Personal Danger through Electrical Current

Personal Danger through Electrical Current

Dangerous Body Currents (Electrical Shock) An electrical shock is the result of current flowing through the human body. Currents of 1 mA can cause reactions in a person of good health which can in turn cause shock to a dangerous degree. Higher levels of current can result in more damage. In dry conditions, voltages to around 42.4 V peak value or 60 V constant voltage are not normally considered dangerous. Components that must be touched or gripped should be connected with protective ground or should be sufficiently insulated.

Energy hazards Short circuits between neighboring poles of power supply devices of higher current levels or circuits with high capacity can cause arcing or sparking of hot metal particles and result in burns. Even low voltage circuits can be dangerous in this way. Protection is achieved by separation or safety devices.

Burns

A burn can be caused by temperatures that are the result of overloads, component failures, insulation damage or loose connections or those with high transition resistance. The protective measures concern prevention of burns, the selection of materials regarding inflammability, measures for limiting the spreading of burns, etc.

Miscellaneous indirect hazards Other indirect dangers  Dangers of heat: Danger of injury caused by touching hot components.  Dangers of radiation: Hazardous radiation, e.g., noise, high frequency radiation, infrared radiation, visible and coherent light of high intensity, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, etc.  Chemical hazards: Danger of contact with dangerous chemical materials.