Casing gives current

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the motherboard/system?
How can I rectify this problem?

thx.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

>I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
>the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the motherboard/system?
>How can I rectify this problem?

I would put this down to a buildup of static electricity.. (not harmful to
you, nor the PC while the case is on it)

Regards,
Chris

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.
>
>
Have your wiring checked by someone competent immediately. I recently worked
on a friends house wiring and a previous owner had put a string of outlets
into the basement. They connected all of the outlets backwards and to make
things worse they connected all of the grounds up at the boxes but ran the
string to a box that didn't have a ground wire. A very dangerous situation.

 

[jad]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

not good.a brief shock would be static.continuous current is WRONG..
stantions for the MB ar incorrectly installed or something has gone
arwy....be very careful.


"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message news:<2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de>...
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.

One possibility, esp if you live in a place where house wiring
regulations are not strictly observed (such as in many developing
countries) :

Any or all of these - power socket expansion strip, UPS, computer's
PSU, monitor - may have some form of power line filtering component
built in. This is intended to safely filter out any undesireable noise
in the power line, but a side effect is that it will also provide a
slight leakage path for the mains voltage. This leakage is designed to
flow along the power cord's ground wire, and out to actual earth via
the house wiring.

If there is no proper earth line present, the leakage current will
flow out through whatever path is available, such as your body when
you touch the casing. Normally, the current is well below the danger
level, but may produce an unpleasant sensation if you have a moist
skin. It could conceivably be even dangerous under certain unusual
circumstances.

Accumulated dust esp in a damp environment, can also produce the
effect, again if there is no proper earth line in the wiring.

It could also be harmful to the computer if you touch the case and
some sensitive components inside at the same time while the computer
plugged in, even if it is turned off.

- Zotin

 

[Clark]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

I would agree you need to check it out. If the current continues after you
have grounded yourself, it is not static electricity. You probably have
something shorted that could cause problems and may be hazardous.

Clark

"T Shadow" <knone@zilch.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:m_g4d.87198$787.38020@fe2.columbus.rr.com...
> "MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
>> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
> when
>> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
> motherboard/system?
>> How can I rectify this problem?
>>
>> thx.
>>
>>
> Have your wiring checked by someone competent immediately. I recently
> worked
> on a friends house wiring and a previous owner had put a string of outlets
> into the basement. They connected all of the outlets backwards and to make
> things worse they connected all of the grounds up at the boxes but ran the
> string to a box that didn't have a ground wire. A very dangerous
> situation.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

MAB wrote:
>
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or
> harddisk when the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for
> the motherboard/system? How can I rectify this problem?

Probably. Look to the grounding circuitry, either the power plug
or the house wiring.

--
"It is not a question of staying the course, but of changing
the course" - John Kerry, 2004-09-20
"Ask any boat owner the eventual result of continuing the
present course indefinitely" - C.B. Falconer, 2004-09-20

 

[CARBON]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

MAB wrote:
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or
> harddisk when the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for
> the motherboard/system? How can I rectify this problem?

I had this happen with an old 486 I built. It turned out that the back
of the board was shorting out on the case. The problem went away when
I remounted the board.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"Clark" <who@whoknows.com> wrote in message
news:v8h4d.188$zc1.142@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> I would agree you need to check it out. If the current continues after
you
> have grounded yourself,


LUNACY! Never ground yourself in a situation like this....SUICIDE.

> it is not static electricity. You probably have
> something shorted that could cause problems and may be hazardous.

Yeah, the coroner will diagnose the ground fault.

"ground yourself"....wacko.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.
>

Are you using an earthed power socket??. ie does your wall socket have two
plugs or three??.

regards
Freddie

 

[papa]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

It could just be static buildup. On the other hand it could be a dangerous
short circuit which could injure you, or a member of your family. Take it to
a computer shop and have it checked.

"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
>I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
> motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.
>
>

 

[papa]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

It could also be a flaw in your household wiring or your wall fixtures. At
any rate, have it checked out. You have a potentially very serious problem.

