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USER'S MANUAL
SECTION 7: ELECTROFISHING SAFETY (CONT.)
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Electricity needs to have a complete electrical circuit in order for current to flow. The only
way that someone can get shocked is if they become the electrical conductor to complete
the circuit. The current flows from the cathode to the anode through the water. The water
is the electrical conductor. If someone touched both the anode and the cathode, they
would become an electrical conductor and complete the circuit path and get a severe
electrical shock.
11. Effects on humans of an electrical pulse passed through the chest area.
Adapted fromThe Handbook of Electronic Safety Procedures, Edward A. Lacy. 1982 edition
260
CURRENT (Milliamps passed through chest area)
Maximum pulse duration for POW pulsators
Electrocution threshold for typical adult
Maximum permitted by UL for class A ground fault interrupter
Typical ground fault interrupter
10.0
5.0
1.0
0.5
0.1
0.05
0.01
0.005
0.001
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240
PULSE DURA
TION
Seconds
Preventing electrical shock means preventing electrical current from entering and flowing
through parts of the body. Rubber lineman’s gloves rated to at least 1,000V should always
be worn.
Even while wearing rubber gloves and waders, never touch an electrode while the circuit is
energized.
Do not work on the electrical system while the pack is plugged in.
A severe electrical shock from electrofishing gear may result in the need for artificial
respiration; therefore, it is imperative that no one ever works alone.
To prevent electrical shock, all electrical equipment should be carefully inspected before
each field operation. With all electrical equipment in good operating condition and all
insulation, junction boxes, bonding and connections intact, there is much less danger of
receiving an electrical shock.
Effects on humans of an electrical pulse passed through the chest area
WARNING:
Touching any electrode is never recommended
while backpack electrofishing.
SECTION 7