Electrical Safety
How Current Affects the Body
Learn SafetyElectric shock kills through the current passing through your body, not the voltage alone. Understanding dangerous current levels and how to prevent shock saves lives.
Why Current Kills
- Voltage drives current: V = I × R (body resistance ~1000-100,000 Ω)
- Current path matters: Hand-to-hand through heart is most dangerous
- Wet skin: Dramatically reduces resistance, increases current
Safety Devices
- GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): Trips at 5mA in <25ms
- Circuit breakers: Protect against overcurrent
- Fuses: Break circuit when current exceeds rating
- Grounding: Provides safe path for fault current
Conclusion
It's current, not voltage, that kills—though voltage drives current through body resistance. As little as 50-100 mA through the heart can be fatal. GFCI outlets, proper grounding, and basic electrical safety knowledge significantly reduce shock risk.