Electrical shock is one of the most dangerous electrical accidents. These can occur at homes, workplaces, or construction sites.
Even a small electric shock can be harmful, while a severe shock may lead to serious injury or death. Understanding electrical shock and safety measures is essential for everyone who uses electricity—which means all of us.
In this post, We learn what electrical shock is. Understand its causes and effects on the human body. Learn essential electrical safety measures to prevent accidents at home and in the workplace.
This post further includes :
Electrical Shock
“Electrical shock” is the dangerous phenomenon. Which happens when our body get in contact with electrical potential & current flows through the body. Our body vibrates & feel tingling sensation. Some times serious electrical shock can leads to death.
Mechanism behind Electrical shock
We have seen at houses or workplaces; single phase machines having 2 pin power plug. There is neither an Electrical load which contains only single pin at its power chord.
An image of 3 pin power plug shown below ; rated 6 Amps, 230V AC. In 3 pins 1 is Earthing, 2nd pin is phase While 3rd pin is neutral.
At least, 2 nodes are required for electrical loads to get operated. In two of the nodes, One node stays at high potential While second node stays at low potential. In short, there should be potential gap between the nodes only than current can flow.
” We get electric shock when current flows through our body. Current only flows due to potential difference.”
Potential difference
“Potential difference“ is the difference of potential of two electrical nodes.
If both the nodes are available at same potential than net difference will be zero. Resultant potential difference will also be zero. There will be no current. There should be some potential gap in between the nodes for potential difference to get created.
Here again taking an example of 3 pin plug, 230 V AC, 6 Amps,. In which phase terminal has a potential of 230 V AC While neutral ideal has a potential of 0 V. Resultant potential difference is 230-0=230 V AC.
Potential difference explanation through Water tanks
In this example, 2 Tanks are connected at the bottom. Initially tank 1 is full with water while tank 2 is empty. A flow meter is connected in between the joint. Water of tank 1 flows toward tank 2 until tank 2 get leveled.
Now resembling this water arrangement with Electrical elements. Water level of tanks resemble with the potential of nodes, Tanks acting like nodes. While flow meter in between the tanks, resemble with Ampere meter.
At initial stage when potential/level of tank 1 is higher than the potential/level of tank 2. Water/current starts flowing from tank 1 to tank 2. Water/current flows until both the tanks get leveled such that no potential difference.
” One thing is cleared, Current only flows when there is potential difference. “
“Potential difference“ is the reason birds sitting on high tension line do not get electrocuted. There is no current flow through the birds because only a single high tension node is present on the birds. There is no second node.
Ever wonder, Why do we get electrocuted while standing on this Earth ??
The answer is; Earth !
This earth where we are residing is a type of sink. It is a type of zero node. It is readily available to soak heat or potential.
While we are in contact with potential on this earth, Earth act like a sink/zero node. Current flows through our body from higher potential towards Earthing. As described in an image below :
After getting a mild tingling sensation from the domestic voltage of 230 V AC, some people might think it’s not harmful. However, that is a misconception. They escaped safe, they should be thankful.
How do Electrical shock effect our Body
Serious electrocution leads to death. Electrical injury affect human body through 3 situations :
- Flash
- Pass
- Post Electric shock syndrome
1. Flash
When short circuit happens; spark, Blast & flash are the resultant effect. Spark is actually a metallic element in a melted form at high temperature Which get scattered due to the blast.
Flash is a type of high intensity light Which can even make the person blind for some time.
Electrical blast creates high pressure in surrounding, Which can pierce melted heated material on the body. Blast temperature can go beyond the multiple times the ambient temperature Which can burn the human tissue instantly.
2. Pass
This is the electrical shock phenomenon In which current passes through the part of the body. The level of damage depends on several factors. These include the type and level of voltage, the level of current, duration of electrocution, and body resistance.
Affect of passing the electrical current listed below :
- Muscle contraction and inability to let go of live conductors
- Burns on skin and internal tissues
- Disturbance of heart rhythm (cardiac arrest)
- Damage to nerves
- Damage to important organs such as heart & brain
3. Post Electric shock syndrome
Even after a serious electrical injury or flash phenomenon, some illnesses remain long-term. These illnesses persist for months after the electrical accident. That are known as post Electric shock syndrome which includes physical damages, neurological effects, physiological effects.
