Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Which factor does NOT influence the severity of an electrical shock?

1. Moisture on skin

2. Voltage level

3. Body weight

4. Protective clothing

The correct answer is: Body weight

The factor that does not influence the severity of an electrical shock is body weight. When a person comes into contact with an electrical source, the severity of the shock primarily depends on the characteristics of the electrical current itself, which includes voltage level, current type (AC or DC), and conditions of exposure, such as moisture on the skin. Moisture on the skin reduces its resistance, allowing more current to flow through the body, thus increasing the severity of the shock. Voltage level is critical as higher voltages can overcome the body's natural resistance, leading to a more severe electric shock. Protective clothing can also impact the likelihood of receiving a shock, depending on whether it is designed to insulate and protect against electrical hazards. In contrast, body weight does not significantly affect the outcome of an electric shock because the key factors influencing the electric flow through the body are more related to the circuit's characteristics rather than the physical mass of the individual. Thus, body weight is not a determinant of the severity of electrical shock.