If there is an ungrounded source of voltage, can current flow through a person to ground?
My answer is NO, current can not flow if the source of voltage has no connection to ground. Current will flow in a closed circuit. for example, a 12 volts car battery has a + and a - poles and non of poles has any connection to ground. You can be barefoot on a wet surface and touch any of the poles one at the time without getting zapped, so no current flows.
If there is an ungrounded source of voltage, can current flow through a person to ground?
I am joining the Augie band wagon.
On paper no shock, in real life, with a large enough ungrounded system you can get your socks knocked off.
This is aimed at electronics but the idea is the same.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitic_capacitance
I'd be curious to know weather this capacitance coupling effect would be worst upstream or downstream in a system? In other words on these systems would you recieve a larger shock upstream in a system or downstream (effect of impedance)
I know that for grounded systems the amount of current that flows through your body is primarily determined by the resistance of your body (aprox 1Mohm) and therefore has no bearing on the avaliable fault current in a system for a given voltage level. In other words the current flowing through your body will be roughly the same weather you touch a 480V main switchboard, or some 480V downstream branch circuit because the 1Mohm resistance of your body is much greater than either two of the system impedances for the upstream and downstream locations.
Does anyone else agree with this?
No. Capacitive coupling to ground is same through out the system. Doesn't change with distance from the source. So shock hazard is the same.
If it is ungrounded with good insulation, you can still get a very healthy shock from capacitive discharge. (Actually it is not healthy, it kills you).
No. Capacitive coupling to ground is same through out the system. Doesn't change with distance from the source. So shock hazard is the same.
If it is ungrounded with good insulation, you can still get a very healthy shock from capacitive discharge. (Actually it is not healthy, it kills you).