

household is 110 volts (V), with some appliances needing 240 V. The domestic electricity running through a typical U.S. faulty electrical appliances or machinery.One study found that people who had received an electric shock were no more likely to develop heart problems within 5 years of the incident than those who had not.Ī person may experience a variety of symptoms, including neuropsychological and physical symptoms.Īn electric shock occurs when an electric current passes from a live outlet to part of the body.Įlectric shocks can result from contact with: Those who have not experienced a significant injury or cardiac abnormalities within 24–48 hours of the electric shock are unlikely to develop them. Some people may notice unpleasant sensations but not have apparent physical damage, whereas others may experience a lot of pain and have obvious tissue damage. Short-term effectsĭepending on the severity of the electrical injury, its immediate effects may include: A person may respond by jerking away, which might cause them to lose balance or fall and injure another part of their body. Secondary injuries can occur following an electric shock. Injuries from low voltage shocks are most likely to be superficial, whereas prolonged exposure to electrical current may cause deeper burns. The symptoms of electric shock depend on many factors. True: The person becomes part of the circuit, and the electricity enters and exits the body.The current flows through a person’s body. Lightning: These involve short but high voltage electrical energy.The current may or may not pass through the skin. Flame: These injuries occur when an arc flash causes a person’s clothes to ignite.

These occur due to the heat of an arc flash, which is a type of electrical explosion. Flash: A flash injury typically causes superficial burns.Share on Pinterest A person may get an electric shock due to faulty household wiring.Įlectrical currents cause four main types of injuries:
