Why the Hand-in-Pocket Trick for High Voltages?

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The discussion centers on the safety practice of keeping one hand in a pocket while working with high voltages. This technique minimizes the risk of creating a complete circuit through the body, which could allow electrical current to pass through vital organs. By using only one hand, the likelihood of current traveling from one hand to the other is reduced, thereby enhancing safety. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding this precaution in the context of electrical safety. Overall, the practice aims to prevent serious injury or fatality when handling high-voltage equipment.
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This is a conceptual question and doesn't involve any work so I don't have much in the way of an attempt to answer it myself yet ... The question is:

There's an old admonition between experimenters that you should put your hand in your pocket while working with high voltages. Why is this a good idea?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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Jules18 said:
This is a conceptual question and doesn't involve any work so I don't have much in the way of an attempt to answer it myself yet ... The question is:



Any help is greatly appreciated.

The admonition should be worded "one hand put in a pocket". With two hands working with equipment with high voltages you potentially provide a path for current from one hand up the arm and down the other arm to the hand. What major organ of the body lies along that path?
 
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