Effect of Current on the Human Body

Abstract

The effects of electric currents flowing through a human body vary from little or no perceptible effect, to the sensation of shock, to severe injury or death by electrocution. This chapter provides considerable detail on how currents can pass though different parts of the body and each parameter that can impede or limit that flow of current. Human sensitivity to electric current is classified in an increasing scale dependent on current magnitude and duration. The impedance of the human body can be broken down into the impedances of the various body parts, resulting in an equivalent circuit for the electrical path through the body. Resistance of footwear has a considerable impact on total body resistance. The pathways electric current takes through the body are extremely dependent on the points of contact. Further investigation of electrical shock effects would help to more precisely characterize risks and improve electrical safety.