What is the maximum safe current that can pass through a human body?

The maximum safe current that can pass through the human body is often cited within the range of 10mA to 20mA. This level is significant because currents above this threshold can lead to more severe effects, such as muscle contractions that can render a person unable to let go of a source of electricity, as well as an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal.

Understanding the risks associated with electrical current through the human body is critical in electrical safety practices. For instance, a current of 5mA is generally considered to be the threshold for perception, while currents around 30mA and above can be life-threatening. Therefore, the range of 10mA to 20mA represents a point where current can become hazardous while still being below the levels that are typically recognized as dangerous enough to cause serious injury or death. This value is important for setting safety limits in industrial and electrical work environments, ensuring that measures are taken to protect individuals from exposure to electrical hazards.