This document, which is a Technical Report, provides general information on the assessment of contact current related to human exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. The contact currents in this context occur when a human body comes into contact with a conductive object that is non-electrified but exposed to an electric field or magnetic field or both at a different electric potential owing to electric or magnetic induction to the object. This is distinguished from the issue of electrical safety where contact with live parts of a conductive object is dealt with.

In reference to the international EMF guidelines [1], [2], and [3]1, the frequency range of contact current covered in this document is DC to 110 MHz, and only steady-state (continuous) contact currents are covered. Transient contact currents (spark discharges) which can occur immediately before the contact with the object are not covered.