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Just a few minute ago I shocked myself on an outlet then googled electric shock and found your question. It hurt ALOT and really freaked me out. Now, unless I'm a zombie, your answer is no.
The original answer is right some of the time. It takes a tiny amount of current - 5 miliamps - to stop a human heart. Typical household plugs easily deliver 15 to 20 amps, and more for brief periods. Why didn't the OP's heart stop when shocked? Because the current didn't travel through his heart. Electricity travels from areas of high potential (or voltage) to areas of lower potential. We often think of this as being from hot to neutral, or hot to ground. It takes the path of least resistance, which isn't usually though the heart. Usually, the heart isn't in the path if you lay a finger across the prongs of an electrical plug, for example. The greatest danger is when, for example, you grab a live wire with your hand and the current goes to ground through the opposite foot, or through the opposite hand. That takes the electricity across your heart. Even then, it often follows the skin because the skin is sweaty and conducts electricity fairly well. That's why most electrical shocks don't kill. But they surely can. It happens every day somewhere in the world.
And it's not like on TV - when the heart stops, you're dead. Defribrillators, the shocking devices used on shows like ER, only work in cases when the heart is beating, but erractially. They will restore a poorly beating heart's rythym. If there's no beat, you're done.
What else can I help you with?
Is it safe to touch a hot electrical outlet?
No, it is not safe to touch a hot electrical outlet as it can cause electric shock or burns.
Why does the electrical outlet shock me when I touch it?
When you touch an electrical outlet and get shocked, it is because there is an electrical current flowing through the outlet. This can happen if the outlet is not properly grounded or if there is a fault in the wiring. The shock occurs when your body completes the circuit, allowing the electricity to flow through you. It is important to avoid touching outlets if you suspect they are not functioning properly to prevent getting shocked.
The delivery of an electrical shock from an AED to the heart is known as?
Defibrillation
What does an open ground outlet indicate about the electrical wiring in a building?
An open ground outlet indicates that the electrical wiring in a building may not be properly grounded, which can pose a safety hazard by increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Is it safe to install a bathroom electrical outlet near a water source?
No, it is not safe to install a bathroom electrical outlet near a water source due to the risk of electric shock or short circuits.
What is the best outlet screwdriver for electrical work?
The best screwdriver for electrical work is a insulated screwdriver with a rubberized handle to prevent electric shock.
When should you use a GFCI outlet?
You should use a GFCI outlet in areas where there is a higher risk of electrical shock, such as kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and garages.
A woman experiences electrical shock where do the electrons come from?
When a woman experiences an electrical shock, the electrons come from the electrical source that she comes into contact with. The source could be a faulty electrical outlet, a damaged appliance, or exposed wiring, which allows the flow of electrons through her body, resulting in an electrical shock.
What happens if an outlet is not grounded?
If an outlet is not grounded, it means that there is no path for excess electrical current to safely dissipate. This can increase the risk of electric shock or fire in the event of a short circuit or power surge. It may also cause interference with electronic devices connected to the outlet.
What is the medical term meaning An electrical shock delivered to the heart to correct certain abnormal heart rhythms?
A defibrillator is a device used to deliver a shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
How can I safely add a ground to an outlet?
To safely add a ground to an outlet, you can hire a licensed electrician to install a new grounded outlet or use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet as a safe alternative. It is important to follow proper electrical safety procedures to avoid any risks of electrical shock or fire hazards.
What is an open ground outlet and how does it affect the safety of electrical devices and appliances?
An open ground outlet is an electrical outlet that does not have a proper connection to the ground wire in the electrical system. This can affect the safety of electrical devices and appliances because without a proper ground connection, there is an increased risk of electrical shock or fire. Grounding helps to protect against electrical faults and ensures that excess electricity is safely directed away from the device or appliance.
