How Shocks Occur

How Shocks Occur

Electricity travels in closed circuits, normally through a conductor. Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one point and leaves at another. Typically, shock occurs when a person contacts:

Both wires of an energized circuit.	One wire of an energized circuit and the ground.	A metallic part in contact with an energized wire while the person is also in contact with the ground.

Metallic parts of electric tools and machines can become energized if there is a break in the insulation of their wiring. A low-resistance wire between the metallic case of the tool/machine and the ground – an equipment grounding conductor – provides a path for the unwanted current to pass directly to the ground. This greatly reduces the amount of current passing through the body of the person in contact with the tool or machine. Properly installed, the grounding conductor provides protection from electric shock.