As H2O is a very poor electricity conductor, it needs NaCl mixed into it to be a good conductor. Then, why is water very dangerous near electricity?

Question

As H2O is a very poor electricity conductor, it needs NaCl mixed into it to be a good conductor. Then, why is water very dangerous near electricity?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

There are always some dissolved ions in water which allow it to conduct electricity. It does not have to be NaCl. Even rainwater contains carbonic acid from atmospheric CO2, which dissociates into H+ and HCO3- ions, along with some others.