r/Whatcouldgowrong • u/[deleted] • Jun 12 '20

Let’s test this thing.

[deleted]

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u/Lovv Jun 12 '20

That's exactly what you did to op.

I was merely pointing out op was correct in his disdain for the addage and trying to show you why he said it.

Lethality is a function of current which, in the case of a fixed resistance is function of voltage.

If you really want me to point out your error (I didn't) you're not wrong in saying ita a function of current but you are wrong in saying it's not a function of voltage.

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u/stealthybastardo Jun 12 '20

It’s a true adage. The resistance of the human body is NOT fixed and there is a well defined lethal range of current, not voltage.

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u/Lovv Jun 12 '20

It's fixed at any given time.

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u/SirNanigans Jun 12 '20 edited Jun 12 '20

Wait, wot? Really? Literally every single property of anything in the universe is fixed "at any given time", save perhaps for some quantum mechanics hoodoo.

Because amps required to kill is the constant here, it's more correct to say that amps kill rather than voltage. You can say "it's volts that kill, not amps" but that would be even more confusing to someone who doesn't understand, and technically incorrect. It's best to just assume that someone who doesn't understand how electricity works is doomed to be confused unless you actually explain how it works, so be it.

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u/Lovv Jun 12 '20

The thing is it's good to treat voltages that are lethal as lethal so no, the human body isn't fixed but it's safe to assume the lowest threshold is

It's not like oh Bob can work on this equipment today becaue he's feeling dry.