- Physical damages : Pain, difficulty in walking
- Neurological : spinal injury, insomnia, short memory,
- Physiological effects : short memory, behavioral change
❓ Common Causes of Electrical injuries
1. Direct Contact with Live Wires
Touching exposed or damaged wires can allow current to pass through the body.
2. Faulty Electrical Appliances
Damaged insulation or internal faults in appliances may cause leakage current. Leakage current finds path to get through undefined path, Which results in Electrical injuries.
3. Wet Hands
Current always follows the path with less resistance. Water reduces skin resistance, increasing the risk of electric shock.
4. Improper Earthing
Electrical machines with metallic body always contains a risk of induced potential either due to induction or due faulty machine. That’s why machines surface should be potential free at any cost which is achieved through Earthing.
Lack of earthing or improper earthing leads to accident.
5. Unskilled workforce
Electrical work should be commenced by well qualified technical workforce only. Otherwise, Chances of Electrical injuries are always there.
6. Low quality Electrical appliances, machines & materials
Electrical machines & materials which do not have quality certificates leads to electrical injuries.
7. lack of servicing & maintenance of Electrical machines
lack of servicing & maintenance of Electrical machines leads to overloading of the machines. Overloading further leads to accidents.
8. Wrong/irregular distribution
Wrong distribution includes not connecting the electrical safeties according to the load requirements. For example connecting High rating mcb on comparatively low current circuit.
9. Improper handling & placement of Electrical machines
Electrical machines & devices have IP (ingress protection) rating. IP rating describes the level of ingress protection from solid & liquid material inside the machine. Irregular placement; neglecting the IP rating; leads to damage of electrical machines Which also increases chances of accidents.
📊 Severity of Electrical Shock (General Idea)
In minor Electrical shock incident a little tingling sensation can be felt. At a high level, it does not allow the person to let go; under the influence. Under the influence, it feels like the body vibrates and glows like a light bulb.
There are multiple factors responsible for the severity electrical shock such as :
- Voltage level
- Type of current
- Level of current
- Body part under the influence
- Time span
- Path resistance
Voltage level
Air act like a insulator at domestic voltage level. But that same air starts conducting at high voltage. High voltage makes the conductivity higher Which leads in high resultant current. High current leads to high level of damage.
Type of current
There are two types of powers AC & DC . AC stands for “Alternating current” While DC stands for “direct current“.
Alternating current’s magnitude continuously changes its magnitude with respect to time While DC remains constant at its magnitude. AC power has frequency while DC do not.
Due to frequency in AC , AC power is more dangerous than DC .
Level of current
The amount of current also play a very important role. Some times we feel only a tingling sensation from electric shock. Some times, It is extremely powerful that it do not let the person go.
It all depend upon the level of current. The higher the current level, Higher the physiological effect !
Impact of current intensity
As discussed above, Electrical shock is the resultant of current flow. More the current, Higher the effects.
A Chart is shown below which shows the effects of Electrical current in the human body. Report is published by TUV Rheinland of North America.
Body part under the influence
The body part which through current has flown also play an important role. Most important organs such as heart & mind.
If current flows through important organs, the situation can be more dangerous. This is riskier than current flow through other parts of the body.
Time span
The influence of Level of current & body part under the influence can more dangerous if there wide time span. The level of damage also proportional to the time span.
Path resistance
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electrical current. Higher the resistance lower will be the current. Dry body provides higher resistance can be up to 10 Kohm But In wet situation, body resistance fall drastically.
Low current leads to high current Which is also dangerous !
Safety measures from Electrical accidents
This modern world without electricity; very hard to imagine. It becomes very much important for us to adopt some safety measure against the Electrical accidents.
Next, Some of the safety measures are discussed one by one :
1. Earthing
Earthing is a type of “zero” node. Which is been created by digging a conductor deep down inside the Earth. Conductive material is been poured around the conductor to minimize the soil resistance. That total arrangement inside the earth is known as “Earthing“.
Since alternating current is been used in distribution system. Chances of potential generation on the metallic body of Electrical appliances; is always there. This can possible either due to induction or due to faults in Electrical appliances.
For the safety of humans, the metallic body of an electrical machine should be at zero potential. It is also for the safety of the machines themselves, even in the circumstances of faults. This can be achieved by connecting the machines body to Earthing.
