Electric Shock Effects: Current vs. Power

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effects of electric shock on the human body, specifically examining the roles of electric current and power in causing physiological damage. Participants explore various aspects including the mechanisms of injury, the significance of voltage, and the implications for safety practices among electricians.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the primary danger from electric shock arises from electric current, with a suggested lethal threshold of around 100 mA.
  • Others note that while thermal effects are related to electric power, they may not be the main concern in electric shock scenarios.
  • One participant emphasizes that the movement of electrons through tissue is what causes damage, suggesting that the voltage needed to achieve a specific current is not a critical factor, as it can vary significantly based on conditions like skin moisture.
  • There is a question raised about the relationship between thermal damage and electric power, and whether voltage also plays a significant role in tissue damage.
  • Another participant queries the impact of electric shock on heart muscle, suggesting that it may depend more on current than on power.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relative importance of current versus power in electric shock effects, with no consensus reached on the primary factors contributing to physiological damage.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various factors that may influence the effects of electric shock, including the condition of the skin (wet or dry) and the specific circumstances of exposure, which complicate the discussion of voltage, current, and power.

exponent137
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Impact of electric shock on human body is above all with electric current, not with electric power. The dead limit is somewhere 100 mA. Why current and not power?
The main effect of electric shock are on heart and thermal efect. Obviously, thermal efect is by electric power, so it is not the main problem?
 
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It depends on where you do it. Electricians always use their right hand for high voltage wires so the current doesn't go to ground via their heart (as thing can stop it by interfering with the impulses from the brain).
However the electric chair uses a large amount of power to 'fry' the brain.
 
The actual movement of electrons through tissue is what causes physiological damage; the voltage required to cause that current is inconsequential. Also, the voltage required to push a specific current through the body can vary enormously, depending on whether the skin is wet or dry, etc.

- Warren
 
What is with thermal damage on tisue, is this consequence of electric power.

Probably voltage has also impact on tissue damage, but not important?

How it is with impact on heart muscle, is it also dependent from current and not from power?
 

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