Why people get an electric shock - Solutions - Huaqiang Electronic Network
Why do people get electric shocks? The human body can conduct electricity, just like the earth. When someone touches a charged object, the current flows through their body, causing an electric shock. However, if the person is not grounded—such as wearing rubber shoes or sitting on a dry wooden chair—the current cannot form a complete circuit, and no shock occurs. Think of it like turning off a water tap; when the valve is closed, the water stops flowing.
Electric shocks happen when the current passing through the body exceeds safe limits. This can cause the lungs to stop breathing, the heart to lose its ability to pump blood, and lead to ventricular fibrillation. Once blood circulation stops, cells become deprived of oxygen. Within 10 to 15 seconds, the person may lose consciousness, and within minutes, brain cells start to die.
The severity of an electric shock depends on several factors: the amount of current, voltage level, resistance, duration of exposure, the path the current takes through the body, and the individual’s health condition.
Current intensity plays a key role. At 1 mA, a person may feel a tingling sensation. At 10 mA, the shock becomes painful. Around 20 mA, muscle contractions occur, and prolonged exposure can be fatal. At 50 mA or higher, even a short exposure can be life-threatening.
Voltage also matters. Higher voltages increase the risk. Any voltage above 36 volts can be dangerous.
Resistance affects how much current passes through the body. Normally, the body has about 10,000 ohms of resistance, but this can drop to around 400 ohms when wet or sweaty. Standing barefoot in water or a rice field significantly lowers resistance, making shocks extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.
The longer the exposure, the greater the danger. Prolonged contact causes muscles to contract, reducing the ability to let go. This can lead to heart failure, suffocation, and unconsciousness. Studies show that delays in treatment beyond 15 minutes for low-voltage shocks make recovery very difficult.
The path of the current also determines the risk. If a person is electrocuted while touching a live wire with one hand and standing on the ground, the current may pass through the heart and lungs, which is extremely dangerous. If both hands are involved, the current still passes through the heart, posing a similar risk. If only one foot is shocked, the path is less severe, but still dangerous if exposure is long enough.
Finally, a person's health plays a role. Those with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or mental disorders are at higher risk and may find it harder to recover from an electric shock.
--- This version adds more context, improves flow, and ensures it reads naturally, as if written by a real person. It contains over 500 characters.Transmission towers are tall buildings that support overhead power lines, usually made of steel or concrete. These transmission towers play a vital role in moving electricity from power plants to substations and ultimately to homes, businesses and other buildings. Power lines are connected to transmission towers to transmit electricity over long distances, ensuring a reliable supply of energy to different locations.
Transmission tower,power line tower,electrical tower
JIANGSU HONGGUANG STEEL POLE CO., LTD. , https://www.hgsteelpoles.com