Getting shocked by a high-voltage source such as 480 V can result in which of the following outcomes?

Getting shocked by a high-voltage source such as 480 V can result in which of the following outcomes?

• A. Cardiac arrest
• B. Temporary tingling with no lasting effects
• C. Minor electrical burns only
• D. Immediate safe dissipation without injury

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the danger of electrical shock comes from the current flowing through the body, not the voltage alone. High-voltage sources like 480 V can push a large current through a person, especially if the path goes through the chest. For alternating current at power frequencies, currents as low as tens of milliamps can trigger dangerous heart rhythms, and higher currents through the heart can cause cardiac arrest. With 480 V, if the current through the chest is enough (which can happen with low skin resistance or a direct path), cardiac arrest is a real and immediate risk. While milder shocks or tingling can occur in some scenarios, they do not capture the severe risk posed by high-voltage exposure. The notion of nothing happening or only minor burns ignores the potential for life-threatening cardiac events at this voltage.

The key idea is that the danger of electrical shock comes from the current flowing through the body, not the voltage alone. High-voltage sources like 480 V can push a large current through a person, especially if the path goes through the chest. For alternating current at power frequencies, currents as low as tens of milliamps can trigger dangerous heart rhythms, and higher currents through the heart can cause cardiac arrest. With 480 V, if the current through the chest is enough (which can happen with low skin resistance or a direct path), cardiac arrest is a real and immediate risk. While milder shocks or tingling can occur in some scenarios, they do not capture the severe risk posed by high-voltage exposure. The notion of nothing happening or only minor burns ignores the potential for life-threatening cardiac events at this voltage.