What is 'touch potential'?

Touch potential refers to the voltage difference experienced between a person's hand, which may be in contact with a conductive structure, and their feet, which are in contact with the ground. This concept is crucial in electrical safety, especially when dealing with high voltage equipment, as it helps assess the risk of electric shock. If a structure becomes energized due to a fault condition, a person touching it while standing on the ground can have a significant voltage difference between points of contact, which may lead to the heart and other critical systems being exposed to dangerous electrical currents.

This situation emphasizes the importance of proper grounding and the use of protective equipment to minimize the risk of electric shock. Understanding touch potential can help professionals in the electrical field create safer working environments and take appropriate safety precautions.