One of the very basic question in Electrical Engineering is “What is more dangerous AC or DC”. In this article Electrical Engineering XYZ answers what is more dangerous AC or DC as well as 100 mA AC at 60 Hz or 500 mA DC what is more danogerous.
Low-frequency (50- to 60-Hz) AC used in US (60 Hz) and European (50 Hz) households can be more dangerous than high-frequency AC and is 3 to 5 times more dangerous than DC of the same voltage and amperage. Low-frequency AC produces extended muscle contraction (tetany), which may freeze the hand to the current’s source, prolonging exposure. DC is most likely to cause a single convulsive contraction, which often forces the victim away from the current’s source.
Both 100 mA AC at 60 Hz or 500 mA DC can cause possible heart fibrillation after 3 seconds. The chart below compares magnitudes of different DC, 60 Hz AC and 10 kHz AC current values and their bodily impacts.
Also see:
- Is Diode an Active or a Passive Component
- What is DDC
- Why Core Saturation happens in Transformer and What are its Effects
- Electrical Engineering Abbreviations handbook
- What ground resistance value is considered a good ground resistance value
References and Further reading:
- Electrical safety handbook extracted from Lessons in Vol I electric circuits – DC Handbook authored by Tony R Kuphaldt