If you would throw an electrical device into the ocean , how big would the area where you can get electrocuted be?

Question

If you would throw an electrical device into the ocean , how big would the area where you can get electrocuted be?

In: Physics

Answer 1

This depends on the device, many devices would result in more current flowing directly between internal conductors exposed to seawater than from terminals to “earth”.

Based on the voltage level, grounding arrangement of the system, and the available current there would be a current and voltage gradient of varying size centered on the exposed conductors.

Edit: reworded first paragraph regarding flow of current to earth.