Originally posted by: Modelworks
It is not voltage that kills, but current. The voltage from touching metal from static shock is usually at least 2,000V. But the amperage is almost zero.
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Current is a function of voltage and resistance. If the Voltage, E, equal 2000 Volts and the resistance, R, is 2K ohms, then the current, I, is going to be I=E/R or 1 Amp.
Typical resistance in a human body measured between 2 dry hands would be approximately 1 million ohms.
You need approximately 30 thousand volts to break down the resistance trough 1 cm of air and produce an arc. So when you zap yourself with static electricity and you saw the little arc, the voltage had to be at least 15 thousands volts. Let see what kind of current you should receive.
I = E/R = 15000 volts/1000000 ohms= .015 Amp. You will feel this but no harm is done.
However, if you hand were wet, the resistance could have dropped down to as low as 17 thousand ohms.
I=10000/17000 = .588 , enough to kill you and then some.
So why don't people die more often when hit by static electricity and wet?
Simple, as you contact the source of static, the potential difference is instantly equalized bringing the voltage down to zero and the electrons can no longer travel through your body. There was not enough electrons traveling trough your body to hurt you.
That would NOT be the case if you touched a high voltage electrical wire because the generator at the other end of the power line can maintain the potential difference effectively electrocuting you.
To recap:
Current kills
The higher the voltage, the easier it is to deliver the current. "DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE" signs are there for a reason.
Did that make sense?
OP, you are still alive so your prognostic is quite good at this time.
:shocked: