AC vs DC Which is more dangerous?

 

AC Vs DC

AC vs DC Danger:

• Both are dangerous: Both AC and DC can be lethal. The severity depends on voltage, current, duration of contact, and the path the current takes through the body. It's a misconception that DC is inherently "safer."

• Specific dangers of AC: AC's changing polarity can cause sustained muscle contractions, making it difficult to let go of the source. This prolonged exposure increases the risk. As you mentioned, the peak voltage of AC is higher than its RMS value (e.g., 120V RMS has a peak of around 170V), which can be significant.

• Specific dangers of DC: While less likely to cause fibrillation, DC can still cause severe burns due to its constant current flow. It can also cause a single, powerful muscle contraction that can throw someone away from the source (which can be both a blessing and a curse).

Current Levels and Effects:

• 0-5mA: Generally, a tingling sensation.
• Around 10mA: "Let-go current" - the point where muscle contractions make it difficult to release the source.
• Above 25mA: Risk of serious injury and death increases significantly. This is where ventricular fibrillation becomes a serious risk with AC.

Note:  The Let Go Current :  AC is around 10mA to 20mA 

                                                 DC be around 60mA to 75mA, 

Exceeding this threshold can cause severe muscle contractions and make it difficult to let go.

The severity of the shock depends on factors like voltage, current, Resistance and duration of contact.

Key Takeaway:

While the body's impedance plays a role, the primary reason AC is often considered more dangerous is its frequency, which can disrupt the heart's rhythm. 

DC or AC till some lower voltages can be touched by both the hands but if you cross certain voltage levels specifically above 40V then both DC & AC are dangerous.

Means AC Voltage of 50V could be equal to 120V DC, Above which both AC and DC are leathel.

 However, both AC and DC are potentially lethal, and safety precautions should always be taken with any electrical source.