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Electricity

Electrical Outlets

Why is it dangerous to operate electrical devices in bathtubs, showers, and over full sinks?

Although water reduces the resistance of the human body and thus makes it more susceptible to electrical shock, it is the plumbing that is the main hazard. Take, for example, a person who likes to watch a plugged-in TV while sitting in the bathtub. If the TV is not connected to a GFI-protected circuit and fell into the tub, the water would come in contact with the 120-volt wires in the TV. With the metal plumbing of the tub connected to ground, the grounding path would cause a current through the water. Unfortunately, this translates into a bad day for the bather; an mp-3 player or battery-powered smart phone is much safer.



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