what is step potential

Step potential is the voltage difference between the two feet of a person standing near an energized, grounded object. It is the voltage difference between the feet of a person near an energized, grounded object, and it can be deadly for anyone who comes into contact with it. Step potential occurs when current is flowing from an overhead conductor through a chain-link fence to the earth, creating a high-voltage condition and a voltage gradient based on the resistivity of the soil, resulting in a voltage difference between two points on the ground. Touch potential, on the other hand, is the voltage between any two points on a persons body, such as hand to hand, shoulder to back, elbow to hip, hand to foot, and so on. It is important to understand step and touch potential when working on or around downed energized conductors, as they can cause serious injury or death.