|
Water CAN be very Dangerous
Here is a little section on how small of current it requires for you to injure your body (Mostly in small mili-Amps, remember that your whole body works with electrcal impulses) One of the reasons we can touch low voltage batteries is the semi-high resistance of the skin, I think it takes about 50V to overcome that, but don't forget about cuts and abrasions that provide an easier path for the current. We would need to be even more careful in the pits where the 120V devices start to become involved.
Perception Current
One milliampere (1/1000 of an ampere) will be felt by most individuals as a slight tingling sensation. A defective hand drill or floor polisher might allow this amount of current to flow through a person standing on a dry wooden floor. Not bothered by it, he continues to use the equipment, until he happens to touch a water connection, heating register, metal window sash or other grounded metal object. He has now completed the circuit to ground and a much larger current will flow through his body.
Shock Level
If only five milliamperes (1/43 of the current required to operate a 25 watt lamp) flows through his body, it will result in a violent muscle reaction, throwing him away from the equipment.
Let-Go Current
If the current is much above 10 milliamperes, the person will lose his ability to release his grip on the electrical equipment. While the heart normally can continue to function, fatigue sets in, followed by death if no help is available.
Electrocution
At about 100 milliamperes (less than half that used by a 25 watt lamp) ventricular fibrillation occurs, the muscle fibers lose control and the heart is no longer able to pump blood.
Safety
The levels of current for perception, let-go and ventricular fibrillation vary widely from person to person. The above figures are based on the standard reactions of normal, healthy individuals. The effect of electrical shock on a child, elderly or sick person is much more severe. Even very small amounts of electric current can startle a person, causing him to spill hot liquid, fall from a ladder, or jump back into a greater hazard. For this reason, most manufacturers of electric tools, appliances and motors follow Underwriters Laboratories recommended maximum leakage current of 0.5 milliamps.
Hope this helps anyone unsure that water and electricity are not your two best friends
|