Electrocution, which can lead to death, is caused by any type of electric shock due to exposure to high voltage electricity. Small currents (70 mA – 700 mA) may cause fibrillation in the heart, which can be reversed with a defibrillator. Large currents (> 1 A) may cause permanent damage via burns, and cellular damage.
Factors that determine the extent and severity of an electrocution injury include:
- Amount of voltage encountered
- Duration of contact with current
- Pathway of electricity through the body
- Type of circuit
- Type of current