Low Grade Shock from Case

[ZeroEffect]

I build my systems in Enlight mid-towers and don't bother putting the side and front
panel on after i'm done. Last night i touced the metal that's exposed on my CD-ROM
and felt a low grade "shock". It's not a "zap" shot, but the feel of current.

I got out my multi-meter and measured 20mV DC. All exposed metal on the case
provides the shock. I use an Enermax Noisetaker PSU that's new. With shoes on you
don't feel the current.

Could this be a bad PSU, or a low voltage short on the case somewhere? Everything else
runs fine. Measured normal DC voltage coming from the PSU.

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum..

TIA,

m.

 

[slash196]

Weird...I can't help you on that one. I'd just be worried about your components. Maybe turn the computer off until you get it worked out?

 

[Jeff7]

The outlet it's plugged into might not be properly grounded. A hardware store, or a hardware department should have a little thing, probably only around $3, that you plug into the outlet, and it'll tell you if you've got any wiring problems.

It'll probably just show an open ground connection.
And be glad that the hot/neutrals aren't reversed; you'd be in for close to a 120V shock then.

And set the VOM to volts AC and see what it registers. Try pressing one lead into the floor (cement floor perhaps?) and the other to the case. See what reading it gives then.

 

[ZeroEffect]

Thanks Jeff7

I just looked at my APC UPS and it is indicating Building Wiring Fault via it's LED.

Funny thing is when i plugged in the UPS for the first time at this location i thought
that LED warning checked out OK. Goes to show you can never be to safe.

I checked the AC reading at the same time and got 0V.

If i can't get the outlet wired properly, i'll have to change locations.

Thanks for the help.

Morris