS as a medical diagnosis. A systematic review of medical research in 2011 found no convincing proof that electromagnetic fields cause the reported symptoms. Double-blind experiments have revealed that individuals with EHS cannot detect electromagnetic fields and experience similar symptoms when exposed to sham or genuine fields, indicating a potential nocebo effect.
However, some studies suggest that EHS may be biologically plausible, with patients exhibiting neurological, neuro-hormonal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms following EMF exposure. The variability in symptoms and their potential psychosomatic origin make diagnosis and treatment challenging.
While the existence of EHS as a distinct medical condition remains controversial, it is important to recognize that individuals may experience genuine discomfort and adverse health effects, even if the underlying cause is not fully understood or directly linked to electromagnetic exposure.
In terms of the lethal effects of electricity, it is important to distinguish between voltage and current. While higher voltages can draw more current, it is the current, not the voltage, that causes death. Electric shocks can occur at household voltages of 110 volts or even as low as 42 volts. A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal, with the time of exposure also playing a critical factor.
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How to avoid electric shocks
It is not the voltage that kills humans, but the current forced through the body. Humans have died at voltages as low as 42 volts, and a current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal.
Electric shocks can cause severe injuries, including amputation, severe burns, cardiac arrest, heart muscle damage, and brain injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions to avoid electric shocks. Here are some ways to avoid them:
For electrical outlets and plugs:
- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrical shock hazards. GFCIs cut off power when there is a fault in the electrical current.
- Ensure your circuit breakers and fuses are the correct size and current rating for their circuit.
- Do not overload electrical outlets with too many plugs and power bars.
- Use the proper wattage light bulb in light fixtures.
- Replace missing or broken outlet cover plates immediately to create a barrier between people and exposed wires.
- If you have young children, use tamper-resistant receptacles to protect them from shocks.
For electrical appliances and cords:
- Never use electrical appliances near water or in damp environments.
- Regularly check your cords and replace any that are frayed or damaged.
- Only use extension cords temporarily, as they are prone to cracking and fraying, which can lead to shocks or fires.
- Do not yank cords from the wall, as this can damage the appliance, cord, and outlet.
- If an electrical device is defective, do not use it. Either repair it, unplugging it first, or throw it out.
- When using multi-outlet bars, avoid connecting too many high-electricity consumption devices to prevent overheating.
General precautions:
- Stay away from power lines when engaging in outdoor activities such as trimming trees or cleaning gutters.
- Never touch a downed power line.
- If you are uncomfortable working with electricity, hire a licensed electrical contractor or a master electrician for electrical repairs or installations.
- Teach children about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not always fatal. While 10,000 volts can be life-threatening in certain circumstances, it is possible for it to be relatively harmless.
The most important factor is the amperage, or the amount of current forced through the body. Other factors include the frequency of the current, how long the shock lasts, and where it enters and exits the body.
A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal. A current of 10 mA or 0.01 A is a severe shock but is not fatal. As the current approaches 100 mA or 0.1 A, muscle contractions set in.
Yes, humans are very variable, and some people are more sensitive to electricity than others. People with heart problems, pacemakers, or internal metal are more susceptible to electric shocks and should avoid such risks.
