Wiktor Wise
While it is difficult to determine the exact wattage that would kill a human being, it is generally agreed that it is the amperage or current that is the true cause of death. A current of 10 mA or 0.01 A is a severe shock but is not fatal, while 100 mA can lead to ventricular fibrillation and cause death. The wattage, however, depends on the voltage and the resistance of the human body, which can vary depending on factors such as humidity and whether the body is submerged in water. In some cases, a current of one-tenth of an ampere can be fatal within 2 seconds. Therefore, while 20,000 watts may not be directly linked to fatality, the associated amperage and voltage could potentially be lethal under certain conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wattage required to kill a human | Not specified; depends on factors such as voltage, amperage, resistance, and duration of exposure |
| Voltage required to kill a human | 2700V or 11,000V and above; lower voltages can also be lethal depending on other factors |
| Amperage required to kill a human | 100mA and above; lower amperage can also be lethal depending on other factors |
| Resistance | Skin resistance is higher than resistance inside the body; resistance decreases in hot and humid conditions and when the body is submerged in water |
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What You'll Learn
The human body's resistance to electricity varies
The voltage and current of an electrical source also play a role in the body's resistance. Higher voltages can break down the skin's resistance, allowing more current to flow through the body. The pathway of the current is also important, as it can determine whether it passes through vital organs such as the heart. Additionally, the duration of the electrical contact affects the body's resistance, with longer exposures potentially causing more severe injuries or death.
The human body's response to electrical current can vary, with some individuals experiencing ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. The electrical current can cause tissue damage directly or lead to secondary injuries such as falls. The skin's resistance to electricity, also known as impedance, is generally higher than the resistance inside the body, providing some protection against electrical shocks. However, if the current flows from the right hand to the right leg, it may cause pain but might not be lethal.
The lethality of an electric shock depends on multiple factors, including the magnitude of the current, the duration of the shock, and the pathway of the current through the body. A current of 10 milliamps or 0.01 amps is considered a severe shock but is typically non-fatal. As the current approaches 100 milliamps or 0.1 amps, muscle contractions can occur. However, due to the low resistance of the heart, a current of only 10 milliamps passing through it can be fatal.
While voltage plays a role in the amount of current flowing through the body, it is not the primary cause of death in electric shock cases. The human body's resistance to electricity can vary significantly, and understanding these variations is crucial for safety precautions and medical interventions in the event of electrical accidents.
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Current is the main cause of death by electricity
While high voltage levels are often associated with electrocution, it is not the voltage that kills but the current that is pushed through the body. The human body is very susceptible to injuries and death from electricity because the body is made up mostly of water and other types of fluids, and electricity passes through water with low resistance.
The amount of tissue damage and whether death occurs from an electric shock depends on how large the electrical current is and how long it continues to run through the body. 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, and the victim may be unable to release themselves from the electrical source. Larger currents can result in tissue damage and may trigger ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. If the current passes through the brain stem, where breathing is controlled, the result can be respiratory failure.
The extent of the damage also depends on the pathway of the current. If the current passes through the chest or head, there is an increased chance of death. From a main circuit or power distribution panel, the damage is more likely to be internal, leading to cardiac arrest. The frequency of the current is also a factor, with very high-frequency electric current causing tissue burning but not cardiac arrest.
The resistance of the body also plays a role in the lethality of an electric shock. In hot and humid conditions with sweaty skin, the body's resistance drops to about 1000 ohms, and the voltage that could be fatal would need to exceed 50 volts. When submerged in water, the body's resistance decreases further to about 150 ohms, and a voltage exceeding 7.5 volts poses a significant risk.
In conclusion, while voltage is an important factor in determining the lethality of an electric shock, it is the current that is the main cause of death by electricity. The human body's susceptibility to electric current, the pathway of the current, the frequency, and the body's resistance all play a role in determining the potential for fatal injuries.
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Wattage can be dangerous, but in different ways
Firstly, wattage is linked to amperage and voltage, which are more commonly understood as the causes of electrical danger. A watt is a unit of power, and 1 watt is equal to 1 amp at 1 volt. So, in theory, 20,000 watts could be delivered by 20 amps at 1000 volts, or 200 amps at 100 volts, or any other combination resulting in 20,000.
The amperage is the most important factor in determining the danger of an electrical current passing through the body. A current of 10 milliamps or 0.01 amps is a severe shock, but it is not fatal. As the current approaches 100 milliamps or 0.1 amps, muscle contractions set in. Due to the low resistance of the heart, a current of only 10-20 milliamps is sufficient to cause death.
