Handling electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor is dangerous due to the risk of electric shock. Electric shock occurs when an electric current passes through the human body, and it can be potentially life-threatening depending on the severity of the shock and the pathway the current takes.
Here's why it's dangerous:
Water is a conductor: Water is a good conductor of electricity. When your hands or body are wet, they become more conductive, allowing electricity to pass through them more easily.
Lower resistance: Dry skin has relatively high electrical resistance, which helps protect you from electric shock to some extent. However, wet skin has significantly lower resistance, making it easier for the electric current to flow through your body.
Completing the circuit: Electrical appliances are designed with a specific electrical circuit in mind. When you touch a live part of the appliance with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor, you become part of the electrical circuit, and the current can flow through you.
Severity of shock: The severity of electric shock depends on various factors, such as the voltage of the electricity, the pathway it takes through your body, the duration of the exposure, and your overall health. Even relatively low-voltage shocks can cause muscle spasms, burns, and respiratory issues. High-voltage shocks can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
To avoid the risks of electric shock:
- Always ensure your hands are dry before handling electrical appliances or switches.
- Keep electrical appliances away from water sources, and never use them in wet environments.
- Use outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity might come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
- If an electrical appliance falls into water or becomes wet, do not touch it. Unplug it from the power source first and wait for it to dry completely before attempting to use it again.
By following these safety precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of electric shock and protect yourself and others from potential harm.