What Exactly Does High Voltage Mean?

We must have seen many compounds tagged with 'high voltage' or 'high tension' area many times. Ever wondered what exactly is high voltage? The term "high voltage" is usually used to describe an electrical current that is strong enough to harm people and sometimes animals if they come into contact with it. Although, this is not an accurate measurement of electricity, since it is a warning that tells people to be cautious and keep distance. I am sure we must have come across the phrase which is perhaps most common on labels and signs, usually accompanied by other warnings or badges indicating a risk of electric shock, injury and death.

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In general practice, everything that produces more than 230 kV (kilovolts) is considered as high voltage and extremely dangerous. However, there are also some exceptions. What makes a sufficient increase to justify these precautions is usually equivalent to its representation as its actual measurement. Very well-managed sources can have extremely steep strains, but may not require these labels if there is no risk to humans. Alternatively, currents that are generally considered to be rather weaker strength can be considered dangerous if they run through untreated cables, for example, or where people are relatively easy to access accidentally or unintentionally.

Basic concept

The term volt is the common unit of electrical measurements. More accurately, it is used to categorize and determine how much energy is required for a given task, appliance or procedure. Electric charges is commonly seen in nature around us, and at low frequencies they do not pose any unusual threat to humans beings or animals. However, the amount of energy we need to use to work with electrical grids for cities and towns, or for electricity supply to buildings, such as hospitals, is usually enormous. Such situations of high energy consumption are called as high tension or high voltage grids which should be taken care of.

Danger to human

Almost in all cases, a warning is mentioned where ever people can get into danger. A unit of 40 volts can be considered a high voltage under the any given circumstances. When applied to human skin, 50 volts can lead to cardiac fibrillation. In absence of precautionary measures this means that the heart will begin to experience irregular and rapid heartbeat, and possibly the muscles can also contract. Significantly less stresses can be harmful if the skin is wet or damp, because water allows electricity to penetrate the skin at a higher rate. This is one of the major reasons why, for example, it is dangerous to use electrical appliances in the bathroom or next to them. And also it is due to this, why most of the pools are closed during electrical or lightening storms. An open wound is also vulnerable to take electricity faster to penetrate the skin.

How to make the marking definition

There are some classification standards depending on which, it is determined the point at which the voltage is dangerous. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established some safe standards for electrical applications. These standards set an acceptable amount of energy needed for solar technology, semiconductors, as well as household appliances in our usual practices.

In cases where there is no stored energy, and the device or machine can not produce current, there is no danger of serious electric shock to humans. Even if there is a high voltage, it may not be enough to seriously damage a person. For example, static electric sparks can be measured having a voltage at around 700 volts, but can cause discomfort only for a few seconds. Usually this type of electrical terminal cause pain, but it usually does not affect the heart or muscle tissue.

Measuring voltage

There are several methods with which voltage can usually be measured. Electrical utilities and electricity suppliers often measure their flows periodically, both for safety and for consistent supply patterns. Regulatory health authorities are established to help public welfare and monitor any health risks taken by employees or professionals. It should be noted that there are different laws in different countries regarding the passage of verification, measurement and safety.

In general, one of the most common causes of fatal electric shock are coming into contact with the transmission line accidentally. These lines can produce more than 50 volts of electricity and can be extremely dangerous for human or animal life. We must understand here that electric cables buried underground can also produce enough electricity to be fatal if they are troubled by digging equipment unintentionally.

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Literature for further reading:

• High voltage
• High Voltage Laboratory
• Do High Voltage Power Lines Cause Cancer?

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