Red Seal Electrician Practice
Safety and work practicesQuestion 615 of 1506

A power line has fallen to the ground. How can a person who never touches the line still be shocked?

  1. The line makes the air around it a perfect conductor for an hour.
  2. Electrons jump from the line to any person within about 10 m.
  3. The ground becomes a good insulator and traps all the voltage.
  4. The earth voltage changes with distance, so the feet differ.
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Correct answer: The earth voltage changes with distance, so the feet differ.

Current spreads through the earth to the system ground, and the voltage drop in the earth can appear across a person's feet.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 3.7: Common Sources of Hazard

Practice safety and work practices

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026