Under what condition will a person receive an electrical shock?

A person receives an electrical shock when part of their body completes an electrical circuit. This occurs when a conductive path allows electricity to flow through the body, effectively joining one point of electrical potential to another. For a shock to happen, there needs to be a sufficient voltage difference and a complete circuit that includes the person's body as a conductor.

This phenomenon explains why proper insulation, safety practices, and protective equipment—such as gloves or insulated tools—are crucial when working with or near electrical sources. Protective devices like GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) are designed to prevent electric shock by cutting off the power if they detect an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current, but their presence does not inherently prevent shock if a circuit is completed through a person.

The condition of being an “unqualified” worker indicates a lack of specific training and knowledge about electrical systems, which might increase the risk of electrocution; however, it does not directly cause shock. Similarly, wearing gloves can offer protection, depending on their material and condition, whereas a GFCI can help reduce risk but does not eliminate the possibility of shock if a person inadvertently completes a circuit.