"Papa" <bikingis@my.fun> wrote in message
news:H4n4d.7341$gG4.1158@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> It could just be static buildup. On the other hand it could be a dangerous
> short circuit which could injure you, or a member of your family. Take it
> to a computer shop and have it checked.
>
> "MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
>>I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
>>when
>> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
>> motherboard/system?
>> How can I rectify this problem?
>>
>> thx.
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Andrew]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

It's 'a very bad thing' (tm). It's not suppose to be there. Many bad things
can happen. You could get a fatal shock of electric. You could fry your
mother board. You could fry everything and have to buy a new computer. You
could also start a fire while your sleeping. I would have someone who
actually knows what he's talking about look at it.

"MAB" <bad-email@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:2rd41hF18uoadU1@uni-berlin.de...
>I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
> motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?
>
> thx.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

MAB wrote:
> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk when
> the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the motherboard/system?
> How can I rectify this problem?

Do you use a walloutlet with or without ground? Always use an earthed
walloutlet for your computer. About the danger, the shock is not deadly
but can be anoying. In this case you have also lost your failsafe, when
your PSU will die, you will be out of light, but again not deadly.

Chris

 

[JS]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Chris van Bladel <chbEDmicrofixPUNTnl> wrote in
news:vbstic.c8g.ln@w192.z208037228.nyc-ny.dsl.cnc.net:

> MAB wrote:
>> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or
>> harddisk when the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
>> motherboard/system? How can I rectify this problem?
>
> Do you use a walloutlet with or without ground? Always use an earthed
> walloutlet for your computer. About the danger, the shock is not
> deadly but can be anoying. In this case you have also lost your
> failsafe, when your PSU will die, you will be out of light, but again
> not deadly.
>
> Chris
>

Something potentially fatal to you and your computer is wrong. This 'not
deadly' nonesense is dead wrong. Get this fixed by someone who knows what
they're doing. I don't mean to flame or belittle anyone but this is a very
dangerous situation and it should be resolved. Voltages in your power
supply can KILL you.

 

[papa]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Very poor advice. Never trivialize something that has the potential (pun not
intended) to kill you.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

>
> Something potentially fatal to you and your computer is wrong. This 'not
> deadly' nonesense is dead wrong. Get this fixed by someone who knows what
> they're doing. I don't mean to flame or belittle anyone but this is a very
> dangerous situation and it should be resolved. Voltages in your power
> supply can KILL you.

I am not insulted or felling flamed by your remark or that of Papa. I
wpould like to clear up one or two things. I am a professional and
diplomated??? system and display repair person. I have been electified
by differant DC and AC currents and voltage from a wide range of
computerapliances. I have to admit, confessing this doesn't give me and
credits with you guys or improve your conidance in me because it was in
all cases my fault and i shoud have taken beter care.

The voltages in computers and monitors aren't deadly, but it hurts like
hell and doesn't feel great. The OP has a problem with the grounding of
his computercase, this voltage isn't deadly only anoying, it can however
damage his computer.

Because much people don't understand electronics, volts and currents
they overreact and scream murder and death as soon as the hear the word
current. This will automaticly panic the OP and people will feer
currents and volts even more.

Hope this clears up a few things and explains my post.

Chris

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 13:59:50 +0200, Chris van Bladel
<chbEDmicrofixPUNTnl> wrote:


>The voltages in computers and monitors aren't deadly, but it hurts like
>hell and doesn't feel great. The OP has a problem with the grounding of
>his computercase, this voltage isn't deadly only anoying, it can however
>damage his computer.
>
>Because much people don't understand electronics, volts and currents
>they overreact and scream murder and death as soon as the hear the word
>current. This will automaticly panic the OP and people will feer
>currents and volts even more.

