Name: jody
Status: other
age 30s
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999
Question:
if static electricity produces high voltages why isn't it
harmful to people? how is it different from transformers and other sources which
also produce high voltage but are harmful?
Replies:
Static electricity is harmful when enough current is involved, e.g., a bolt
of lightning.
Tim Mooney
The current in static electricity is extremely low, on the order of a pico
amp (1/1000000000000). Involuntary muscle contractions (can't let go!)
occurs at about 10 milliamps (10/1000). Clearly, the current in a typical
static discharge is far below this level. In a transformer, ther is the
possibility of 1000 amps or more. This may very well be lethal.
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