Should someone go to hospital after an electric shock?

Yes. Anyone who has received a shock from the 230V mains supply should seek medical attention, even if they feel fine. Electric shock can cause cardiac arrhythmias that develop hours after the event. Call 999 for severe shocks or 111 for advice on minor shocks.

Why did the RCD not protect the person?

If the RCD did not trip during the shock, it may be faulty, may not have been tested regularly, or the circuit may not have RCD protection. Some older installations have no RCD. An electrician should test the RCD and the installation immediately.

Can a minor shock still be dangerous?

Yes. Even a brief shock that causes a tingling sensation means mains current has passed through the body. The sensation may be brief, but any current flow through the chest area can affect the heart. Always seek medical advice.

How do I make my home safer from electric shocks?

Ensure your consumer unit has 30mA RCD protection on all circuits (especially socket circuits). Have an EICR carried out to check the condition of your installation. Test your RCDs monthly using the test button. Never use damaged appliances or cables.

Is it safe to touch someone who is being shocked?

Do not touch them if they are still in contact with the electrical source. Turn off the power first, or use a dry, non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to separate them from the source. Only then provide first aid.

Emergency

Updated 30 August 2026

Someone Got An Electric Shock

Someone in your home has received an electric shock from a socket, appliance, or fitting.

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What's happening?

An electric shock occurs when electric current passes through the body. In a UK home, this is most commonly caused by touching a faulty appliance, a damaged cable, or a live component in a socket or switch. The severity depends on the current, duration, and path through the body. Even a brief shock from the 230V mains supply can be fatal if the current passes through the heart.

What usually causes it?

Touching a faulty appliance with an earth fault
Inserting fingers or objects into a damaged socket
Touching exposed wiring from a damaged cable or fitting
Using electrical equipment with wet hands or in wet conditions
Missing or failed earth connection on a metal-cased appliance

Is it dangerous?

This is a medical emergency. Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest, burns, muscle damage, and internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Even if the person appears fine, they should always seek medical attention after a mains voltage shock. Delayed cardiac arrhythmias can occur hours after the shock.

Can I fix it myself?

First, ensure the power source is off: turn off the main switch or unplug the appliance. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source. If they are unconscious or not breathing, call 999 and begin CPR. If they are conscious, do not let them move around: keep them still and call for medical help. Even a person who feels fine should attend A&E or call 111 for advice, as delayed effects are possible.

When should you call an electrician?

After the medical emergency has been dealt with, call an electrician to inspect the source of the shock. The appliance or part of the installation that caused the shock must be identified, isolated, and repaired before it can be used again. The electrician should also verify that the RCD protection is working correctly, as a functioning RCD should have prevented a sustained shock.

What will the electrician actually do?

Identify the source of the electric shock (appliance, socket, wiring)
Test the RCD to determine why it did not prevent the shock
Check the earthing system for the property, as many shocks result from poor earthing
Test the faulty appliance or circuit for insulation and earth continuity faults
Repair or replace the faulty component and any failed protective devices
Carry out an EICR if the shock suggests wider installation deficiencies