Is High Voltage DC Current Dangerous?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the dangers of high voltage direct current (DC) compared to alternating current (AC), particularly in the context of electric shock and safety. Participants explore the nature of electric shock, the effects of different types of current, and the implications of high voltage on human safety.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether electric shock is experienced from DC current, suggesting that it is constant and therefore less dangerous than AC current.
  • Others argue that if the current is high enough to overcome the body's resistance, a shock from DC current is indeed possible.
  • One participant asserts that the idea of not receiving a shock from DC is incorrect, citing classroom demonstrations that may mislead individuals about safety.
  • Another participant notes that at low voltages, low frequency AC is more noticeable, but at high voltages, both AC and DC can cause painful shocks.
  • There is a claim that DC is more dangerous than AC due to the skin effect, which some participants challenge.
  • A later reply disputes the relevance of the skin effect to human safety, suggesting that misconceptions about electrical safety could lead to harm.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the dangers of DC versus AC, with no consensus reached on which is more dangerous. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of high voltage DC current.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about electric shock, the effects of voltage and current, and the skin effect, but these concepts are not fully explored or agreed upon within the discussion.

samieee
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I have heard that 'we don't get shock from dc current because it is constant but we get shock from ac current because it is alternating'.Is that true? If it is HIGH VOLTAGE DC CURRENT THEN?
 
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If the amount of current passing through our body breaks the resistance of it then what we feel is called electric shock isn't it? then I think we must get shock from dc current if the amount is considerably high (that means breaks our resistance)
 
Is that true?

Most definitely not true.

Whoever told you this may be referring to a classroom demonstration where someone is invited to touch a single high voltage terminal (for example in a Van der Graff generator), whilst being carefully insulated from the rest of the planet.
This can safely be done by most people.

However as a general rule it is a very bad idea to touch electric terminals.
 
When the voltages / currents are low, low frequency AC is more discernible. However, when you go up in voltage, both become jolting and painful.
High frequency AC (i.e. > 1MHz) gets to where you don't notice shock, but you can get severe penetrating burns before you notice something's happening.
 
though there is debate which one is more dangerous, I think dc is more because ac current will flow through the skin rather than heart due to skin effect
 
The skin effect has nothing whatsoever to do with human (or animal) skin.

Sam, please get some proper advice about electrical safety before real harm is done.
 

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