Direct current (DC) or AC

Geordie Spark · Jul 23, 2011

Des 56 said:
I'm just partaking of that vile geordie habit of guzzling a couple of bottles of Nuclear brown ale
My posts will start getting slurred soon

Good Lad !!

Nice to see you've got your priorities in order.

REZANIKPAYAM · Jul 23, 2011

How AC affects the body depends largely on frequency. Low-frequency (50- to 60-Hz) AC is used in US (60 Hz) and European (50 Hz) households; it 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.

Guest123 · Jul 23, 2011

REZANIKPAYAM said:
How AC affects the body depends largely on frequency. Low-frequency (50- to 60-Hz) AC is used in US (60 Hz) and European (50 Hz) households; it 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.

Why not just post a link to the whole article. TBH I feel that article is flawed as it contradicts itself on more than one occasion.

At th'end ot'day they're both dangerous but in slightly different ways.

SW1970 · Jul 23, 2011

All electricity is dangerous and should be treated with respect at all times. I was surprised to be told this by my 7 year old who was taught this at school. (But my 10 year old was not). Fab! Just the way things should be. So in 15 years or so there'll be a generation who may be a little less inclined to go and buy a B&Q consumer unit and have a go themselves.

baldsparkies · Jul 23, 2011

I saw the results of a 250v dc burn, following an electric shock.
He came out of hospital minus 2 fingers and his big toe, apparently the shock current path arked in and out of his body at those points.
I agree ac can be just as dangerous, but the burns from this dc shock were horrific to say the least.
Not a pretty site and one I won't forget in a hurry.
I think we can all be guilty of taking electricity for granted working with it as we do, but this kind of thing is a wake up call, and reminds you of the dangers that lurk if you take the stuff for granted.