Understanding Grounding: Shock Risks in Electrical Systems Explained

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In summary, if you were to touch the not grounded side of the wire in this system, you would not receive a shock because the current would flow through the grounded side instead. This is similar to having a vandergraph generator and touching someone, where there is no shock felt until there is contact made. This is due to the fact that all points on a wire are essentially connected in a circuit analysis and the current will flow through the path with the lowest impedance, which in this case would be the wire directly to ground. This is also why there are safety grounds on metal chassis of electrical devices, to prevent current from flowing through a person in case of a short.
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fable
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I have a system with an electrical source in the centre. the circuit branches off to two sides, one side is grounded, the other is not, if I were to touch the not grounded side of this wire, would I receive a shock? Or would I be perfectly fine because it's grounded at the other end?
 
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  • #2
fable said:
I have a system with an electrical source in the centre. the circuit branches off to two sides, one side is grounded, the other is not, if I were to touch the not grounded side of this wire, would I receive a shock? Or would I be perfectly fine because it's grounded at the other end?

Welcome to the PF.

Could you please show us a sketch of what you mean? What is the electrical source? What voltage, DC or AC, if AC, what frequency?
 
  • #3
Thanks very much, and here's how i see it.

vqgzys.png

I was thinking - in the most simplistic way possible using something similar to that. Let's say the source is AC, high voltage say... 100V? the source, I'm not sure it was just a hypothetical "what if" question that I couldn't really make my mind up on the outcome.

Would it be the same essentially as holding a vandergraph generator and then touching someone? ie. that the there would be no shock felt until there was contact made? Or am i completely wrong here?
 
  • #4
All points on a wire are essentially connected if you look at the big picture of circuit analysis.

What happens if you grab the open wire is that the current flowing from the source has two paths to ground. One path is a wire directly to ground and the other path is through you. The path directly to ground will be lower impedance so most of the current will flow through that wire instead of through you to ground so you would not get shocked.

This is the same reason there are safety grounds on metal chassis of electrical devices. If there ever was a short where power was put on the chassis, the current would flow through the safety ground and not through a person who touched the chassis.
 

1. What is grounding in science?

Grounding in science refers to the process of connecting an object or system to the Earth's surface in order to discharge any excess electrical energy and maintain a stable electrical potential. This is important in order to prevent damage to equipment and ensure the safety of individuals working with electrical systems.

2. Why is grounding important in scientific experiments?

Grounding is important in scientific experiments because it helps to eliminate potential sources of interference and noise in the data being collected. It also helps to protect sensitive equipment and prevent accidents from occurring due to build-up of electrical charges.

3. How does grounding work?

Grounding works by providing a low-resistance path for electrical energy to travel from an object or system to the Earth. This allows any excess electrical charges to dissipate and maintain a stable electrical potential. Grounding can be achieved through various methods, such as using a metal rod or wire connected to the Earth's surface.

4. What are some examples of grounding in everyday life?

Some examples of grounding in everyday life include the use of grounding rods or wires in electrical systems, such as in homes and buildings. Grounding is also used in electronic devices, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from electrical surges. In addition, grounding is important in industrial settings to protect workers and equipment from potential electrical hazards.

5. Are there any potential risks associated with grounding?

While grounding is generally considered safe and necessary in many scientific applications, there are certain risks that should be considered. For example, if a grounding system is not properly installed or maintained, it may not effectively disperse electrical energy and could potentially cause harm to individuals or damage to equipment. It is important to follow proper safety procedures and guidelines when working with grounding systems.

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