I continue to explain complex things in simple language, so that even a non-specialist can understand it. And today we will talk about step voltage.
If a power line wire falls to the ground, then in this place where it fell, it is quite dangerous to stand, walk and do something.
Attention! If you find yourself close to this phenomenon, that is, a power line wire fell next to you, no matter what voltage, consider that it is energized! Which means it's dangerous!
And first of all, you need to move away from him. Moreover, this must be done in a special way - you do not need to run, do not jump, do not crawl, but you need to walk in a special way.
The legs should be closed, the sole should not come off the sole and slide along one another.
In this way, you need to move at least 8-10 meters away from the place where the wire fell. And then you can walk, run, etc.
What is step voltage and why is it dangerous?
Voltage is basically a potential difference. That is, if one potential is 100 Volts, and the second is 0 Volts, then the voltage is U = 100-0 = 100 Volts.
And if one potential is 100 V, and the second is 50 V, then U = 100-50 = 50 V.
And when the wire falls to the ground at the point of fall, the potential is highest. It is considered to be equal to the voltage of the transmission line. For example, 100,000 Volts! And gradually over 8-10 meters in connection with the spreading of the current - the potential decreases and, accordingly, at each point following from the point of fall, it will be lower and lower. You can see an illustration of this in the figure below.
And if we stand with our feet at one point and at another point, then there will be a potential difference between them. This difference is enough to kill a man!
Therefore, the point is not to tear your legs apart when you leave this zone of current spreading.
After you have left this dangerous zone, then, if possible, you need to stand and not allow anyone from outsiders to enter this zone, and also, if possible, if you have a mobile connection, call the Ministry of Emergency Situations immediately.
Why is it better not to jump?
Jumping is pretty dumb actually. Because you can stupidly fall and then you will stretch to the full length and create an even greater potential difference than it was originally (step voltage). That is, in this case, such a "lying tension", so to speak, will act on you, which instantly kills.
This is well illustrated in the figure below.
Conclusion: jumping is prohibited! It doesn't matter on one leg or two. Better not to.