2MB26 t1_j6kkb2m wrote on January 30, 2023 at 11:54 PM

Reply to comment by DressCritical in ELI5: Why can't people let go when they're being electrocuted? by TheRadNinja46

How does touching the back of their hand to metal protect them?

paulmarchant t1_j6kld4p wrote on January 31, 2023 at 12:01 AM

The theory is that the muscle contraction pulls your hand / arm away from the electrified thing you touched, rather than pushing you on to it.

travelinmatt76 t1_j6kw4rf wrote on January 31, 2023 at 1:20 AM

Well the first step is to verify power is off, then check with a meter or detector, then the final step is to use the back of the hand.

Salindurthas t1_j6l59fl wrote on January 31, 2023 at 2:28 AM

Instructions unclear, I backhanded the meter.

See_Bee10 t1_j6lkwa8 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 4:33 AM

If you touch with the back of your hand, you might get shocked but when/if your hand locks up it won't grab on to anything. The electricity itself isn't holding you, it just interferes with the way your brain talks to your muscles and you end up holding yourself.