In a GIF below, It is shown an antenna above the house is connected to Earthing. When lightning strikes, high voltage get diverted towards the Earthing.
2. Special circuit breakers
Circuit breakers are specially designed to trip the circuit in “overload “& “short circuit” conditions. Some circuit breakers are specialized to trip or divert leakage current. Examples of these are RCCB and ELCB.
Rccb stands for ‘Residual current circuit breaker’. These are specially designed circuit breaker to trip the circuit in case of leakage current.
Elcb stands for ‘Earth leakage circuit breaker’. Which are special designed to trip the circuit When leakage current is detected through the earthing.
3. Surge arrester
Continuous switching across the distribution line or incidents of lightning can creates surges across the circuit. Therefore, chances of voltage surges across the distribution line are always there.
The high voltage spike is dangerous for total distribution line.
For the safety & elimination of the surges across the distribution, Surge arresters are been developed. These are specially designed devices to arrest or divert the surges.
4. Voltage monitoring device
Distribution line contains multiple loads connected across. Multiple switching are happening simultaneously. Larger the loads, Greater the chances of faults.
Line faults can create dangerous voltage across the power line such as neutral break, phase reversal, Unbalanced phases.
To eliminate such type of situation, Voltage monitoring devices should be connected in distribution line. These devices are specially designed to produce the trip signal in such faulty scenario.
5. Voltage stabilizer
Appliances & Electrical machines are designed for particular voltage range. In between the range, Machine provides optimum output with maximum efficiency.
Voltage fluctuation or voltage variation lower the overall useful life of the machine. Voltage stabilizers are specially designed machine to stabilize the voltage at particular level.
6. Good habits
In Electrical there are some safe good habits which should be followed. like;
- While operating the Electrical machine or devices; hands & feet should be dry.
- Always wear well insulated footwear before operating the switch.
- Place an Electrical insulation mat before the distribution board.
- Always switch off the main power supply before working on electrical circuits
7. Well tested Electrical gadgets & Machines
Always go with the appliances which contains the qualified standard certificates. Such as; In America Ul (Underwriters Laboratories) certification ensures that product meet the safety, quality & performance standard.
In India It is BIS (beuro of Indian standards) Which ensures the safety standards of Electrical appliances.
8. Always hire well qualified Electrical personal
Safe & balanced distribution is very important. Other wise, Risk of electrical damage in always there. The distribution design includes MCB selection and wire selection. It also encompasses electrical safety devices such as surge arresters, earthing, voltage monitoring devices, and voltage stabilizers.
Total distribution should be designed by well qualified personal.
9. Placement of Electrical machines & Gadgets
The electrical machines & gadgets contains the IP rating.
IP(Ingress protection) states the level of protection of Electrical appliance against the dust & liquid.
IP rating contains 2 digits XY. Digit X interprets the protection level from dust, Its number & protection level increases form 0 to 6. Digit Y interprets the protection level from liquid. Its number & protection increases from 0 to 9.
Such as IP66. The first number 6 indicates the appliance is dust tight. The second digit 6 signifies the appliance is protected from powerful water jets from any direction.
👍 Importance of Electrical Safety
- Prevents fatal accidents
- Protects electrical equipment
- Reduces fire hazards
- Ensures safe working conditions
🧠 Expert Tip (Bijliwala Insight)
In Indian households, most electrical shocks occur due to missing earthing or faulty wiring. Installing an RCCB (30mA) is one of the best and most affordable safety upgrades for homes.
🔹 Bullet Summary
- Electrical shock occurs when electric current flows through the body
- Can range from mild tingling to fatal injury
- Caused by faulty wiring, poor earthing, wet conditions, and damaged appliances
- Severity depends on voltage, current, duration, and body resistance
- Proper earthing and RCCB/ELCB are key safety measures
- Safe work habits and quality electrical products prevent accidents
❓ FAQs on Electrical Shock
❓ Can low voltage cause electrical shock?
Answer: Yes. Even household voltage (230V AC) can be fatal depending on conditions.
❓ What should I do if someone gets an electric shock?
Answer: Switch off power immediately, use a non-conductive object to separate the person, and seek medical help.
❓ Which device protects against electric shock?
Answer: RCCB or ELCB devices are designed specifically to protect humans from electric shock.