What current level is generally described as a slight shock that is disturbing but not painful?

The current level of approximately 5mA, when applied to the human body, is recognized as a threshold where the sensation is noticeable but not painful. This level often causes a slight shock that can be startling and uncomfortable, yet it typically does not cause significant injury or discomfort.

It is important to understand that different levels of current can produce varying effects on the body, with lower levels causing more of an uncomfortable sensation. In the context of electrical safety, recognizing this threshold helps in implementing measures to prevent accidental shock in electrical work and understanding the physiological responses to electrical currents. This current level is informative when assessing safety protocols in environments where electricity is present.

Higher levels of current, such as 15mA, 20mA, and 30mA, are associated with increasing discomfort and potential harm, including the risk of involuntary muscle contractions, difficulty breathing, or even more serious medical conditions, which is why 5mA is considered a significant threshold for mildly disturbing yet generally non-injurious sensations.