Why Don't Birds get Electric current...when they land on electrical wi...
Why Don't Birds get Electric current when they land on electrical wires?
It is a common observation that birds often sit on electrical wires without getting an electric shock. This is surprising because electrical wires carry high voltage electric current, which is enough to kill humans and animals. However, birds seem to be unaffected by this electrical current. This can be explained by several factors.
1. Insulation of Feathers
One of the main reasons why birds do not get electric shocks is that their feathers act as insulators. Feathers are made of keratin, which is a poor conductor of electricity. This means that when a bird lands on an electrical wire, the voltage in the wire does not pass through the bird's body and into the ground. Instead, the feathers act as a barrier that prevents the electricity from reaching the bird's internal organs.
2. Lack of Grounding
Another reason why birds do not get electric shocks is that they are not grounded. In electrical terms, grounding means that a conductor is connected to the earth, which provides a path for the electric current to flow. When a human or animal touches an electrical wire, they become part of the electrical circuit, and the current flows through their body and into the ground. However, birds are not grounded, so the electric current cannot flow through their body.
3. Short Circuiting
Finally, birds may be able to avoid electric shocks because they are able to short circuit the electrical current. When a bird lands on an electrical wire, it creates a circuit between the wire and the ground. However, birds have a unique physiology that allows them to avoid being part of the circuit. Their feet are spaced apart, so the electrical current cannot pass through their body. Instead, the current flows from one foot to the other, bypassing the bird's internal organs.
In conclusion
In summary, birds do not get electric shocks when they land on electrical wires because their feathers act as insulators, they are not grounded, and they are able to short circuit the electrical current. These factors help to protect birds from the potentially lethal effects of high voltage electricity.