Whenever we encounter a fallen power transmission line or live wire, there is a tendency to approach it. Some people mistakenly believe that it poses no harm as long as they don't touch the wire, but this assumption is incorrect. It is always better to maintain a distance of 8m to 10m from a fallen power line because even though you are not physically touching it, a fallen power line can still electrocute you.
When a fault or accident occurs in a high-voltage system and if the overhead transmission line makes contact with the ground, it can create a voltage gradient in the ground in the form of ripples. As shown below :-
If a person's feet are at different points along this gradient, a potential difference can exist between their feet. This potential difference can result in a current flowing through the person's body, potentially leading to electric shock and death of a person. This phenomenon is called as Step Potential
To avoid electric shock when encountering a fallen transmission line, maintain a distance of 6 to 8 meters from the power line. Alternatively, keep your feet as close together as possible to prevent the creation of a potential difference between them.
Never touch or go near an electrical fence:-
If a person comes into contact with a conductive object (such as a fence or equipment) that is at a different potential due to a ground fault, there is a potential for electric shock as shown in the above image. This is called as touch potential. Touch potential is concerned with the voltage difference between the point of contact and the ground at a different potential. It may cause severe damage to Your body.
Both Step & Touch potentials are Potential Hazards for the human body.
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