Can wet hair cause an electric shock if it gets into outlet/power cord

[kma]

Hi I have a very random question I would like to ask. Say if someone just got out the shower and either plugged something into the wall, or plugged a high voltage power cord into a device. In the process of doing so a small clump or strand of their wet hair manages to get into the socket or the holes. What would happen to them, would they potentially get shocked or worse, or is the resistance high enough (seen as hair doesn’t conduct it’d be relying on the wetness) to prevent a too high current going in. Very random question I know but it makes me curious xD

 

[berkeman]

This is why by building codes (in most locations) a GFCI outlet or circuit is required in places where you can have wet people. GFCI outlets are required by code in the US in bathrooms, and in kitchens if the outlet is within some distance from the sinks. GFCI outlets and protection are also required for outdoor outlets where people may be plugging in tools and it can get wet due to rain, etc.

Are you aware of GFCI protection and the building code requirements associated with them? They are used to protect against ground faults by people to AC Mains "hot" conductors. When they detect a ground fault current (say by a hair dryer falling into the bathtub into your lap), they open circuit the Hot conductor in the outlet so quickly that there is not enough time for a lethal shock to be delivered to the person.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device

 

[hutchphd]

@kma your questions do not seem random. What are you contemplating? Clean water is not a good conductor. Salt water is very much better.

The classic "toaster falls into the tub" scenario is lethal because your salty pink body is interposed in fresh water between the toaster (120 volts fused at 15 amps in US) and the drainpipe which is likely a very good ground. The nontrivial current will choose your body as the preferred path. So don't make toast in the tub.

Wet hair in the plug might give a shock and a burn but is probably less lethal. However do not put wet hair in your plug/socket.

Do install a GFCI: they are very effective. If the current going through them is not balanced (in=out) they know this almost instantly and save your pink flesh.