Wonder electro-harm potential of scenario

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential dangers of electric shock from touching a hot wire in a household circuit while standing barefoot on different types of flooring. Participants explore the implications of body impedance, the path of current through the body, and the effects of clothing on the risk of electrocution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that touching the hot wire while barefoot on a damp dirt floor could lead to a strong shock or electrocution, depending on the conditions and impedance.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the danger lies in the current traveling through the heart, which could be fatal, rather than just through the muscles.
  • There is a discussion about the role of impedance in determining the severity of the shock, with one participant speculating that higher impedance would result in lower amperage and thus less danger.
  • Questions are raised about the relevance of wearing briefs in this scenario, with one participant humorously suggesting that it would matter less than wearing protective gear like armor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of body impedance and the path of current through the body, indicating that there is no consensus on the specifics of the shock hazard in this scenario.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the assumptions regarding body impedance, the specific conditions of the flooring, or the effects of clothing on electrical conductivity, leaving these aspects unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring electrical safety, the physics of electric shock, or the physiological effects of electric currents on the human body.

bowlegged
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If one were to accidentally touch only the hot wire (ie black) of an ordinary household circuit while standing barefoot on a dampish dirt floor, what is the potential for a strong shock and if contact is maintained, possible electrocution? Idealize the scenario with: you're wearing only briefs and your skin is absolutely calm and dry. The power couldn't travel down your skin I figure and would find an avenue through the muscles? It's a long distance, finger to foot, and there is bound to be impedance. I'd think maybe the power would be too sapped to be a real nasty. Then again. if it happened while barefoot on a cement basement floor, we'd be looking at tons more impedance. Barefoot on a carpeted basement cement floor: that couldn't be a shock hazard, could it? The greater the impedance the lower the amperage, I figure, hence lower wattage and it's the wattage that jolts, I hazard to guess.
 
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Why would wearing briefs make a difference?

If the current only travels thru you muscles, you should be so lucky. If it travels thru your heart, lights out, permanently.

It's not the volts, it's the amps which kill you.

Household current is not safe to play around with. Always treat it as lethal.
 
SteamKing said:
If the current only travels thru you muscles, you should be so lucky. If it travels thru your heart, lights out, permanently.
And here I thought the heart was a muscle. :rolleyes:
 
SteamKing said:
Why would wearing briefs make a difference?

Well, it would make a difference if you were wearing a full set of medieval metal armor :smile: