When the conditions are right, electric shocks can be fatal even at low voltages. Since our bodies are approximately 70% water, it is easy for electricity to pass through us in just seconds. A mild electric shock can cause headache, muscle fatigue or spasms, temporary loss of consciousness and temporary difficulty breathing. Serious and potentially fatal side effects of electrocution can result in severe burns, vision loss, hearing loss, brain damage, respiratory arrest or failure, cardiac arrest and death.
Consider the chart below:
Current | Reaction |
Less than 1 Milliamp | May not be noticed. |
1 Milliamp | Slight tingle. |
5 Milliamps | Slight shock; the average person will be able to let to. Strong involuntary actions can result in other injuries (i.e., falling off a ladder). |
6 to 25 Milliamps | Painful shock; loss of muscle control. |
9 to 30 Milliamps | Person may be thrown away from the power source or may not be able to let go. Again, strong involuntary actions can result in other injuries. |
50 to 150 Milliamps | Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscle reactions. May be fatal. |
1.0 to 4.3 Amps | Heart stops. Muscular contraction and nerve damage may occur. Likely to be fatal. |
10 Amps | Cardiac arrest, severe burns and death is expected. |
Effects of Electrical Current on the Body