Electric current felt over PC case - Need help

[stuckkie]

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.

 

[Kaktussoft]

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

 

[stuckkie]

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

 

[Dwarf]

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)?

 

[stuckkie]

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).

 

[Kaktussoft]

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

 

[stuckkie]

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?

 

[TVeblen]

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?

 

[TVeblen]

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.

 

[stuckkie]

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.

 

[Golden]

The same electric current happens whether the PC is running or turned off, as long as it's plugged into the socket.

That indicates a fault with the socket. Can you test for the same symptoms on another socket in a different room?

Regards,
Golden

 

[essenbe]

There have been several incidents with some Cooler Master cases where the front panel connectors are shorted out leading to static electricity grounding to the case. The symptoms are different than yours, but could be caused by the same issue. http://www.sevenforums.com/overclocking-case-mods/128058-haf-x-short-static-front-usb-panel.html

 

[Saltgrass]

When you moved, was it a Country type change, or just local where they use the same electrical system?

 

[stuckkie]

The same electric current happens whether the PC is running or turned off, as long as it's plugged into the socket.

That indicates a fault with the socket. Can you test for the same symptoms on another socket in a different room?

Regards,
Golden

I tested it in other rooms sockets, same problem. None of the other electrical items in my home have the same problem, even when plugged into the same sockets.

 

[stuckkie]

There have been several incidents with some Cooler Master cases where the front panel connectors are shorted out leading to static electricity grounding to the case. The symptoms are different than yours, but could be caused by the same issue. http://www.sevenforums.com/overclocking-case-mods/128058-haf-x-short-static-front-usb-panel.html

Thanks for the link. How can I check mine is effected by this?

Update: I jist tried disconnecting the top I/O panel, but the problem was still there.

 

[stuckkie]

When you moved, was it a Country type change, or just local where they use the same electrical system?

Local move (same country).

 

[stuckkie]

Anyone?

 

[essenbe]

I think at this point, we are all guessing. But, I would start looking inside the case for a bad connection, a frayed wire touching the case or a standoff that is in a place it shouldn't be or one that is loose. Due to the fact it started after a move, it sounds like there is some difference in the wiring in the new house or something shorted out on the computer during the move.