Electric Shock: Causes, Effects, & Treatment Options

Electrical shock occurs when an electrical current travels through the body. Injuries from electrical shock happen when someone accidentally comes in contact with an electrical source, such as a frayed cord or a downed power line.

This article discusses the causes, signs, effects, and prevention of electrical shock.

Verywell / Julie Bang

Causes

An electric shock occurs when someone has direct contact with a high-voltage current that travels through the body.

Several things can cause an electric shock, including:

Being struck by lightening
Contact with downed power lines
Putting fingers or objects into an electrical socket
Touching faulty or frayed electrical cords or appliances
Touching overloaded electrical outlets

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of electrical shock can vary based on the type and amount of voltage. Some may include:

Numbness and tingling
Burns
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Breathing irregularities or difficulty
Vision or hearing issues
Muscle spasms
Headaches
Loss of consciousness
Cardiac arrest

Symptoms caused by touching a frayed kitchen appliance cord are usually much less severe than those caused by higher-voltage shocks from sources such as power lines or lightning.

Treatment

When electrical shock occurs outside, the treatment may also involve several steps to ensure the area is safe before helping the victim, such as:

Examine the person visually but do not touch them. They can pass the electrical current on to you if still connected to the electrical source.
Call 911 or have someone else call 911
Check for a source of electricity and turn it off if possible. If it’s not possible, use an object of non-conducting material, such as wood or plastic.
When you are sure you will be safe from electrical shock, check the victim’s breathing and pulse. Immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if either has stopped or appears unusually low.
If the victim is breathing but appears faint or has other signs of shock, lay them down with their legs elevated. Bring the head slightly below the trunk of the body.
Do not treat any burns or remove clothing, and wait until help arrives.

At-Home Remedies

If a person or child experiences an electrical shock at home, contact your healthcare provider, pediatrician, or call 911. In some cases, shock can cause internal injuries that are visually undetectable.

A healthcare provider can assess for surface burns, mouth burns, or other internal organ injuries. If the person has severe burns, they may need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation.

Medical Care

Medical care for electrical shock will depend on the amount of voltage involved. Minor incidence of electrical shock may not require medical care.

Treatment for less severe incidences of electrical shock may include pain medication, antibiotic ointment, and dressing changes for minor burns.

Higher voltage injuries will require a higher level of care and often have poorer outcomes. Emergency medical care may require:

Resuscitation
ICU care
IV fluids
Nutritional support
Surgery

When to See a Doctor

If you or a loved one experiences an electrical shock, it’s important to be examined by a healthcare provider.

The damage from an electrical shock depends on the voltage level, source, how it traveled through the body, the person’s age, and overall health.

Call 911 if a person with electrical shock has:

Irregular heartbeat
Muscle pain or muscle contractions
Confusion
Breathing problems
Cardiac arrest
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

Prevention

Best practices to prevent electrical shock in the home include:

Cover all outlets.
Ensure that wires are properly insulated and covered.
Keep wires away from children’s reach.
Supervise children in areas with possible electrical hazards, such as electrical appliances near a bathtub or pool.
Turn off the circuit breaker when working with electricity in the home.
Don’t use electrical appliances in the bath or shower.

There are several ways to prevent electrical shock outside of the house, including:

Report any fallen or broken power lines immediately to your power company. Do not touch them under any circumstances.
Do not drive or walk through standing water if power lines may have fallen in the water.
If you come in contact with a power line while in your car, stay in your car and drive away if possible. If you are unable to drive away, stay in your vehicle and call emergency services. Wait until emergency services arrive, and do not let anyone close to your vehicle.
Call an electrician to fix electrical circuits that are wet or near water. If possible, turn off power at the main breaker but never enter standing water to access it.
Never work on or near an electrical source while standing in water, especially if using an electrical tool.
Make sure that electrical equipment is completely dry before restoring power.
Have a certified electrician confirm that turning the power back on is safe.
Turn off your main circuit breaker if there is a burning odor but no obvious source, or if you can see sparks and frayed wires when you turn the power back on.

When installing or using a generator, talk to your utility company about usage. Don’t use generators without approved, automatic-interrupt devices. Generators can be a fire hazard if they remain online once electricity resumes.

Summary

Electrical shock occurs when a high voltage current travels through the body. This usually happens when someone accidentally comes into contact with an electrical source. The aftercare may require anything from minor first aid care to treatment for internal and external burns.

It’s essential to be aware of potential electrical hazards to best prevent them from occurring. If you suspect that someone has experienced an electrical shock, call for help and ensure the voltage source is no longer a danger before helping the victim.

A Word From Verywell

Electrical shock is almost always accidental, as well as preventable. The resulting injuries can range from minor to severe and, in some cases, fatal. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of electrical dangers in and around your home to keep you and any small children safe. If you have any cause for concern, consider having a certified electrician visit your house or call your electrical company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the lasting effects of electric shock?

Lasting effects of electric shock may include:
- Burns on the skin or in the body that leave permanent scars
- Nerve damage
- Cardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythms that can be fatal or cause long-term health issues
- If a person falls due to muscle contractions or seizures during electrical shock, it may cause broken bones, head injuries, or other blunt injuries.
How many volts of electric shock can the body handle?

Electrical shock is categorized as high (above 1,000 volts) or low (lower than 100 volts). High voltage injuries cause greater fatalities. However, a fatal injury can be caused by a current as low as 110 volts.

In addition to voltage, several other factors determine how much of an electrical shock the body can handle, including:
- The type of current
- The pathway of the current through the body
- The duration of exposure
- The electrical resistance to the current
Can an electric shock be transferred from one person to another?

Yes, an electrical shock can be transferred from one person to another. If you suspect someone has had an electrical shock, first examine them visually but don’t touch them. If the person is still connected to the electrical source, they can pass the electrical current on to you.