beröringsström

Beröringsström, meaning touch current in Swedish, refers to the electrical current that flows through a human body when it comes into contact with an energized object. This phenomenon is a critical consideration in electrical safety. The magnitude and effects of beröringsström depend on several factors, including the voltage of the source, the resistance of the body, the path the current takes through the body, and the duration of contact.

Even relatively low levels of beröringsström can cause physiological effects ranging from a mild tingling sensation to painful muscle contractions, burns, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. The human body's resistance is not constant and can vary significantly based on factors such as skin moisture, contact area, and the presence of any breaks in the skin. Wet skin, for example, drastically reduces resistance, increasing the risk and severity of electric shock.

Electrical installations are designed with protective measures to prevent dangerous levels of beröringsström from reaching people. These measures include proper grounding, insulation of electrical conductors, and the use of residual current devices (RCDs) which can quickly interrupt the flow of current if an imbalance is detected, indicating a potential leakage to ground, often through a person. Understanding beröringsström is fundamental to electrical safety practices and the design of safe electrical systems.