Can you touch a hot wire without getting shocked? Yes, you can. Touching a live wire without getting shocked might seem like a miracle, but fear not; I have just the tricks for you! So, how to touch live wire without getting shocked?
Very simple yet effective steps such as wearing insulated shoes, maintaining a dry environment, or just merely keeping one hand behind you can do the job.
However, it is not advised to touch a live wire, but here are some pointers that might even save your life!
Why Humans Get Electric Shocks
Because the human body is a great conductor of electricity due to the numerous ions in our body.
When we touch the open ends of a live wire, the ions in our work as the perfect pathway for the current to pass and complete the circuit, hence, we feel the electric shock.
Contrary to popular belief, being electrocuted is NOT the same as getting an electric shock. Electrocution, by definition, is death caused by an electric shock.
In general, it is advised not to touch live wires with bare hands or even to touch them at all unless you are an experienced electrical worker testing live wire. However, like everything else, there are ways to touch a hot wire and still not get zapped.
Different Ways You Can Touch Live Wire Without Getting Shocked
These are the methods that will allow you to touch live wire without getting an electric shock.
Disconnecting The Appliance From The Power Source
First and foremost, the most basic yet probably the one thing everyone forgets to do is switching off the power source of the live wire or taking the plug of the appliance out of the socket.
Cutting the current from the power source will prevent current from flowing through the live wire.
Even so, residual current may be flowing and could be enough to give you a tiny electric shock because the neutral wire is still grounded.
Hence, disconnecting the neutral wire from the ground in the service panel of your home could potentially allow you to tough a hot wire and not get an electric shock.
Touching With Only One Hand
Touching the live wire with two hands is a recipe for disaster. This can be prevented by touching the wire with one hand, making the circuit incomplete and, as a result, giving the electrons nowhere to go!
Keep in mind, though, that the current will still flow into you. Hence other measures must be taken along with it to prevent a shock!
As a rule of thumb, always keep one hand behind your back to ensure that no other surfaces are coming into contact with that hand and, as a result, create a path for the current.
Wearing Protective Gear
The main challenge in preventing a shock is remaining ungrounded. Anything, starting from standing on the floor barefoot to even wearing socks that may be slightly damp, can ground you.
This is because most materials around us are conductors to some extent. Being grounded means the circuit is complete for the current to pass through!
Protective gear can create a barrier between your bare hands and the hot wire. Commonly, insulated rubber gloves, rubber shoes, or even standing on a rubber or silicon mat does the job.
Dry Hands
On the off chance that you do not have rubber gloves, ensuring clean and dry hands is of utter importance and the minimum safety guideline that should be maintained. Keeping your feet dry is also important, irrespective of the type of shoes worn.
Keeping the environment around you dry as well is imperative. Hence, working on your electrical projects on a rather dry day is advised since the humidity could elicit a shock.
Practice
Last but not least, years of experience in handling live wires are more valuable than anything. This is the reason why electricians seem to be doing the most dangerous things effortlessly.
Being extra cautious, alert, and meticulous will help you to minimize any possible hazards while fixing your favorite kitchen gadget!
Things To Avoid While Handling Live Wire:
- Leather Shoes Or Boots
- Socks (Damp Or Dry)
- Sitting On Metal Or Even Wooden Chairs
- Touching Countertops Or Any Surface With The Other Hand
Finally, it is advised to follow all the tips if you want to come out unscathed after touching a hot wire. You can never to too insulated!
Fortunately, the effects of minor to moderate electric shocks are temporary and may remit within a few hours. So even if you have received a shock, the tingly yet numbing sensation will pass away. Just hold on for a while!
Be Alert!
It might be quite tempting to start working on a live circuit with your bare hands. However, keeping the aforementioned tips in mind and actually utilizing them will make the difference and keep you safe!
References:
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