Electrical burns occur when a person is directly exposed to an
electrical current. Although some electrical burns look minor on
the skin, they can cause extensive internal damage, especially
to the heart, muscles, or brain. This is a potentially serious
condition that requires care from a doctor. Electrical burns
result from accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical
appliances or wiring, such as: - Children biting on electrical
cords - Poking utensils or other metal objects into electrical
outlets or appliances, like a plugged-in toaster - Failing to
shut the power supply before making home repairs or installation
- Dropping a plugged-in appliance into water - Occupational
accidents due to, for example, electric arcs from high-voltage
power lines. (Electric arcs occur when a burst of electricity
jumps from one electrical conductor to another, such as flashes
of electricity from the wheels of an electrically powered train
or where a trolley car connects to an overhead power line.)
Symptoms may includ