What would happen if a person fell from a building and, on the way down, grabbed a high-voltage wire? If the wire supports him as he hangs, will he be electrocuted?
Finally, if the wire breaks, should he continue to hold onto the end of the wire as he falls?
Thanks
2007-10-16 18:04:39 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
if he grabs it, possibly ok. although as anyone who ever worked around them knows, electric can arch and you are done. if it breaks (not likely, but grabbing one is not likely) and you come down with the hot end, you fry. best bet, do not play around high power lines. and do not think of trying to steal the copper wire. gods way to get rid of stupid people
2007-10-16 18:25:09 · answer #1 · answered by ron s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but the person`s body will be at the same voltage potential as the high voltage wire and thus will be subject to arching off to any conductor that is connected to ground and thus causing high current to flow through the person`s body causing electrocution. The person will be safe hanging on to a single high voltage wire as long as he does not come near or touch another object that conducts current back to ground. If the wire breaks there will be a tremendous arch at the point of the break and would most likely results in burns severe enough to cause death to any one clinging to the wire at that point. If you have survived to this point then by all means throw the wire you are clinging to as far away from your body as possible because with the luck you are having the wire you are holding will be the hot side of the break and you will be electrocuted as soon as you reach the ground.
2007-10-16 18:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Un-couth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like this question
And here is my take, if he grabs the wire with both hands, and they are spread far a part he may risk electrocution as there will be a voltage potential accross his body. The further he spreads his arms the worse it will be. So depending on how well he conducts electricity and how far his hands are apart he can be electrocuted. Second part, If the wire breaks should he let go. Absolutely, there is a good chance he wont even have time to let go if it were to break close to him. Especially if it broke over him between his hands. He would be fried crispy in moments as his body completed the circuit. And if the break were simply near him he may not escape even then as electricity can arc from him to the wire depending on how it falls. Either way his odds of survival are slim to nill.
Note: The wire in the cables is ridiculously strong so the odds of a break are slim. Also his hands probably arent strong enough to catch the wire if he fell from a hight high enough to land on high voltage lines. And thirdly, those wires have no insulation so unless he was wearing gloves the minute circuits that form in the differn't parts of his hands that touch the wire would cause painful burns. And Finally, he probably wouldnt be able to let go of the wires as his hands would be clamped shut on account of the current flow. Hope that helps.
2007-10-16 18:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by imunalia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the person is not grounded, then he wouldn't be electrocuted. If the wire breaks, then he needs to get as far away as possible from the wire before it hits the ground.
If he should still be alive, then he would need to hop on one foot, if possible, away from the wire. The ground will absorb the voltage and if you try to run away and take large steps and have both feet on the ground, there will be a difference of potential between his legs and the current will flow through his legs and could electrocute the person.
2007-10-16 18:12:26 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't grab onto the wire anyway. I would rather take my chances on hitting something else than a high voltage wire. I'm not ready to leave yet.
2007-10-16 18:08:45 · answer #5 · answered by Navita M 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hmm if you touch one wire nothing happens- its when the body touches 2 wires then a charge will jump between the two and you will fry.
the second one if you break the wire they the current is broken the charge will look to attach its self to a earthing object you
2007-10-16 18:09:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He would not be electocuted because he was not earthed while being suspended in the air. If the wire breaks, he should let go as he gets close to the ground, otherwise he could get fried.
2007-10-16 18:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by Myself 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is one wire, he should be fine, now if he touches the ground, good bye guy. Main thing is not to give the electricity a path to ground.
2007-10-16 18:09:25 · answer #8 · answered by darktexan2000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
safe, like a bird on a wire,
touching a tree or ground and the wire, he would be electrocuted
2007-10-16 18:11:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he only touches one wire he would be OK . If the wire breaks he should throw it away from himself.
2007-10-16 18:08:49 · answer #10 · answered by Teacher 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