Calculation of Human Body Resistance at Power Frequency Using Anatomic Numerical Human Model

AbstractContact current flows through the human body when a high voltage line worker touches a distribution line that results in a high potential difference. In most cases it is difficult to measure how much contact current flows in the body. But, it is possible to determine the contact current easily if the body impedance between the two points of contact is known. Recently, development of an anatomic numerical human model with high resolution, and advancement of computer technology, have made calculations using such human models possible. We intend in this study to establish the electrical properties of a numerical model. The internal human body resistance between left wrist and left ankle, which was the typical current pathway at 60Hz, was calculated using the model. From this result, partial resistance and current density on the cross-sectional plane of the body model can be visually viewed. The calculated value of the internal human body resistance was 1181Ω and had a value of about 2-fold compared to the 500-700Ω value given in measurement results. Further work is necessary to fully understand the cause of this discrepancy, however some possible reasons are discussed