Why people get an electric shock - Solutions - Huaqiang Electronic Network

SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

MOS Power IC Full Range

Brand AVX TPSE226M035R0125 Low Impedance Tantalum Capacitor AVX 22

Electronic Scale Crystal Oscillator 3.2*2.5mm 3225 16M (16.000MHZ) 12PF 10PPM 20PPM 30PPM

Inductance

Why do people get an electric shock? The human body is a conductor of electricity, just like the earth. When someone touches a charged object, the current can pass through their body and cause an electric shock. However, if the person is not grounded—such as wearing insulated shoes or sitting on a dry wooden bench—the current won't form a complete circuit, so no shock occurs. It's similar to turning off a water tap; without a path, the flow stops. Electric shocks happen when the current passing through the body exceeds safe levels. This can lead to serious consequences, such as respiratory failure, heart irregularities, and even ventricular fibrillation, which stops the heart from pumping blood. Without circulation, cells become starved of oxygen, leading to loss of consciousness within 10 to 15 seconds, and brain damage can occur within minutes. The severity of an electric shock depends on several factors: the amount of current, voltage, resistance of the body, duration of exposure, the path the current takes, and the individual’s health condition. For example, currents as low as 1 mA can cause a tingling sensation, while 10 mA may feel painful. At 20 mA, muscle contractions can occur, and prolonged exposure can be fatal. Currents above 50 mA are life-threatening, even for short durations. Voltage also plays a role—anything over 36 volts can be dangerous. Resistance affects how much current flows through the body. Normally, the body has a resistance of about 10,000 ohms, but this drops significantly when wet, like in a rice paddy or water, making shocks far more dangerous. The longer the exposure, the greater the risk. Prolonged contact can lead to muscle fatigue, heart failure, and ultimately death. It’s crucial to act quickly in such cases, as delays beyond 15 minutes can make recovery impossible. The path the current takes through the body also matters. If it passes through the heart or lungs, the danger is highest. For instance, touching a live wire with one hand and standing on the ground can create a direct path through the heart, which is extremely dangerous. Even if the current goes through the feet, it can still be lethal. Additionally, people with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, lung issues, or mental disorders are at higher risk and harder to save after an electric shock. Understanding these factors helps prevent accidents and emphasizes the importance of electrical safety in daily life.