Which shock would be worse?

[spud1]

My colleague and I were discussing today whether an electric shock from a disconnected neutral under load or a shock directly from the corresponding line would be worse? He raised the point that the current from the load in circuit would make the disconnected neutral shock worse but I wasn't convinced.

Any thoughts?

 

[MJPD29]

Probably the worst dig I've had was off a neutral so I vote neutral

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

I agree I stupidly got myself between n-e and 10 5tf twin fluorescent fittings tried to come on through me !!

 

[MJPD29]

I agree I stupidly got myself between n-e and 10 5tf twin fluorescent fittings tried to come on through me !!

Exactly the same as me fluorescent fittings as well. Not pleasant at all

 

[westward10]

A neutral disconnected is no longer under load

 

[spud1]

A neutral disconnected is no longer under load

Point taken, but you know what I mean!

 

[jackhammerJIM]

Theoretically speaking the current would be the same on line and neutral conductors ... Current is limited by the resistance

 

[Deleted member 26818]

My colleague and I were discussing today whether an electric shock from a disconnected neutral under load or a shock directly from the corresponding line would be worse? He raised the point that the current from the load in circuit would make the disconnected neutral shock worse but I wasn't convinced.

Any thoughts?

I used to think that shocks from circuits with high loads would be worse than shocks from circuits with low loads.
In reality, it’s all down to your resistance.
The higher your resistance, the lower the amperage of the shock.

 

[westward10]

With the neutral disconnected there is no load.

 

[Rpa07]

And broken sticks in the woods make no sound when you’re not there to hear it!

With the neutral disconnected there is no load.

 

[static zap]

Theoretically speaking the current would be the same on line and neutral conductors ... Current is limited by the resistance

In practical terms , Broken neutral will be lower current .. but only if you are shorting for an arc!
( Most humans will find either situation -Plenty)
... Neutral has bonus -Un-expected points -***

 

[Lucien Nunes]

There are lots of variables here; no two shocks are alike as they depend critically on the contact resistance between the skin and the conductors which depends on the pressure, area, moisture level etc. But all other things being equal, a shock from a disconnected neutral to earth will be equal or less severe than from line to earth.

The source of the shock current is the line in either case. A shock directly from the line does not have the resistance of the load in series and is likely to be the most severe. A shock from the disconnected neutral must first flow through the resistance of the load, which may reduce the current somewhat. Whether it makes much difference depends on its resistance relative to that of the shock path through your body.

If the load is a 3kW 230V heating element, its resistance will be 18Ω, much less than a typical body resistance, so it will have negligible effect and the shock will be practically as severe as from the line. If the load is a 2W relay coil, its impedance will be 26kΩ, which will limit the current to below 8.7mA, possibly giving a much less severe shock than from the line directly.

 

[gazdkw82]

A neutral disconnected is no longer under load

Unless it has a borrowed neutral on the circuit

 

[telectrix]

or the load is a gender neutral snowflake trying to find itself.

 

[richy3333]

Biggest shock I ever had was reading on here that a spark was going to do a plumbing course! Still too knocked sideways to even comment on the thread

 

[sparksburnout]

GS38

 

[telectrix]

VAT69

 

[Squid]

Totally off topic but the £64,240.24p tax bill I just paid.......

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

Totally off topic but the £64,240.24p tax bill I just paid.......

Time for a better accountant...

 

[Squid]

Time for a better accountant...

He "found" another £140k in "allowances as it was looking to be much higher..