I'm sorry this is an ignorant question. I am working on hooking up leds for my raspberry pi. I keep hearing about mains power and how dangerous it is. I'm using a 5v adapter that is plugged into an outlet. If something goes wrong and I get shocked will I be okay? This might be a really stupid question, but I figured I would be better safe than sorry.
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2\$\begingroup\$ Shocked from the 5V end of the adapter? You're going to need to be covered in salt water to make that happen. \$\endgroup\$– SamuelCommented Nov 20, 2015 at 23:13
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3\$\begingroup\$ "If something goes wrong" then potentially you could simply die. AC power voltages are able to kill you but it all depends on the "thing" that goes wrong. For instance, if you choose to wrap yourself in mains AC cable and there is a pretty serious breakdown of the insulation then you'll probably die rapidly but not quick enough so you don't smell your skin and liver frying or your eyeballs popping. \$\endgroup\$– Andy akaCommented Nov 21, 2015 at 1:07
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3 Answers
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As long as you are using an approved consumer power supply (such UL, TUV etc depending on your locale in the world) it is designed such you are not normally exposed to any hazards. This assumes you don't do anything foolish such open it's sealed enclosure or dunk it in water.
So - no the 5V cord coming out of it should pose no risk to you. Voltages below 48V are not considered hazardous to humans.
But don't stick any wires into an AC wall outlet.
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Short answer is: its possible.
There is a famous case about a woman who died after answering her phone. Reportedly it was a fake chargers fault.
Take a look at this article reviewing different chargers.
Note that many cheap chargers do not respect regulations and recommendations needed for safety certification.
If you take the right precautions and use decent gear you will be much safer though and shouldnt worry.
answered Nov 20, 2015 at 23:50
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1\$\begingroup\$ Also question here about that: electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/116895/… \$\endgroup\$ Commented Nov 21, 2015 at 5:51
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The adaptor is supposed to be insulated to prevent this, even in the case of internal failure. The only circumstance it could go wrong is if it's an illegally sold one with false CE/UL certification.