However, the voltage is also important because, without it, no current would flow. The voltage required to be lethal depends on the resistance of the body, which can vary depending on factors such as humidity and whether the skin is broken. In hot and humid conditions with sweaty skin, the body's resistance drops to about 1000 ohms, and a voltage of 50 volts could be fatal. When submerged in water, the body's resistance decreases to about 150 ohms, and a voltage exceeding 7.5 volts poses a significant risk.
The pathway of the current is also important. If the current passes through the chest or head, there is an increased chance of death. Damage from a current passing through the main circuit or power distribution panel is more likely to be internal, leading to cardiac arrest.
In addition to the direct dangers of high wattage electricity, there are also indirect dangers. For example, high-wattage chargers generate more heat, which can contribute to faster battery wear if not properly managed. Similarly, using a battery with higher wattage than a lightbulb requires can cause overheating and fire.
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Death by electricity can happen in multiple ways
Death by electricity, or electrocution, can indeed happen in multiple ways. The most common cause of death by electricity is ventricular fibrillation, which is when the electrical circuitry of the heart is disturbed, causing it to beat so fast that pumping efficiency approaches zero and the person dies. This is caused by a low-resistance path delivering an electric current to the heart.
Another way death by electricity can occur is through asphyxiation, which is when the electric current interferes with the central nervous system's control of respiration, causing death by suffocation. This can also happen through direct paralysis of the chest muscles.
The lethality of an electric shock depends on several factors:
- Current: The higher the current, the more likely it is to be lethal. A current of 10 mA or 0.01 A is a severe shock, but it is usually not fatal. As the current approaches 100 mA or 0.1 A, muscle contractions set in, and 10 mA is sufficient to stop the heart.
- Voltage: While voltage itself does not kill, it is an indirect cause of death, as higher voltages produce higher currents.
- Duration: The longer the duration of the shock, the more likely it is to be lethal.
- Pathway: If the current flows through vital organs, such as the heart, it is more likely to be lethal.
Additionally, the body's resistance to electricity can be affected by external factors such as humidity and sweat, which can decrease resistance and make it easier for electricity to pass through the body.
In terms of the number of watts required to kill a human, it is important to note that watts are a measure of power, which is the product of voltage and current (W=VI). Therefore, while watts can give an indication of the lethality of an electric shock, it is the current that ultimately causes death.
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Voltage is not the main cause of death by electricity
While voltage is a measure of the pressure or force of the electrical power passing through a conductor, it is not the main cause of death by electricity. The true cause of death is the current forced through the body. The lethality of an electric shock depends on several factors: current, duration, and pathway.
The higher the current, the more likely it is to be lethal. Since current is proportional to voltage when resistance is fixed (as per Ohm's law), high voltage is an indirect risk for producing higher currents. However, it is the amount of current that is the main factor in causing death. A current of as little as 0.007 amps (7mA) across the heart for three seconds is enough to kill. 0.1 amps (100mA) passing through the body will almost certainly be fatal.
The longer the duration of the shock, the more likely it is to be lethal. Safety switches may limit the time of current flow. Short high-current pulses are usually less dangerous than longer-lasting low-current shocks.
If the current flows through vital organs, like the heart muscle, it is more likely to be lethal. The pathway of the current through the body is an important factor in determining lethality.
It is important to note that electrical injuries can also occur without direct contact with an electric current. In cases of high voltages, such as on power transmission towers, direct contact may not be necessary as the voltage may "jump" the air gap to the electrical device. Additionally, arc flash explosions caused by large voltages can result in extreme injuries or death, even if the individual is not directly hit by the electricity.
In conclusion, while voltage plays a role in the amount of current that passes through the body, it is not the primary cause of death by electricity. The main determinant of fatality is the amount of current and its pathway through the body, as well as the duration of the shock.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 20,000 watts of electricity can kill a person. However, it is important to note that it is not the wattage but the amperage or the amount of current that is fatal in most electrical accidents. Wattage can be dangerous in certain situations, such as electrical burns or when a person loses muscular control and cannot separate themselves from the circuit.
A current of 10 milliamps or 0.01 amps across the heart is typically fatal and can cause ventricular fibrillation. This occurs when the electrical circuitry of the heart is disturbed, causing it to beat rapidly and leading to death.
The lethality of electric shocks depends on various factors, including the path of electricity through the body, skin resistance, and duration of exposure. Skin resistance can vary depending on factors such as humidity, sweat, and submersion in water.
It is essential to understand electrical safety and take precautions to prevent accidents. Safety courses and basic electrical safety guidelines provide valuable knowledge to minimize the risk of electrical shocks. Additionally, arc flash suits are available and rated based on the level of protection they offer against electrical hazards.
