Ever had an electric shock?

[erdnase]

Inspired by the other thread about folk being fried trying to steal copper cable, I thought I'd start a thread for electric shock experiences/anecdotes.

Other than lots of little shocks from electronic devices, gadgets, static, etc, I've only had a "proper" shock once. I was using an iron and didn't notice that the power cord was frayed and exposed. It brushed against my arm, and hurt like f*ck. I guess it was more the surprise than the actual pain, but I dropped to the ground just taking in what had happened. I sat there for a minute thinking to myself "I've just had a mains shock - better just sit here to make sure my heart's not going to go into shock, etc". It was more the fright/shock than the actual pain though, and I was up on my feet again in a minute as if nothing had happened.

That's on the simple side of the "serious" shocks, and I realise there's a ton of factors involved. If I were leaning against an earthed radiator, had wet skin, etc.. so many factors. Let's hear your shocking stories - I'm sure there must be some interesting tales!

[B17NNS]

Had a couple. Stood up in the bath and stretched. Incorrect or badly fitted lightfitting chose me as a route to earth. Feels like someone has hit you on the back of the head really hard.

Few friends who are electricians, they've had a few over the years.

[DocJock]

Went to replace the isolating switch on our shower after conscientiously flipping the circuit breaker for the summerhouse circuit...

[Cupramax]

Only once, was pulling a laser printer apart to fix and forgot to pull the power lead out, next thing I know I've got 10,000 volts throwing me half way across the room, thankfully its only a very low ampage but I wouldn't want to try it again anyway

[Jasandjules]

I can't quite remember what I did, but I remember all too clearly the pain in my arm and the fact that my arm wouldn't work properly for a day or two afterwards...

[working class]

Had a real good 415v shock a few years ago, my chest for a few days felt like i had been bench pressing the earth!

[nonuts]

Couple of times with mains voltage not being sensible, ouch followed by not feeling quite right for a few minutes.

[Elskeggso]

Went to plug something in, only the plastic casing for the plug was broken so I got a shock through that, made me feel a bit funny and gave me a dead arm...

[TomE]

working class said:

Had a real good 415v shock a few years ago, my chest for a few days felt like i had been bench pressing the earth!

I had to have my heart reset by the paddles back in 2007 after it had been in an irregular rhythm for a day or so, my chest felt pretty much the same for a couple of days afterwards!

[Vipers]

Boy George's father was an electrician, Boy George was his first shock.


whoops wrong thread...............

[jas xjr]

We had an old chest freezer in a store room that needed moving.
Brains here decides to push it across whilst it is still plugged in. As it is heavy I am now at 45 degrees to it. The fridge goes over the cable and is now live. The shock throws me back a little but gravity being what it is I end up against the fridge again and another shock. Repeat several times until I managed to throw myself to the side.

[erdnase]

I know there are many factors involved - maybe too many to say - but just how lethal is the UK mains voltage? A shock definitely isn't pleasant, and can be fatal, but it seems to be more of an inconvenience than a deadly event.

Of course we have survivor-bias in this thread.. but can anyone shed more light on the reality of UK mains voltage? In the USA, where the mains voltage is half what it is here.. are lethal shocks less likely? I'd imagine there's pros and cons to lower voltages, but they don't seem to struggle to power their domestic appliances.

[TomE]

erdnase said:

In the USA, where the mains voltage is half what it is here.. are lethal shocks less likely?

I think it's amp's that kill you, not voltage.

[Ganglandboss]

TomE said:

erdnase said:

In the USA, where the mains voltage is half what it is here.. are lethal shocks less likely?

I think it's amp's that kill you, not voltage.

Yes, but the current is dependent on the voltage and the resistance.

[V8mate]

Does static count?

[B17NNS]

jas xjr said:

The shock throws me back a little but gravity being what it is I end up against the fridge again and another shock. Repeat several times until I managed to throw myself to the side.

jas xjr, the human pinball

[Shaw Tarse]

V8mate said:

Does static count?

How about touching tongue on a battery?

[XG332]

There was a thread on here of a pher replacing an electric shower whilst stood in water in a metal bath. It didnt end well.


As for myself, i went to wash the car and plugged in the extension lead, only the back plate of the plug fell off as i went to press it in.
My arm was thrown back and god it hurt.
Being the man i am, i carried on and washed the car.
It was only after i built up the currage to unplug it that i replaced it.

[Sheets Tabuer]

working with computers I've had loads, several from touching a clients computer and finding out the case is live.

[working class]

Ganglandboss said:

TomE said:

erdnase said:

In the USA, where the mains voltage is half what it is here.. are lethal shocks less likely?

I think it's amp's that kill you, not voltage.

Yes, but the current is dependent on the voltage and the resistance.

When i was at college doing my City and Guilds years ago, our tutor told us of a black bloke he contracted with who could touch the live (230v) cables and only get a "tickling sensation" down his fingers, he claimed it was due do having very dry and thick skin.

I dont know if it was true or not but thats what he told us!