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My computer case is shocking me

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  • Cases
  • Computers
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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December 6, 2013 7:59:22 AM

I just moved into a new place and noticed recently that my plastic and metal desk has an electrical field (?) around it - it's hard to explain but it feels like an invisible, fuzzy barrier. I then noticed that my aluminum computer case also has a field around it, and it gives me shocks if I touch it. I switched outlets and the same thing happened. Then, at the suggestion of a co-worker, I brought my computer to work - there was no field at all and no shocks.

I bought a circuit tester today to test the outlets in my apartment. It reads "hot, neutral, reverse" in some outlets (such as the outlet my computer is normally plugged into) and "open ground" in others. I do not know anything about electricity. Is this dangerous? Could it ruin my computer? Could it cause a fire? I'm renting, so if I could have some information when I talk to the landlord that would be extremely helpful. She holds her electrician in very high esteem; my father asked her about a lightswitch/outlet combination in the bathroom with a metal plate (the outlet reads "open ground", btw) and she was emphatic that her electrician checked "everything" and that there were absolutely no problems.

More about : computer case shocking

December 6, 2013 8:07:10 AM

Call an electrician. Most people on this web site (Me included) only know what happens after the electricity leaves the wall.
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December 6, 2013 8:07:23 AM

sounds like the electrical wiring is all over the place. get an electrician to help you.

the electrical field as you describe it is because of a power plug that doesn't have grounding (or not sufficient). it can damage your pc. the first symptom should be the lan card (wired) failing.

on the other hand i hear small electrical shocks are good for arthritis :D 
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December 6, 2013 8:18:33 AM

Your outlet is not grounded. I could explain to you how to take it apart and ground it, but I assume you don't know much about wiring. I can guarantee you the plug is not grounded if you are getting electrocuted.
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