How Shocks Occur
Electricity travels
in closed circuits, normally through a conductor. Shock results when the body
becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one point
and leaves at another. Typically, shock occurs when a person contacts:
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| Both wires of an energized circuit. |
One wire of an energized circuit and the ground. |
A metallic part in contact with an energized wire while the person is also
in contact with the ground. |
Metallic parts of electric tools and machines can become energized
if there is a break in the insulation of their wiring. A low-resistance wire between
the metallic case of the tool/machine and the ground – an equipment grounding conductor
– provides a path for the unwanted current to pass directly to the ground.
This greatly reduces the amount of current passing through the body of the person
in contact with the tool or machine. Properly installed, the grounding conductor
provides protection from electric shock.
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