Electric current felt over PC case - Need help

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  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
       #1

    Electric current felt over PC case - Need help


    I moved recently to a new place, and hooked up my desktop PC. However, for some reason, there now seems to be a faint electric current running over my PC case. If I press my finger against the metal case, I can feel a tingling sensation which becomes painful if I hold my finger against it for too long. I've never had this problem before.

    I tried Googling my problem, and only found this thread: [Solved] Electric current felt all over the case - Power-Supplies-PC-Cases-Case-Mods - CPU-Components
    I seem to be having the same problem as him. I also have the same case (Cooler Master nVidia edition chassis).

    Does this have something to do with my case not being properly "grounded"? I'd like someone to explain what that means, and how I can fix this. Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 10,796
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #2

    Are power plug and power outlet both grounded?! Also extension cord if attached?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Kaktussoft said:
    Are power plug and power outlet both grounded?! Also extension cord if attached?
    What does that mean? I'm not using an extension cord, it's plugged directly into the wall. The plug looks like this: European Power Cord, Europe Power Cords, Cables, DF03
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9,582
    Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
       #4

    Do you only get this when your PC is running? Do you still get it if your PC is merely plugged into the mains, but without the socket being switched on? Do you get the same effect from any other appliances that you can try in the same socket (e.g. a toaster or kettle)?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Dwarf said:
    Do you only get this when your PC is running? Do you still get it if your PC is merely plugged into the mains, but without the socket being switched on? Do you get the same effect from any other appliances that you can try in the same socket (e.g. a toaster or kettle)?
    The same electric current happens whether the PC is running or turned off, as long as it's plugged into the socket.
    No, there is no current if it's plugged in with the socket switch off.
    I tried connecting a TV to the socket, and it ran normally (I tried feeling the metal connectors on the back of the TV, no current).
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,796
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #6

    Something is leaking current to computer case and case isn't grounded!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Kaktussoft said:
    Something is leaking current to computer case and case isn't grounded!
    Ok, but what does that mean? How do I "ground" the case? And how do I find out what is leaking?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #8

    In the picture of the electrical plug you can see 2 prongs and then a hole. That hole should be a third prong - which is the ground line. Does your plug have a ground prong? Does the wall outlet?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,292
    Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
       #9

    In a normal PC setup all of the grounding goes to and through the power supply. The power supply is then connected to the building's ground wiring through the ground plug in the wall socket.

    Some cases add a separate ground wire (Antec is one) to ground the case. Usually from the front panel connections to the normal grounding path. This separate ground is forward thinking to avoid any static electric charge from running through the motherboard.

    If you have this separate case ground wire, but the power supply does not have a path (through the power cord) to the building ground, then the power supply could be grounding to the case, explaining the charge you can feel.

    That said it is still not normal for a constant electric charge to be running to ground. This usually indicates a short circuit in a DC system or an "open neutral" in an AC system.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    TVeblen said:
    In the picture of the electrical plug you can see 2 prongs and then a hole. That hole should be a third prong - which is the ground line. Does your plug have a ground prong? Does the wall outlet?
    This is what the cable is connected to at the wall socket: Laptop Supermarket - Brighton Euro to uk plug / power adapter Computer accessories, peripherals, lowest prices
    This is what the wall socket looks like: wall outlet socket , Manufacturers from Casenl Electrical Co., Ltd.
      My Computer


 
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