Is High Voltage DC Current Dangerous?

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SUMMARY

High voltage DC current can indeed cause electric shock, contrary to the misconception that only AC current is dangerous. The discussion clarifies that if the current exceeds the body's resistance, a shock can occur regardless of whether the current is AC or DC. While low-frequency AC is more noticeable, high voltage DC can be more hazardous due to its ability to penetrate the skin more effectively. Proper electrical safety measures are essential to prevent serious injuries.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance
  • Knowledge of AC and DC current characteristics
  • Familiarity with electrical safety protocols
  • Awareness of the skin effect in electrical conduction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of high voltage DC current on the human body
  • Learn about electrical safety standards and best practices
  • Investigate the skin effect and its implications for AC and DC currents
  • Explore the differences between low-frequency and high-frequency AC currents
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, safety professionals, and anyone involved in high voltage systems or electrical safety training.

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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