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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/elec-muscles-freeze-10ma

At roughly what current level can muscles lock up so you can't let go?

Above 10 mA muscles can 'freeze'.

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  1. Above about 1 milliamp
  2. Above about 10 milliamps ✔
  3. Above about 5 amps

Why: It's current through the body that causes harm, not voltage alone. Currents above 10 mA can make you unable to release a live conductor, extending the shock.

Huh, didn't know that: The same course lists heart paralysis at 4 amps and tissue burns above 5 amps.

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Why did the electrician lose a debate? He used conductive reasoning.
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References

Answer: Above about 10 milliamps. It's current through the body that causes harm, not voltage alone. Currents above 10 mA can make you unable to release a live conductor, extending the shock.

  1. eLCOSH Electrical Safety student manual www.elcosh.org/document/1624/888/d000543/section2.html
    Currents above 10 mA can paralyze or "freeze" muscles.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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