Electrical Shock Thresholds

When discussing electrical safety and the shock thresholds for humans, there are three distinct categories for measurement of electrical shock and these categories are rated differently among two groups. The groups are AC and DC electricity. The amount of electrical shock as measured in the categories is different from AC to DC electricity.

*Note: Fatalities in electrical shock accidents generally occur when the current passes through the chest and the heart causing life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. The time for this life threatening electrical current to cause a fatality is less than a second. For this reason it a good practice to use the right hand when inside of an electrical control panel and place the left hand in the back pocket. This reduces the likelihood of current passing through the chest and the heart as a result of an electrical shock. Electricity uses the same rules as water; it takes the path of least resistance and the chart above is representative of the average person. Each person has different resistances to electrical shock.

Electrical Safety Common Sense

In summation, the best protection against electrical shock is common sense. If you are afraid of electricity or have zero knowledge of it then it is best practice to allow an electrical professional take a look at the problem or issue. You wouldn't take a scalpel and operate on yourself even if you were a surgeon. Electrical safety is a serious issue and electrical accidents are common especially among those who do not understand it. As noted above, even professionals get electrical shocks. It is of the utmost importance to practice electrical safety and common sense when dealing with electrical circuits or anything to do with electricity. Calling an electrical professional is your best bet to solve your electrical problems.

Click next to see a video of a crane operator who allowed the crane to get a little too close to a power line.