Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree, shorts (neutral to hot) only have the breaker for protection. That is not something you will likely survive (waiting for the breaker to trip).
However, as Bob said, shorts are rare causes of electrical shocks (while using tools and equipment, definitely a possibility when "experimenting" with receptacle outlets). Ground faults are much more common because the person is touching ground becomes part of the ground path.
During a short, the person would actually need to get between the hot and neutral to get a shock, unless they managed to get to the short and touch ground, but then the ground fault kicks in.
I've made "short circuit" contacts before, installing something and I make contact with the hot and neutral at the some time (I know, I should not be working on it 'live'). Mr. or Mrs. Average Homeowner, however, is more likely to get zapped with a ground fault.
That said, you do make a good point about shorts not having any protection from GFCI.
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Jerry Peck
South Florida