Electrical Engineering XYZ MCQs
What actually kills:
- Current
- Voltage
- Both of these
Correct answer: 3. Both of these
Explanation: A common phrase heard in reference to electrical safety goes something like this: ”It’s not volt- age that kills, its current!” While there is an element of truth to this, there’s more to understand about shock hazard than this simple adage. If voltage presented no danger, no one would ever print and display signs saying: DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE!
The principle that ”current kills” is essentially correct. It is electric current that burns tissue, freezes muscles, and fibrillates hearts. However, electric current doesn’t just occur on its own: there must be voltage available to motivate electrons to flow through a victim. A person’s body also presents resistance to current, which must be taken into account.
Continue reading in Electrical Safety Handbook