Modern home electrical wiring has Ground Fault Interrupting outlets that will shut off power if an appliance is dropped in water. And the water would have to be more than a couple inches deep. Even if a lamp crashed directly in spilled water, the water would not reach the electrical part. If all this was overlooked, stepping into an electrically charged puddle would probably not kill someone. However, if they stood in the puddle and picked up the lamp and touched the wires they could get electrocuted. The current passing through the heart can kill.
Very unlikely. The puddle, either on an interior floor, or outside, will be well-grounded. Somebody stepping into the puddle, barefoot, might feel a tingle as current passes over the surface of their skin. But that's a long way from the heart.
A person can die any time; but the chances s/he will be holding an appliance when the time comes is remote. But, if the time did come to such a person, well, a deceased person cannnot be electrocuted. But wait...
It isn't you, planning on dropping the appliance, is it?
Yes, but not likely. That is because most shoes are waterproof enough for small puddles.
It would have to get the skin wet and in contact, so be deep enough to cover the shoes, unless they were sandals or had a hole in the bottom.
how deep the puddle. is the appliance "sealed" and where at in a home is this taking place? bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements and even outside have GFI receptacles (by CODE) so chance of happening are very very slim.
Not any more likely that when you touch the same items with a wet finger.
Great, thanks. What about if they'd just come in from outside and were wet from the rain?
It is possible to get electrocuted.
Don't worry, I'm not trying to kill anybody in real-life, but I need to know for a story I'm writing. Any ideas?
