How can potential differences between metal enclosures lead to electric shock?

When a person touches two metal enclosures that are at different potential differences, a path can be created for electric current to flow through the body. This phenomenon can occur when one enclosure is properly grounded while the other is not, or if they are connected to different ground potentials. The difference in voltage between the two enclosures causes a potential that can drive electrical current through a person's body, resulting in an electric shock.

The risk of shock is particularly high in environments where electrical equipment may not be properly grounded or when metal enclosures are used for equipment that can become energized. Understanding this principle is essential for ensuring safety when working with or around electrical installations.

The other possible effects, such as causing short circuits, creating ground loops, or facilitating voltage drop, may pose their own risks but do not directly explain how different potentials can lead to current passing through a person. These concepts, while related to electrical safety, do not directly address the mechanism of shock through contact with enclosures of differing electrical potential.