INTRODUCTION

Friends! hold onto your hats (and maybe your grounding rods too) because we're about to dive into a shockingly electrifying topic. Picture this: electricians working with danger on those high-wire acts we call electric post line works, everyday folks playing Russian roulette with their electrical devices, and even our trusty mobile phone batteries staging a rebellion. And don't even get me started on the explosive antics of electric vehicle batteries, especially those mischievous ones from OLA! But wait, before you roll your eyes or start dialing 911, let's take a moment to acknowledge the sobering reality: these incidents aren't just sparks of mischief; they're causing real harm, from minor injuries to tragic losses. So, as we embark on this electrifying journey of knowledge and maybe a few chuckles, let's also keep a firm grip on safety because when it comes to electricity, there's no room for shocking surprises! 

In a shocking turn of events blending science and tragedy, Georg Wilhelm Richmann, a Russian physicist known for his electrifying experiments on electricity, atmospheric phenomena, and calorimetry, met his untimely demise in 1753, when his attempt to ground an electrical discharge from a storm resulted in a fatal encounter with apparent ball lightning. 

Now, it's our time to explore it. Let's begin! 

In discussions about electrical safety, you've probably heard the classic line: "It's not the voltage that kills, it's current!" While there's truth to this, the reality of shock hazards is more nuanced than a catchy phrase. If voltage posed no threat, we wouldn't see signs screaming: DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE!

Indeed, the notion that "current kills" holds weight. Electric current inflicts tissue burns, muscle freezes, and heart fibrillation. However, current doesn't act alone—it needs voltage to push it through a victim's body. Additionally, the body's resistance affects the flow of current and must be considered.

Figure 1.1 : Illustration to understand potential difference, current & resistance