Introduction
In order to determine whether of the two current types—220V DC (direct current) or 220V AC (alternating current)—is more harmful, one must take into account a number of physiological shock-related aspects as well as the features of each.
First and first, it’s critical to realise that, depending on the situation, 220V AC and 220V DC may both be dangerous and even fatal. Rather than only the voltage, the current that flows through the body poses the biggest risk in electrical shocks. Tissue destruction, cardiac fibrillation, and other severe ailments are brought on by current.
The way that AC and DC impact the human body is one important distinction between them. Depending on the frequency of the power, the current in AC periodically reverses direction and crosses the zero point 50 or 60 times per second. Muscles may continually contract and relax as a result of this abrupt shift, which might make it harder for someone to extricate themselves from the shock source. The “let-go” effect is a phenomena that might raise the possibility of suffering serious injuries.
DC, on the other hand, only ever flows in one direction and never switches polarity. This implies that, in contrast to AC, the body could find it easier to extricate itself from the source of the shock, even if it might still result in muscular tetanus (continuous contraction). Furthermore, because AC involves repetitive muscular contractions, it might result in deeper tissue damage compared to DC, which tends to generate localised tissue damage at the point of contact.
The possibility that AC will result in ventricular fibrillation, a potentially fatal disorder in which the heart’s rhythm becomes irregular, is another thing to take into account. Compared to DC, AC is more prone to cause atrial fibrillation at lower voltages. Consequently, even if 220V AC and 220V DC are equally hazardous, there may be a greater chance of cardiac arrest with AC at the same voltage level.
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that 220V AC and DC may both be dangerous and shouldn’t be taken lightly. While DC has its own risks, such as localised tissue injury, AC may be more likely to induce ventricular fibrillation and the “let-go” effect may make it more difficult to extricate oneself from the shock source. Ultimately, while dealing with any kind of current, taking the right safety measures and being aware of electrical risks are essential.
