Electricity related injuries aren’t a major cause of death today, but that’s no reason to ignore electrical safety and common sense. Electricity in the U.S. is extremely safe, primarily due to high standards from electrical professionals. Unfortunately, even the most rigorous safety protocols can’t prevent all injuries. On the other hand, staying informed about electrical injuries will make it easier to prevent them.

1. Around 1,000 people die every year in the U.S. from electrical injuries.

2. As little as 100mA can kill, under the right conditions. That’s just a tenth of an amp!

3. Muscle fibers react to frequencies between 40Hz and 110 Hz, which means a shock from household current (60Hz) can cause muscles to contract; if you’re gripping the power source, you won’t be able to let go.

4. Fortunately, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there might be as many as 30,000 electrical injuries a year, but there are only about 350 deaths.

5. The medical term for the leading cause of electrical injury should be Knew better, but did it anyway.

6. Bizarrely, shocks from currents above 200mA are LESS likely to kill; the high amperage prevents the heart from going into fibrillation.

7. Electrical shock prevention is remarkably simple. Just follow one rule: ALWAYS make sure there is no current flowing before you touch it.

8. To stay safe, contact Mister Sparky® of Clearwater for an electrical inspection.