I’ve just watched an old tv show where the main character is tortured in someone’s basement with a live wire. The current is obviously flowing from the wire, through him and into the ground. Why does this not cause the fuse to blow?
I think this is probably just an error on their part, but I’m kinda curious now if that’s actually correct or not. I’m tempted to steal the idea for a book I’m writing but I’d need to know first whether or not that’s a valid method of torturing someone (never thought I’d find myself writing that sentence 😆).
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No, it is very unlikely it would blow a fuse/circuit breaker. The human body has too much electrical resistance, so not enough current will flow to blow the fuse.
Fuses and circuit breakers are there to protect the wiring from overheating. They aren’t intended to protect people from being electrocuted. But in newer homes (since maybe the 1980’s) you are likely to find GFCI devices (ground-fault circuit interrupter — the name in the USA). These are intended to protect people from electrocution. These would trip and prevent the torture situation. GFCI devices are most often seen in the bathroom, kitchen, and outside outlets. But they can be anywhere. I believe there are some that can protect the entire house.
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