Dangers of high current/voltage?

[user111_23]

Why is high voltage dangerous in a circuit? Similarly, why is high electrical current dangerous in a circuit?

 

[OmCheeto]

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.

 

[ozymandias]

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"

 

[Bob S]

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.