my system is SHOCKING!!!

[jayR]

I just put together a system and I am getting a lot of shocks from my case.

Its in my basement which is pretty dry but I don't think its static electricity. I don't seem to be getting shocks from other metal objects.

My outlet ground tester shows the outlet ground is ok.

Did I do something wrong in my build? I am pretty new to complete new builds.

 

[Texun]

Are you getting nailed every time you touch it? If you are sure you have a good ground I would use a volt meter and check the case against the ground - use the center screw that holds the wall plate to the socket. Sounds like the PSU may have a floating ground. Just my guess.

 

[pspada]

but if it's enough to shock you, it's likely to wreak havoc with your system! :Q

 

[jayR]

Thanks Texun and pspada.

I haven't been able to check it yet but I have ... a ... question that is a little embarassing to ask. (Because I should have known this before I started.) I attached the mobo to the case with metal standoffs. Is this ok? or do I have to use plastic? If that is the problem I'll be feeling reaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllly dumb.

 

[MedicBob]

Metal standoffs are fine, I prefer them actually. Use a multimeter, or borrow one, and check the ground. My bet is static, but it doesn't hurt to chek. I am assuming the computer works fine?

 

[McArra]

Maybe the Mobo is too tight and it's making contact with the case plate... don't tighten the screws too much.

 

[pspada]

I use metal posts as well - but always use the paper spacers under the screws. But some cheaper cases are easy to accidently ground out, and that may be the case here (pun intended). I'd try running the mobo and such outside of the case, to prove or disprove this.

 

[Zepper]

Did you use an outlet tester on your AC wall outlet - you know the ones with the three little lights that light up in different patterns to show wiring errors. You may have the hot and neutral wires reversed. That's something I alway check wherever I set up confusers.
.bh.

 

[lenjack]

Paper spacers are not needed. The standoffs work perfectly without insulators.

 

[jayR]

Zepper: yes. I tested the outlet with a 3-prong outlet tester. It showed everything ok.

Yes it's a cheap case.

Do I understand from pspada that the metal standoff screws should be insulated from the mobo? They are not. I don't have paper or anything else between the screws and the board. My assumption was the bare metal around the wholes was specifically for grounding.

I am going to look to see if the underside of the mobo is touching the base plate.

 

[TAKKLE]

Just make sure you didn't put any extra standoffs in that are touching the mainboard, I had to fix that once lol

 

[Texun]

The board will have a max of +12VDC running through it. I use metal stand offs all the time and if you are getting shocked it's highly unlikely due to way the board is mounted. Have you checked for voltage using a volt meter (not the outlet / polarity tester) across the case to the ground lug?

 

[pspada]

Originally posted by: TAKKLE
Just make sure you didn't put any extra standoffs in that are touching the mainboard, I had to fix that once lol

Yup, this can short out across components in the back, and indeed can cause the problem. But otherwise not using the paper spacers is not really a problem.

 

[jayR]

Thanks all very much for your help.

I am afraid you all overlooked the critical component. I, jayR, child Edison, boy Eistein, electronics wizzard and grade-school graduate solved the mistery of the shocking case all by my self. The chair done it. The old school molded plastic chair that sits (or used to sit) in front of my computer work table. The one with a metal bar frame and one piece plastic back the curvse around to become the seat. DOH!!!!! By squeeriming around in that thing I can generate enough juice to power my circular saw for a half-hour. Its a miracle I haven't fried myself by now.

Anyway thanks for clearing up my questions about standoffs. See, it wasn't a total loss.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: jayR
Thanks all very much for your help.

I am afraid you all overlooked the critical component. I, jayR, child Edison, boy Eistein, electronics wizzard and grade-school graduate solved the mistery of the shocking case all by my self. The chair done it. The old school molded plastic chair that sits (or used to sit) in front of my computer work table. The one with a metal bar frame and one piece plastic back the curvse around to become the seat. DOH!!!!! By squeeriming around in that thing I can generate enough juice to power my circular saw for a half-hour. Its a miracle I haven't fried myself by now.

Anyway thanks for clearing up my questions about standoffs. See, it wasn't a total loss.

Glad you found the problem. It's not a loss at all becuase this is one lesson you will always remember.

 

[Zepper]

Oh, yet another PEBKAC resolution...
.bh.
:moon:

 

[McArra]

LOL , nice solution!!

 

[Gravity]

Works for me. I was thinking of a documentary...."when computers attack."