“High voltage” refers to electrical currents that can harm humans and animals. It’s not an exact measurement, but anything over 230 kilovolts is considered dangerous. The warning is issued only when humans are at risk, and even 40 volts can be dangerous. The International Electrotechnical Commission has established safety standards for electrical applications. Voltage can be measured in different ways, and touching power lines is a common cause of fatal electric shock.
The term “high voltage” is generally used to describe an electric current strong enough to harm humans and sometimes even animals if they come into contact with it. It’s not an exact measurement of electricity so much as a warning advising people to keep their distance. The phrase is perhaps most commonly seen on labels and signs, usually accompanied by other warnings or icons indicating the risk of electric shock, injury and death. In general, anything that produces more than 230 kilovolts is considered high voltage and extremely dangerous. There are exceptions, though. What makes a voltage high enough to warrant these precautions is usually as much its presentation as its actual measurement. Very well isolated sources can carry extremely high voltages but may not require warning if there is no risk to people. Alternatively, currents that generally might be considered quite weak may be considered dangerous if they flow through rough wires, for example, or if they are relatively easy for humans to access accidentally or inadvertently.
Basic concept
Volts are a common unit of electrical measurement. More precisely, they represent the electrical potential and can be used to classify and determine the amount of energy required for a given task, device or procedure. Electric charges are common in nature and at low frequencies pose no unusual threat to people or animals. The amount of energy that has to be harnessed to make things like power grids for cities and towns or supply buildings like hospitals with electricity is usually immense, however. These sorts of concentrated tension situations are where the caveats come into play.
Danger to humans
In almost all cases, the warning is only issued in situations where humans are likely to be in danger. Only 40 volts can be considered high voltage under the right circumstances. When applied to human skin, 50 volts can cause fibrillation of the heart. This means that the heart will begin to experience rapid, irregular heartbeats, and the muscles may contract as well. Much lower voltages can be fatal if the skin is damp or wet, because water allows electricity to penetrate the skin at a faster rate. This is one reason why it’s dangerous to use electrical appliances in or near the pool, for example, and it’s also why most pools are closed during storms or lightning. An open wound can also allow electricity to penetrate the skin faster.
How the labeling determination is made
Depending on the setting, a number of classifications determine where voltage poses a hazard. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established safety standards for electrical applications. These standards establish the acceptable amount of energy required for solar technologies, semiconductors and household appliances.
If there is no stored energy and the appliance or machine is unable to produce current, there is no danger of serious electric shock. Even if high voltage is present, it may not be sufficient to seriously injure a person. For example, static electrical sparks can be measured at around 700 volts, but can only produce discomfort for a few seconds. This type of electrical output can produce pain, but usually won’t affect the heart or muscle tissue.
Voltage measurement
Voltage can usually be measured in a couple of different ways. Utility companies and electricity providers often measure their currents periodically, both to ensure safety and consistent delivery patterns. Regulators and community health experts sometimes monitor known voltage exposures to promote the public welfare and to alert for any health risks assumed by employees or technicians. Different countries have different laws regarding inspection, measurement and safety protocol.
In general, touching power lines is one of the most common causes of fatal electric shock. These lines can produce more than 50 volts of electricity and can be extremely dangerous. Buried electrical cables can also produce enough electricity to be fatal if disturbed by digging equipment.
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