The effects of an electric shock vary depending on its source and severity. For example, shocks from light switches may be mild, while contact with industrial power sources can cause severe effects.
When an electric current touches or flows through the body, this is known as an electric shock. It can happen wherever there is live electricity.
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This article looks at the symptoms of an electric shock, provides advice on first aid procedures, and explains when to seek medical help.
Electrical currents cause
- Flash: A flash injury typically causes superficial burns. These occur due to the heat of an arc flash, which is a type of electrical explosion. The current does not penetrate the skin.
- Flame: These injuries occur when an arc flash causes a person’s clothes to ignite. The current may or may not pass through the skin.
- Lightning: These involve short but high voltage electrical energy. The current flows through a person’s body.
- True: The person becomes part of the circuit, and the electricity enters and exits the body.
The symptoms of electric shock depend on many factors. Injuries from low voltage shocks are most likely to be superficial, whereas prolonged exposure to electrical current may cause deeper burns.
Secondary injuries can occur following an electric shock. A person may respond by jerking away, which might cause them to lose balance or fall and injure another part of their body.
Short-term effects
Depending on the severity of the electrical injury, its immediate effects may include:
- burns
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- tingling or prickling sensations
- loss of consciousness
- headaches
Some people may notice unpleasant sensations but not have apparent physical damage, whereas others may experience a lot of pain and have obvious tissue damage.
Those who have not experienced a significant injury or cardiac abnormalities within
More severe outcomes can include:
- coma
- heart attack
- respiratory arrest
Long-term effects
One study found that people who had received an electric shock were no more likely to develop heart problems within 5 years of the incident than those who had not.
A person may experience a variety of symptoms, including neuropsychological and
The symptoms may include:
| Psychological | Neurological | Physical |
| post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | memory loss | pain |
| depression | concentration difficulties | fatigue |
| anxiety | tingling sensations | headaches |
| insomnia | fainting | night sweats |
| reduced attention span | loss of balance | muscle spasms |
| panic attacks | sciatica | stiff joints |
Anyone who has experienced an electric shock, regardless of whether it has caused a burn, should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
An electric shock occurs when an electric current passes from a live outlet to part of the body.
Electric shocks can result from contact with:
- faulty electrical appliances or machinery
- household wiring
- electrical power lines
- lightning
- electricity outlets
The domestic electricity running through a typical U.S. household is
High voltage currents of 500 V and more can cause deep burns, while low voltage currents consisting of 110–120 V can result in muscle spasms.
A person can get an electric shock through contact with an electric current from a small household appliance, wall outlet, or extension cord. These shocks rarely cause severe trauma or complications.
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Several factors can affect the severity of electric shock injuries, including:
- the intensity of the current
- the type of current — alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)
- which part of the body the current reaches
- how long a person has exposure to the current
- resistance to the current
The let-go threshold is the level where a person’s muscles contract, meaning that they are unable to let go of the electrical source until someone safely removes it. This table shows the body’s response to different intensities of current, using milliamps (mA) as the measurement:
| Current (mA) | Response |
| 0.2–2 | an electrical sensation |
| 1–2+ | a painful shock |
| 3–5 | let-go threshold for children |
| 6–10 | minimum let-go threshold for adults |
| 10–20 | possible seizure at the contact point |
| 22 | inability to let go, for 99% of adults |
| 20–50 | possible seizures |
| 50–100 | possible life threatening heart rhythms |
Minor electric shocks, such as those from small household appliances, do not typically need medical treatment. However, a person should see a doctor if they have experienced electrocution.
If someone has received a high voltage shock, it is important to call 911 right away.
If a person experiences a serious electric shock, the
- Do not touch the person, as they may be in contact with the electrical source.
- Call 911 or have someone else call 911.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the source of electricity. If it is not safe, use a nonconducting object made of wood, cardboard, or plastic to move the source away.
- After removing the electrical source, check the person for a pulse, and determine whether they are breathing. If the person has no pulse, begin CPR immediately.
- If the person is faint or pale, lay them down with their head lower than their body and elevate their legs.
- A person should neither touch any burns nor remove burned clothing.
A person can perform CPR by:
- Administering compressions: Place one hand on top of the other in the middle of the chest. Using body weight, push down hard and fast to administer compressions that are 2 inches deep. The aim is to deliver 100–120 compressions per 60 seconds.
- Delivering rescue breaths: First, make sure that the person’s mouth is clear. Then, tilt their head back, lift their chin, pinch their nose closed, and blow into their mouth to make their chest rise. Perform two rescue breaths and continue administering compressions.
- Repeating the process: It is important to carry on until help arrives or the person begins breathing.
At the emergency department, the doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to assess potential external and internal damage. They will likely order tests, which may include:
- electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the heart’s rhythm
- pregnancy test, which is for pregnant people only, to assess any impact on the developing baby
- CT scan to check the health of the brain, spine, and chest
- blood tests to check for rhabdomyolysis
A medical professional will only order CT scans and blood tests if they suspect internal injury.
Not every person who experiences an electric shock needs to visit the emergency department. People can follow this advice:
- Call 911 if a person experiences a high voltage shock, which is one of
500 V or more. These voltages can cause deep burns that require immediate attention. - Go to the emergency department following a low voltage shock that results in a burn. It is important not to try to treat the burn at home.
- If a person experiences a low voltage shock with no burn injury, they should visit a doctor to ensure that no damage has occurred.
Electric shocks
Anyone who thinks that an individual has had a severe electric shock should call 911 right away.
Even after a minor shock, a person should see a doctor.
Electric shocks range from minor to severe, as do the injuries they can cause. Many electric shocks occur in the home, so it is important to check household appliances regularly for signs of damage.
People working in proximity to the installation of electrical systems should take particular care and always follow safety regulations.
If a person has experienced a severe electric shock, a bystander should call 911 and administer first aid if it is safe to do so.