What are the factors that affect electric shock?

What are the factors that affect electric shock?

Two points of contact are required on the body to complete the circuit for shock current to flow. The three primary factors affect the injury severity of an electric shock: 1) the amount of current passing through the body 2) the duration of the current flow and 3) the current path through the body.

What three factors determining whether electrical shock is fatal?

These factors include:

• Voltage. Greater voltages produce greater currents.
• Resistance. Resistance hinders current.
• Body type. Muscle structure also makes a difference.
• Duration. If the shock is short in duration, it may only be painful.
• Moisture. Dry skin may have a resistance of 100,000 ohms or more.
• Force.

What causes electric shock current or voltage?

electrical shock, the perceptible and physical effect of an electrical current that enters the body. The effects of electric shock on the human body depend on the current that flows—the amperage—rather than on the force of the current, or voltage.

What is the most common electrical shock related injury?

Electrical burns are the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury. They occur when a worker contacts energized electrical wiring or equipment. Although electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the hands and feet.

What is the most common injury from electric shock?

What are the three categories of electrical injuries?

Three main electrical injury patterns

• Direct trauma from electric current (direct tissue damage, e.g. cardiac ischaemia/arrhythmia, compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, peripheral nerve injury)
• Trauma from conversion of electrical energy to thermal energy (burns)

What does the severity of electric shock depends on?

The severity of electrical shock or electrocution injuries usually depends on three things: (1) the path the current travels in and through the body, (2) the amount of voltage (high-voltage versus low-voltage), and (3) the type of current (alternating current or AC versus direct current or DC).

What is the most common type of injury from electric shock?

What is the main cause of electric shock?

An electric shock is caused when a person is exposed to and/or comes into contact with a source of electricity, directly or indirectly sending an electrical current through a portion of the person’s body. Causes of electric shock can include: Contact with a powerline or electrical arc flash. Accidental contact with exposed electrical sources.

What should you do if you are electrocuted by an electric shock?

1 Let go of the electric source as soon as you can. 2 If you can, call 911 or local emergency services. If you can’t, yell for someone else around you to call. 3 Don’t move, unless you need to move away from the electric source.

How serious is an electric shock from an appliance?

While shocks from household appliances are usually less severe, they can quickly become more serious if a child chews on an electric cord our puts their mouth on an outlet. Aside from the source of the shock, several other factors affect how serious an electric shock is, including:

What happens when nerves are affected by an electric shock?

When nerves are affected by an electric shock, the consequences include pain, tingling, numbness, weakness or difficulty moving a limb. These effects may clear up with time or be permanent.