Ever wonder what is the speed of electricity? We know it’s fast, but are we talking Superman-fast or speed-of-light fast? Electricity is a fascinating topic for young and old alike.
Mr. Electric® is here to give you the answers to this popular question about electricity, along with some important safety tips to keep yourself and others safe around household electricity.
As Fast as the Speed of Light
While we can’t tell you how fast Superman can fly, we can confirm that the electromagnetic waves of electricity travel at nearly the speed of light, which is 670,616,629 miles per hour. How fast is this? It’s mind-boggling, really. Picture this: If you were as fast as electricity, you could travel around Earth eight times in the time it takes someone to flip on a light switch!
Accidents Can Also Happen in a Flash
Because the speed that electricity travels is so fast, the effects of electricity are immediate once you come in contact with it. You may think you can pull away from an electrical shock to avoid injury, but due to the speed, there is no chance of shock avoidance.
When a person comes in direct contact with a strong electrical current, like from a live household wire, their muscles tighten in such a way that they are physically unable to let go or release from the source. Even touching someone who is being shocked is highly dangerous and can pull you into the electrical circuit. The human body is a strong conductor of electricity. Why? Because electricity flows quickly through water, and the human body is composed of 70 percent water.
Electricity Safety Tips
Electricity is fast, amazing, and incredibly important in our daily lives, but it’s important to know how to stay safe from common electrical dangers.
Here are some tips for smart, safe use of electricity:
- Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet or one extension cord. Doing so can cause damage to your electrical system and could lead to a fire.
- Secure electrical cords out of the way so pets or babies don’t chew on them.
- If you have infants or young children, install child-proof outlets in your home.
- Gently pull electrical cords from the wall at the plug rather than yanking the cord out of the wall. Pulling the cord can fray the wires inside and pose a shock risk.
- Be aware of nearby electrical power lines prior to climbing a ladder or a tree and before using chainsaws or other equipment.
- Always keep electrical items away from water—the majority of electrical accidents happen when people use electricity too close to water.
Finally, if you are troubleshooting electrical outlets or wiring in your home, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and contact your local licensed electricians at Mr. Electric for professional advice and assistance.
While we can’t all be as fast as Superman, or as quick as the speed of light, our expert technicians will be there for you when you need us. Call us to get more information or connect with us online to schedule an appointment today.
