The document discusses common misconceptions about electricity. It notes that the neutral conductor in an electrical circuit is energized despite its name, that overhead power lines have a gas layer making contact equivalent to direct contact, and that circuit breakers need regular testing to ensure they will trip properly as their effectiveness decreases over time without being operated or tested. It also explains that low voltages can still be dangerous as the amount of current needed to cause fibrillation is relatively low.

1. Safety Tip
Misconceptions
about Electricity

2. Misconceptions
Neutral is energized. The neutral is the
return path for the electrical circuit.
Just because the NEC defines it as the
“grounded conductor” does not mean it’s
not energized.

3. Misconceptions
Overhead service drop conductors are insulated.
Conductors entering the building have a black
covering to protect against weathering and external
damage, not insulate the voltage. High voltage
conductors have a region of ionized gas around
them where the electrons from the air molecules
have been knocked out of their orbit and are
spinning around inside the gas. Breaking the plane
of the gas is equivalent to direct contact with the
conductor. Recommended to stay minimum of 10
feet from overhead service drops depending on the
size.

4. Misconceptions
Untested, unproven circuit breakers will trip every
time. If circuit breakers are left in service and not
operated, their chances of operating correctly
decrease every year.
3-5 years: 30% chance of malfunction
7-10 years: 50% chance of malfunction
17-20 years: 90% chance of malfunction
Don’t assume a piece of equipment is going to
operate properly unless it’s been regularly
inspected, maintained and tested.

5. Misconceptions
Low voltage will only give you a tingle, nothing
more. Typically when you are shocked, electrical
current passes from our hands to our feet. The
current passes through socks, shoes, flooring
covering and finally reaches the ground. These
layers reduce current flow through a person’s
body. The average man has about 1000 ohms of
resistance. For 120v contact, ohms law shows
120mA of current flow. It only takes 75mA of
current for a duration of 5 seconds to cause a
person’s heart to fibrillate.

6. Stay tuned for more safety tips
and always remember,
Think Safety!
www.powersafeautomation.com ● psa365@powersafeautomation.com