Untrue.
Just because one (or a few) person(s) survive shock, does
not mean everyone will. In a "normal" system the user
should not be exposed to over 12V, but clearly something
here isn't right, it's well beyond 12V, and there is at
least 100V going into the box with no true current
limiter... certainly enough to kill the average person in
the wrong situation.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Chris van Bladel wrote:
>
.... snip ...
>
> The voltages in computers and monitors aren't deadly, but it
> hurts like hell and doesn't feel great. The OP has a problem with
> the grounding of his computercase, this voltage isn't deadly only
> anoying, it can however damage his computer.
>
> Because much people don't understand electronics, volts and
> currents they overreact and scream murder and death as soon as
> the hear the word current. This will automaticly panic the OP and
> people will feer currents and volts even more.
>
> Hope this clears up a few things and explains my post.

Internal voltages are usually fairly harmless, but mains voltages
are not. Some people seem not to understand that there exist many
mechanisms by which those voltages are exposed, possibly
lethally. Most of these start with an open or missing ground, and
are combined with poor design, component failure, whatnot, even
dust.

The fact that you appear to be ignorant does not lessen the
danger.

--
"It is not a question of staying the course, but of changing
the course" - John Kerry, 2004-09-20
"Ask any boat owner the eventual result of continuing the
present course indefinitely" - C.B. Falconer, 2004-09-20

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Chris van Bladel wrote:

>
>
>>
>> Something potentially fatal to you and your computer is wrong. This
>> 'not deadly' nonesense is dead wrong. Get this fixed by someone who
>> knows what they're doing. I don't mean to flame or belittle anyone but
>> this is a very dangerous situation and it should be resolved. Voltages
>> in your power supply can KILL you.
>
>
> I am not insulted or felling flamed by your remark or that of Papa. I
> wpould like to clear up one or two things. I am a professional and
> diplomated??? system and display repair person. I have been electified
> by differant DC and AC currents and voltage from a wide range of
> computerapliances. I have to admit, confessing this doesn't give me and
> credits with you guys or improve your conidance in me because it was in
> all cases my fault and i shoud have taken beter care.

And there are cases where people have survived direct lightning hits to
their person but that doesn't mean it's 'harmless' and that walking around
in the middle of a lightning storm with a 30 foot metal pole in your hands
is a good idea.

A.C. line voltages can, and do, kill people. Doesn't happen every time but
unless russian roulette is your cup of tea then it's wiser to not put the
barrel to your head regardless of how many times you've pulled the trigger
on an empty cylinder.

> The voltages in computers and monitors aren't deadly, but it hurts like
> hell and doesn't feel great. The OP has a problem with the grounding of
> his computercase, this voltage isn't deadly only anoying, it can however
> damage his computer.

Dangerous nonsense.

The fact that he can 'feel' it means he's not dealing with 'safe' voltages.

> Because much people don't understand electronics, volts and currents
> they overreact and scream murder and death as soon as the hear the word
> current. This will automaticly panic the OP and people will feer
> currents and volts even more.

http://www.statefarm.com/consumer/vhouse/articles/childout.htm

"Statistics on Fatal Electrical Injuries in the United States

Household Wiring 18%
Large Appliances 17%
Small Appliances 16%
....
86 percent of the reported injuries involved children 1- to 4-years-old..."

Because THEY haven't yet learned to not stick their fingers into what you
say "aren't deadly" voltages.

>
> Hope this clears up a few things and explains my post.
>
> Chris

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"Chris van Bladel" <chbEDmicrofixPUNTnl> wrote in message
news:vbstic.c8g.ln@w192.z208037228.nyc-ny.dsl.cnc.net...
> MAB wrote:
> > I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or harddisk
when
> > the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
motherboard/system?
> > How can I rectify this problem?
>
> Do you use a walloutlet with or without ground? Always use an earthed
> walloutlet for your computer. About the danger, the shock is not deadly
> but can be anoying.

DANGEROUSLY FALSE. You can't be certain.

> In this case you have also lost your failsafe, when
> your PSU will die, you will be out of light, but again not deadly.

