What primarily causes fibrillation according to electrical standards?

Fibrillation primarily results from exposure to alternating current (AC). This is due to the way AC interacts with the human body. When an individual is exposed to an AC electric shock, the continuous change in direction of the current can disrupt the normal electrical signals of the heart. This interference can lead to chaotic heart rhythms, specifically ventricular fibrillation, which is a life-threatening condition where the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.

In contrast, direct current (DC) tends to cause muscle contraction and may lead to burns or other injuries but is less likely to induce fibrillation when compared to AC. High voltage, while it can certainly contribute to serious injuries, is not the primary factor for causing fibrillation unless in the context of AC exposure. Static electricity, while it can cause minor shocks, does not typically have enough energy to induce fibrillation. Thus, alternating current stands as the primary concern when discussing electrical standards and the risk of fibrillation in a safety context.