Electricity flows easily through metal conductors.

conductors

But it can also flow through water.

We are mostly made of water, so people can conduct electricity too.

People can conduct electricity.

And that means electricity can be very dangerous.

Dangers of Electricity

This farmer is fertilising a field.

When he's finished, the tractor's long arms must fold upwards, so that the tractor can travel on the road.

The farmer doesn't realise he's directly below an overhead power line.

As the metal arm touches the cable, electricity tries to flow through the metal tractor to the ground.

But it can't.

The rubber tyres stop it, because rubber is an insulator.

insulator

Electricity does not flow easily through insulators.

Because the electricity can't reach the ground, the farmer is safe.

However, when he gets out of the tractor, he is in extreme danger.

The farmer is a conductor, so the electricity now has a path to the ground.

The current flows from the power line, through the tractor, into the farmer's hand, out through his foot, and into the ground.

He receives an enormous electric shock, and is very lucky to survive.

Large electric shocks can stop your heart.

But you can stay safe if you treat electricity with respect.

Don't put anything except a plug into a socket.

Don't touch exposed wires.

Stay away from overhead power lines.

Electricity can be deadly. Treat it with respect.