Dangers of high current/voltage?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dangers associated with high voltage and high current in electrical circuits. Participants explore the conditions under which these factors become hazardous, particularly in relation to living beings and circuit capacities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that high voltage is only dangerous if it exceeds the circuit capacity or if the individual handling it lacks knowledge.
  • Others suggest that high electrical current is similarly dangerous under the same conditions, emphasizing that a closed circuit can handle high current safely until it is interrupted.
  • A participant mentions that high voltage is not intrinsically dangerous, citing the example of a Van de Graaff generator, which can produce high voltage without causing harm if handled correctly.
  • It is noted that sufficient current flowing across the body can lead to severe consequences, such as stopping the heart, particularly if the current path crosses the torso.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the intrinsic danger of high voltage and current, with some asserting that danger is conditional on knowledge and circuit capacity, while others highlight the potential for severe injury regardless of these factors. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific examples and scenarios to illustrate their points, but there are no consensus definitions or agreements on the thresholds of danger related to voltage and current.

user111_23
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Why is high voltage dangerous in a circuit? Similarly, why is high electrical current dangerous in a circuit?
 
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user111_23 said:
Why is high voltage dangerous in a circuit?
It's only dangerous if it exceeds the circuit capacity, or someone does not know what they are doing.
Like the squirrel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XBurkUkdFE&NR=1
Someone who knows what they doing can hang onto 500,000 volts:

Similarly, why is high electrical current dangerous in a circuit?
Same answer: It's only dangerous if it exceeds the circuit capacity, or someone does not know what they are doing.

The following two gentlemen appear to have opened a circuit breaker which had a large current flowing through it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h10ALIpD0R4&feature=related

As long as the circuit was closed, thousands of amps could flow safely. As soon as the switch was opened, a plasma fireball was ejected, which probably injured the two men.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
In terms of danger to living beings, high voltage isn't intrinsically dangerous. A Van de Graaff generator can easily create potential difference of thousands of volts and more, and yet is safe (although I wouldn't want to touch a charged one!). It's the power (P=I^2*R=V^2/R) that fries you if you happen to touch a bare wire.
-----
Assaf
http://www.physicallyincorrect.com"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Burns from electrical contact can be treated. Enough current (more than a few milliamps) flowing across your upper torso (like from hand to hand, or hand to foot) can stop your heart.
 

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