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LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT IMPLY LOW HAZARD! A severe shock can cause considerably
more damage to the body than is visible. For example, a person may suffer
internal hemorrhages and destruction of tissues, nerves, and muscles. In
addition, shock is often only the beginning in a chain of events. The final
injury may well be from a fall, cuts, burns, or broken bones.
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Effects of Electric Current in the Human Body | |
Current | Reaction | | 1
Milliampere | Perception level. Just a faint tingle. | |
5 Milliamperes | Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing.
Average individual can let go. However, strong involuntary reactions to
shocks in this range can lead to injuries. | |
6-25 Milliamperes (women) | Painful shock, muscular control is
lost. | | 9-30 Milliamperes (men) |
This is called the freezing current or "let-go" range. | |
50-150 Milliamperes | Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe
muscular contractions.*
Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. | |
1,000-4,300 Milliamperes | Ventricular fibrillation. (The rhythmic
pumping action of the heart ceases.) Muscular contraction and nerve
damage occur. Death is most likely. | |
10,000-Milliamperes | Cardiac arrest, severe burns and probable
death. |
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