I am trying to calculate (as a theoretical exercise) what the effect would be if someone touched an electrical device that is protectively earthed. I would really appreciate it if anyone could verify my workings.

I am assuming that the current flowing into the enclosure of the class 1 device is 1 Amp (could this happen?), the earth resistance from that point of the enclosure to ground is 0.2 Ohms and the body resistance (to ground) of the person touching the device is 1,000 Ohms.

If the device earth resistance and the body resistance are treated as being in parallel, the total resistance would be 0.19996 Ohms (1/Rtotal = 1/Rdevice + 1/1body).

The voltage drop across the device would be 0.19996 V (0.19996 Ohms * 1 Amp).

The current flowing through the person would therefore be 0.00019996 Amps (0.19996 V / 1000 Ohms). This would likely be below the threshold of perception.

Does this look reasonable?
 
Less than putting your fingers across the ends of an exhausted AA battery, so way below being perceptible by touching with your hands..
May be able to detect such a low voltage with your tongue.
 
I am trying to calculate (as a theoretical exercise) what the effect would be if someone touched an electrical device that is protectively earthed. I would really appreciate it if anyone could verify my workings.

I am assuming that the current flowing into the enclosure of the class 1 device is 1 Amp (could this happen?), the earth resistance from that point of the enclosure to ground is 0.2 Ohms and the body resistance (to ground) of the person touching the device is 1,000 Ohms.

If the device earth resistance and the body resistance are treated as being in parallel, the total resistance would be 0.19996 Ohms (1/Rtotal = 1/Rdevice + 1/1body).

The voltage drop across the device would be 0.19996 V (0.19996 Ohms * 1 Amp).

The current flowing through the person would therefore be 0.00019996 Amps (0.19996 V / 1000 Ohms). This would likely be below the threshold of perception.

Does this look reasonable?
See attached PDF
 

Attachments

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

Advert

Daily, weekly or monthly email

Thread starter

Joined
Location
London
If you're a qualified, trainee, or retired electrician - Which country is it that your work will be / is / was aimed at?
United Kingdom
What type of forum member are you?
Electrical Enthusiast (Unqualified Hobbyist etc)

Thread Information

Title
Effect of someone touching a device that is protectively earthed
Prefix
N/A
Forum
UK Electrical Forum
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
3

Advert

Thread statistics

Created
stickinsect,
Last reply from
ELECNEWT,
Replies
3
Views
187

Advert

TrueNAS JBOD Storage Server

Back
Top