Electrocution

Term used to describe a severe and potentially fatal injury that occurs when a person comes into contact with an electric current. In simpler words, it means getting shocked by electricity in a way that can cause serious harm or even death.

When you touch a live wire, an electrical outlet, or an appliance that has an electrical fault, you complete a circuit, allowing the electric current to flow through your body. This flow of electricity can disrupt the normal functioning of your body’s electrical system and cause various injuries.

The severity of electrocution can vary depending on factors such as the voltage of the electric current, the duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through your body. It can cause burns, damage to internal organs, muscle contractions, heart irregularities, and even a stoppage of breathing.

Understanding electrical safety, following precautions, and being aware of potential electrical hazards can help you avoid the risk of electrocution. In this article, discover everything about electrocution.

Electric shock

An electric shock occurs when a person has contact with or is exposed to a source of electricity which causes an electrical current to run through the person’s body, resulting in serious and potentially disabling bodily injury – but not death.

If a person dies after being exposed to electricity, that is referred to as electrocution. Electric shock and electrocution are two distinct terms with two very different meanings, even though many mistakenly refer to these interchangeably.

Types of electrocution

It is crucial to understand the types of electrocution and be aware of the potential risks associated with electricity. Here are the different types:

Direct contact

This type of electrocution occurs when a person directly touches an energized conductor, such as a live wire or an electrical appliance. For example, if you touch a bare wire or stick your finger into a socket, the electric current can pass through your body, causing injury or death.

Indirect contact

Indirect contact electrocution happens when a person touches a conductive object that is energized due to a fault in the electrical system. For instance, if a faulty appliance or an exposed wire electrifies a metal object like a sink or a ladder, touching that object can lead to electrocution. The electric current passes through your body when you come into contact with the energized object.

Ground fault

Ground fault electrocution occurs when a fault in an electrical device or wiring causes the electric current to flow through an unintended path, such as the ground or a conductive surface. If you are standing on the ground or touching a conductive surface that becomes energized due to the fault, the current can pass through your body, resulting in electrocution.

Arc Flash/Blast

Arc flash or arc blast occurs when an electrical arc (a discharge of electric current through the air) happens due to a short circuit or fault in an electrical system. This can release a sudden and intense burst of heat, light, and pressure, causing severe burns, injuries, and even death to anyone nearby.

High voltage

High-voltage electrocution refers to incidents involving extremely high levels of voltage, often found in industrial or utility settings. These situations carry a higher risk due to the greater potential for severe injuries and extensive damage to the body’s internal organs.

Effects of electrocution

The effects of electrocution can be severe and vary depending on factors like the voltage of the electric current, the duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body. Here are the effects of electrocution:

– Electric Shock:

When you get electrocuted, you may experience an electric shock, which is a sudden jolt of electricity passing through your body. This can cause a sharp, painful sensation and muscle contractions, making it difficult to let go of the source of electricity.

– Electrical burns:

Electrical burns can happen after electric shock. These burns are painful, debilitating and potentially disfiguring. Burns can damage or destroy a person’s skin and cause extensive damage to a person’s internal tissues, muscle, veins, arteries, and organs. In some cases, burns can cut off blood flow, resulting in possible limb amputation.

Electrocution can cause burns, both external and internal. External burns may appear on the skin where the electric current entered or exited the body. Internal burns can occur in tissues and organs that the electricity passes through, leading to serious damage.

– Organ damage:

Electric currents can disrupt the normal functioning of your body’s organs. The heart and nervous system are particularly vulnerable, and electrocution can cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, or even stop the heart.

Most important:

Breathing Problems: Electrocution can affect the muscles involved in breathing, potentially leading to difficulty in breathing or temporary cessation of breathing.

Heart damage: The two most common forms of heart damage that can happen after electric shock are arrhythmias (which are irregular heart rhythms) and myocardial injuries (such as heart attacks and cardiac arrest)

Brain damage: Brain damage can happen after electric shock. This can have both neurologic and neuropsychological consequences, resulting in memory loss, depression, deficits in visuospatial reasoning and the ability to perform routine personal and professional tasks.

– Nerve damage after electric shock:

Nerve damage can happen after electric shock and can be very serious and life-threatening because it may interfere with: (1) breathing; (2) heart function; (3) the ability to walk; and (4) the brain’s ability to properly and accurately process pain signals from the body. Electrical shocks can damage nerves in the body, causing pain, tingling sensations, or even temporary or permanent loss of sensation in affected areas.

– Psychological effects:

Electrocution can be a traumatic experience, and some individuals may develop psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident.

– Long-Term consequences:

In severe cases, electrocution can have long-term consequences, including chronic pain, nerve disorders, or permanent disabilities.

– Miscarriage after electric shock

A miscarriage can happen after an electric shock if a pregnant woman who suffers an electrical injury. The woman may be able to bring a negligence lawsuit against the responsible parties and/or file a Workers’ Comp claim against her employer. A wrongful death lawsuit may also be brought on behalf of the embryo or fetus.

Preventing Electrocution

Preventing electrocution is crucial for your safety. Here are some simple tips to help you prevent electrocution:

Electrical appliance safety:

Inspect cords and plugs regularly for any damage or wear. Replace damaged cords or plugs immediately.
Do not yank cords from outlets. Always pull the plug itself to disconnect an appliance.
Keep liquids away from electrical appliances to avoid the risk of electric shock.

Outlet safety:

Avoid overloading outlets by plugging too many devices into a single outlet. Use power strips or extension cords with surge protectors when needed.
Ensure that outlets are properly grounded. Avoid using outlets with loose or broken covers.

Water and electricity don’t mix:

Keep electrical devices away from water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs, or pools.
Never touch electrical devices with wet hands or while standing on wet surfaces.
Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Outdoor electrical safety:

Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Use outdoor electrical devices and extension cords designed specifically for outdoor use.
Never operate electrical devices outdoors in wet conditions.

Safe handling of electrical devices:

Never insert metal objects into electrical outlets or appliances.
Use insulated tools when working with electricity.
When unplugging an appliance, grip the plug and pull it straight out from the outlet.

Child safety:

Install outlet covers or childproof plugs to prevent children from inserting objects into electrical outlets.
Teach children about electrical safety and the dangers of playing with electrical devices.

Professional assistance:

Hire a licensed electrician for any electrical repairs or installations to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.

Electrical education:

Learn about basic electrical safety measures and educate yourself and others on safe practices.
Understand warning signs of electrical hazards, such as flickering lights, unusual sounds, or burning smells, and report them promptly.