Electric shock

A REVIEW of the literature has revealed very little information regarding the effects of small 60-cycle electric currents on man. These currents are not sufficient to produce unconsciousness or death but they are sufficient to produce involuntary muscular contractions. The hazard to the public has been increased because of the recent development and application of electrical devices with exposed electrodes, such as the electric fence, the electric fly panel, the electric insect trap, the electric cattle prod, and the a-c welding apparatus. The fatal accidents that have occurred due to these devices have emphasized the importance of obtaining additional knowledge on electric shock. This report is based on experiments just completed on 120 men. A preliminary investigation had been made during 1936–37 on 56 men.¹ Some of the data collected then have been included in the body of this paper, but not in the statistical analysis. It is hoped that the results may help to improve the design and safety of some of the new electrical devices and may be useful in clarifying the widespread misunderstanding of electric shock.