Wonder electro-harm potential of scenario

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Touching the hot wire of a household circuit while barefoot on a damp dirt floor poses a significant risk of electric shock and potential electrocution. The scenario highlights that the current could travel through the body, particularly if it passes through the heart, which is critical since it's the amperage, not the voltage, that is lethal. The impedance of the body and the surface underfoot can influence the severity of the shock; for example, standing on a cement floor increases the risk compared to a carpeted surface. Wearing minimal clothing, such as briefs, does not significantly alter the danger posed by electric shock, as the primary concern remains the path the current takes through the body. Overall, household current should always be treated as dangerous and potentially fatal.
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If one were to accidentally touch only the hot wire (ie black) of an ordinary household circuit while standing barefoot on a dampish dirt floor, what is the potential for a strong shock and if contact is maintained, possible electrocution? Idealize the scenario with: you're wearing only briefs and your skin is absolutely calm and dry. The power couldn't travel down your skin I figure and would find an avenue through the muscles? It's a long distance, finger to foot, and there is bound to be impedance. I'd think maybe the power would be too sapped to be a real nasty. Then again. if it happened while barefoot on a cement basement floor, we'd be looking at tons more impedance. Barefoot on a carpeted basement cement floor: that couldn't be a shock hazard, could it? The greater the impedance the lower the amperage, I figure, hence lower wattage and it's the wattage that jolts, I hazard to guess.
 
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Why would wearing briefs make a difference?

If the current only travels thru you muscles, you should be so lucky. If it travels thru your heart, lights out, permanently.

It's not the volts, it's the amps which kill you.

Household current is not safe to play around with. Always treat it as lethal.
 
SteamKing said:
If the current only travels thru you muscles, you should be so lucky. If it travels thru your heart, lights out, permanently.
And here I thought the heart was a muscle. :rolleyes:
 
SteamKing said:
Why would wearing briefs make a difference?

Well, it would make a difference if you were wearing a full set of medieval metal armor :smile:
 

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