Otis Singleton
While two volts of electricity is unlikely to hurt you, voltage is a critical factor in determining the severity of an electric shock. The human body can typically withstand anything up to 50 volts, but the voltage level isn't the sole determinant of harm. The current, measured in amps, is also crucial. The higher the voltage, the more energy the current carries, and the longer the exposure, the more damage it can inflict. Additionally, the path the current takes through the body and the points of contact affect the severity. While two volts are generally safe, voltage and current are interconnected, and specific circumstances could potentially amplify the danger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 2 volts |
| Lethality | Not lethal |
| Severity of electric shock | Mild |
| Current | Low |
| Time of exposure | Not specified |
| Damage | Mild shock, no burns |
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What You'll Learn
Voltage is not the only factor in electric shocks
While voltage is a factor in electric shocks, it is not the only one. Electric shocks can occur at voltages as low as 42 volts, and even household voltages of 110 volts can be dangerous. However, it is the current passing through the body that is the true cause of electric shock and potential death.
The human body has an internal resistance of around 100 ohms between the ears and 500 ohms from finger to toe. This resistance affects the amount of current that can pass through the body, and thus the severity of the shock. The formula V = IR illustrates the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. The amount of damage caused by an electric shock depends on the magnitude of the current and the portions of the body through which the current flows. For example, the low resistance of the heart means that a small current of only 10 mA can be fatal.
The duration of exposure to an electric current is also a factor in the severity of a shock. A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal. Additionally, the characteristics of the skin, such as sweat gland activity, temperature, and individual variation, can influence the voltage-current relationship.
The voltage-current characteristic of human skin is non-linear, and the skin's impedance exhibits asymmetric and time-varying properties. This means that the relationship between voltage and current is complex and depends on various factors.
In summary, while voltage plays a role in electric shocks, it is not the sole determinant of their severity or potential lethality. The current, the portions of the body through which it passes, the duration of exposure, and the individual's unique characteristics all contribute to the overall effect of an electric shock.
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Current is the main cause of death
While voltage is a critical factor in determining the severity of an electric shock, it is not the voltage that kills. The true cause of death is the electric current forced through the body.
Electric current is normally measured in amps, and the amount of damage it inflicts depends on the magnitude of the current and the portions of the body through which it flows. Different parts of the body have different resistances, which can lead to an increase in current. The internal resistance between the ears is only 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms when measured from finger to toe.
The human body has a high resistance to electric current, which means that without sufficient voltage, a dangerous amount of current cannot flow through the body and cause death. However, once that threshold is crossed, the duration of exposure to electric current becomes another critical factor in determining the severity of an electric shock. The longer the exposure, the more damage the electric current can cause to the body. Exposure to currents of 100-200 mA for more than a second can cause ventricular fibrillation and potentially lead to death. Even a current of as little as 7mA across the heart for three seconds can be fatal.
Therefore, it is the current that is the main cause of death in cases of electric shock.
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Human skin resistance varies
While voltage is important, it is not the voltage that kills or hurts humans, but the current that flows through the body. The amount of current that flows through the body depends on the resistance of the body. Human skin resistance varies from 500 Ω to 3,000 Ω, with the resistance of the internal human body estimated to be approximately 300 Ω. The resistance of the skin depends on many factors, including humidity, skin surface salt content (sweat), and moisture. For example, wet skin has a lower resistance than dry skin, and so will conduct more current for the same voltage. Skin resistance also varies with the amount of dirt, grease, and thickness of the skin. The presence of cuts or bruises on the skin will also cause a further reduction in body resistance.
The voltage-current characteristic of human skin is non-linear and depends on many factors such as intensity, duration, history, and frequency of the electrical stimulus. Sweat gland activity, temperature, and individual variation also influence the voltage-current characteristic of the skin.
The amount of damage done by an electric shock depends on the magnitude of the current and the portions of the body that the current is flowing through. Different parts of the body have different resistances, which can lead to an increase in current. For example, the internal resistance between the ears is only 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms when measured from finger to toe.
In general, higher voltages will draw more current, but this is not always the case. For example, static electricity involves voltages much higher than 110/230V, but this is not dangerous. This is because the time is so short that the total energy exposed to a person is low.
To protect against electric shocks, voltage-rated gloves and EH-rated shoes can be used to increase the contact resistance at the hands and feet.
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Severity depends on the path through the body
The severity of an electric shock depends on the density of the current, tissue resistance, and duration of contact. The path of the current through the body is a critical factor in determining the severity of the shock.
The human body has varying resistance levels across different parts. For instance, the internal resistance between the ears is only 100 ohms, while it is around 500 ohms from finger to toe. When an electric current passes through the body, it follows the path of least resistance. As a result, the severity of the shock depends on which parts of the body the current flows through.
The skin acts as a barrier and contributes to the overall impedance of the body, especially in the case of low voltage shocks. If the voltage is less than 200 V, the skin, particularly the stratum corneum, offers significant resistance to the current. However, if the voltage exceeds 450-600 V, the skin's dielectric breakdown occurs, and the current can pass through more easily.
The entry and exit points of the current are also crucial. Burns commonly occur at the points where electricity enters and exits the body. Additionally, if the current has a direct pathway to the heart, even a low current of less than 1 mA can cause fibrillation and lead to cardiac arrest.
The effects of electric shock can vary from mild to severe, and sometimes fatal. While low-voltage shocks are typically less harmful and may result in superficial injuries, high-voltage shocks are more likely to cause serious symptoms, including deep burns and muscle spasms. However, it is important to note that even low-voltage shocks can be fatal under certain circumstances, especially if they lead to cardiac arrest or significant burns.
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Low voltage can still be dangerous
While voltage is not the direct cause of harm to humans, it is a factor that determines the amount of current that passes through the body. The current is what causes damage to the body, and the voltage is what generates the current. Thus, low voltage can still be dangerous.
The human skin acts as a form of resistance, and the voltage-current characteristic of human skin is non-linear and depends on many factors. Sweat gland activity, temperature, and individual variation influence the voltage-current characteristic of the skin. The skin resistance may vary from 1000 ohms for wet skin to over 500,000 ohms for dry skin. Therefore, the same voltage applied to different people or different parts of the body can result in vastly different currents.
Additionally, low-voltage equipment is often sourced with a powerful energy supply, and a fault current can release a large amount of energy in a confined space. This energy release can throw workers across a room, destroy equipment, cause arc-flash burns, and hurl objects and metal pieces onto nearby workers.
Furthermore, the time of exposure also plays a role in the effect of voltage on the human body. Even if the voltage is low, a prolonged exposure may result in a significant total energy transfer, causing harm to the body.
It is important to note that the definition of "low voltage" varies depending on the context and the organization. For example, the IEC defines low voltage as anything under 1000 VAC or 1500 VDC, while some commercial operations may consider 70 volts or lower to be low voltage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not the voltage but the current that can kill a person. Voltage is the force that moves electricity through wires and other conductive materials. The higher the voltage, the more energy the electrical current carries. However, the current is the one that passes through the body and causes tissue damage or fibrillation, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
The human body can withstand a wide range of voltages, but anything above 50 volts can be potentially harmful. Voltage levels of 500 to 1000 volts can cause internal burns. Anything above 220,000 volts is considered extremely high voltage, and the risk of electrocution increases significantly.
A current of 0.1 ampere for 2 seconds can be fatal. A current of 100-200 mA for more than a second can cause ventricular fibrillation and potentially lead to death.
