Amount of Current
The amount of shock current is based on voltage and Ohm’s Law. Greater voltage means greater current and greater danger. Very low shock currents (1 mA) can cause tingling. Higher shock currents (above 10 mA) can paralyze muscles. A typical home circuit breaker trips at 15,000–20,000 mA.
Duration
The severity of the injury also depends on the length of time of the shock. If the shock is short and the current is low, it may only be painful. The same current over a longer duration could be fatal. In cases where causation or severity of injury is questioned, Vista consults in-house biomechanical engineers.
Current Path Through the Body
Electricity takes advantage of all available paths. Factors that influence body resistance include: contact surface area, skin moisture, contact pressure, and the conductivity of body parts. Current through the heart may result in tissue damage, fibrillation, or cardiac arrest.
Investigation Methods
Investigations normally include an evaluation of equipment installations in accordance with electrical and safety codes, product and appliance designs, maintenance and repair issues, possible defects, and the adequacy of warnings and instructions.