Ignore this guy as he is DANGEROUS.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"JS" <JS@huh.wha> wrote in message
news:Xns956D179C53E25DQ1V66HO78NX3AGH5MJX@127.0.0.1...
> Chris van Bladel <chbEDmicrofixPUNTnl> wrote in
> news:vbstic.c8g.ln@w192.z208037228.nyc-ny.dsl.cnc.net:
>
> > MAB wrote:
> >> I feel a slight current when I touch the back of my casing or
> >> harddisk when the system is on. Is this dangerous or damaging for the
> >> motherboard/system? How can I rectify this problem?
> >
> > Do you use a walloutlet with or without ground? Always use an earthed
> > walloutlet for your computer. About the danger, the shock is not
> > deadly but can be anoying. In this case you have also lost your
> > failsafe, when your PSU will die, you will be out of light, but again
> > not deadly.
> >
> > Chris
> >
>
> Something potentially fatal to you and your computer is wrong. This 'not
> deadly' nonesense is dead wrong. Get this fixed by someone who knows what
> they're doing. I don't mean to flame or belittle anyone but this is a very
> dangerous situation and it should be resolved. Voltages in your power
> supply can KILL you.

YES and this Chris van Bladel guy is demonstrating depraved indifference or
overt incompetence.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"Chris van Bladel" <chbEDmicrofixPUNTnl> wrote in message
newsrduic.1v2.ln@w192.z208037228.nyc-ny.dsl.cnc.net...
>
>
> >
> > Something potentially fatal to you and your computer is wrong. This 'not
> > deadly' nonesense is dead wrong. Get this fixed by someone who knows
what
> > they're doing. I don't mean to flame or belittle anyone but this is a
very
> > dangerous situation and it should be resolved. Voltages in your power
> > supply can KILL you.
>
> I am not insulted or felling flamed by your remark or that of Papa. I
> wpould like to clear up one or two things. I am a professional and
> diplomated??? system and display repair person.


You are totally UNPROFESSIONAL and obviously 'diplomated' in illiteracy and
lunacy.

> I have been electified

Was that at your sanity hearing?

> by differant DC and AC currents and voltage from a wide range of
> computerapliances.

And obviously that has taken its full consequence on a damaging portion of
your intellect.

> I have to admit, confessing this doesn't give me and
> credits with you guys or improve your conidance in me because it was in
> all cases my fault and i shoud have taken beter care.

Go on disability.

> The voltages in computers and monitors aren't deadly, but it hurts like
> hell and doesn't feel great.

Have you had any training in Afghanistan?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Ron Reaugh wrote:
> "Clark" <who@whoknows.com> wrote in message
> news:v8h4d.188$zc1.142@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
>
>>I would agree you need to check it out. If the current continues after
>
> you
>
>>have grounded yourself,
>
>
>
> LUNACY! Never ground yourself in a situation like this....SUICIDE.
>
>
>>it is not static electricity. You probably have
>>something shorted that could cause problems and may be hazardous.
>
>
> Yeah, the coroner will diagnose the ground fault.
>
> "ground yourself"....wacko.
>
>

I think he meant grouding oneself BEFORE touching AGAIN but not DURING
the touching. It was poorly written (dangerously so).

--
spammage trappage: replace fishies_ with yahoo

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"spodosaurus" <spodosaurus@_yahoo_.com> wrote in message
news:4152cad3$1@quokka.wn.com.au...
> Ron Reaugh wrote:
> > "Clark" <who@whoknows.com> wrote in message
> > news:v8h4d.188$zc1.142@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> >
> >>I would agree you need to check it out. If the current continues after
> >
> > you
> >
> >>have grounded yourself,
> >
> >
> >
> > LUNACY! Never ground yourself in a situation like this....SUICIDE.
> >
> >
> >>it is not static electricity. You probably have
> >>something shorted that could cause problems and may be hazardous.
> >
> >
> > Yeah, the coroner will diagnose the ground fault.
> >
> > "ground yourself"....wacko.
> >
> >
>
> I think he meant grouding oneself BEFORE touching AGAIN but not DURING
> the touching. It was poorly written (dangerously so).

One is NOT ALLOWED that kind of error or poor writing in such a matter.