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| Electrocution of the Human Body | Physiological effects of current density on the human body are shown in the table below. Contrary to popular belief, it is the current - not the voltage - level which is responsible for effects. According to Ohm's Law, of course, a certain voltage is required to cause the necessary currents to flow. Values show vary depending on the body.
Personally, I have been hit with 480 V while working on a 3-phase industrial motor connection. It didn't feel good.
Microsoft Graphic
Onset Current Level
(mA) | Effect | | 1 | Threshold of sensation | | 8 | Mild sensation | | 10 | Painful | | 13 | Cannot let go | | 21 | Muscular paralysis | | 20 | Severe shock | | 38 | Breathing labored | | 42 | Breathing upset | | 70 | Extreme breathing difficulties | | 90 | Ventricular fibrillation | | 100 | Death |
Webmaster: Kirt Blattenberger, BSEE, UVM 1989 | |
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