Electric shock whilst washing up

[atm84]

A colleague of mine has mentioned that they have experienced electric shock symptoms whilst washing up. They say that all the circuits in the kitchen are protected by RCD so assuming they are working ok, it rules out the theory that there is an electrical circuit problem.

Possible earthing problem?? Can anyone provide any information what may be causing it and how it could be fixed. Many thanks

 

[stuartcourt]

RCD may not be working for 1

 

[Rockingit]

There are many possibilities here and far too little information. They need to get an experienced competent electrician to make this safe.

 

[Rosscotdi]

Proper shocks, don't think so. Static discharge?

 

[snowhead]

it rules out the theory that there is an electrical circuit problem.

You can still get a shock on an RCD protected circuit, it hurts but doesn't normally cause death.

 

[Rockingit]

You can still get a shock on an RCD protected circuit, it hurts but doesn't normally cause death.

Sorry.....has the circus arrived in Town?? Cos that's a clowning around statement.

 

[chilliwilly]

Although not a requirement, I still supplementary bond sinks, I have had instances where the S.S. sink is live but not the taps. Due to the sealing washer at the base of single taps insulating them from the sink. On one instance there was a leak from the bath from above the kitchen causing the walls to be damp and finding contact with a live terminal on a socket on the same wall. Causing the sink to become live, and the person to recieve a shock when touching both the taps and sink. The RCD didn't trip despite finding it within spec after testing it.

 

[atm84]

Could it possibly be the sink and ground being at different potential. Reason for asking is it is an old house and may not have a proper damp course membrane. My colleague had had a new laminate floor fitted and has not noticed it occurring since (possibly adding a further layer of insulation). The problem only occurred when they were washing up in the sink and had bare feet.

 

[snowhead]

Sorry.....has the circus arrived in Town?? Cos that's a clowning around statement.

Hardly worth wasting a reply on.

 

[atm84]

Snowy, so tell me why that cannot be a reasonable explanation. Technically that could be the cause.

 

[Marvo]

Proper shocks, don't think so. Static discharge?

To be on the safe side I'd assume it's an electrical fault until proven otherwise. I'd start with the usual electrical installation tests and a thorough visual inspection around the sink then depending what does or doesn't come to light go forward from there.

 

[chilliwilly]

Yes either an insulation resistance test first, or just bond the sink to the already bonded pipework, and see if it blows or trips a circuit. It could even be a leaking pipe making the floor wet and making contact with live parts maybe in a juncton box or damaged cable, and causing the floor to become live, and causing a potential when they touch the sink or taps.

In which case, they will need to sort out the leak after you have checked it further.

 

[Stroppy]

Of course you can get a shock from an RCD protected circuit. If your body is conducting less current to earth than is required to trip the RCD (~20mA) it will still hurt, and not trip.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

What floor covering is in the location, what have they got on there feet etc etc.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Of course you can get a shock from an RCD protected circuit. If your body is conducting less current to earth than is required to trip the RCD (~20mA) it will still hurt, and not trip.

I was going to click Like, but there was no button on the post for some reason!

 

[snowhead]

Snowy, so tell me why that cannot be a reasonable explanation.

Technically that could be the cause.

You'll have to ask Rockinit why he thinks it's a "Clowning around " statement.

My comment on getting a shock on an RCD circuit means don't rule out the source of the shock coming from an RCD circuit after you had put;

"it rules out the theory that there is an electrical circuit problem".

If someone reports / comments they've had a shock it needs immediate investigation.

 

[Stroppy]

I was going to click Like, but there was no button on the post for some reason!

My posts are inherently unlikeable.

 

[Geordie Spark]

I was going to click Like, but there was no button on the post for some reason!

That happens to me too.

I find if I refresh the page, the "like" button re appears.

 

[bigbaddave]

Simples... Dont wash up... Job done

 

[DaveyD]

Could it possibly be the sink and ground being at different potential.

Yes it could. Had it happen to me too.

 

[telectrix]

and yet you stand at the kitchen sink, washing dishes, getting shocks, whilst 'er indoors is tucked up on the sofa with a G&T, engrossed in constipation street. what is the world coming to?

 

[Geordie Spark]

and yet you stand at the kitchen sink, washing dishes, getting shocks, whilst 'er indoors is tucked up on the sofa with a G&T, engrossed in constipation street. what is the world coming to?

I blame all this equality nonsense that schools are shoving into kids' heads nowadays.

 

[Blowcat]

In the last 6 weeks I have noticed loads of static about. When getting out of a car, touching lift buttons, people, and it can be quite painfull and definately a shock. I would never rule out there is a real fault present but I would more often suggest to the client its probably static.
I've never found any conclusive answers but in some summers there are periods when I get loads of static, then one day it stops. (still wearing the same clothes, shoes, I thinks its something to do with the atmosphere?????)

 

[Rockingit]

You'll have to ask Rockinit why he thinks it's a "Clowning around " statement.

Because irrespective of the electrical truth of the matter, it implied that electricity will 'only hurt you a bit' and that an RCD will save your life. Neither of these is necessarily true and a dangerous thing to state on an open forum where DIY Dave knows no better.

 

[44ALLAN]

Because irrespective of the electrical truth of the matter, it implied that electricity will 'only hurt you a bit' and that an RCD will save your life. Neither of these is necessarily true and a dangerous thing to state on an open forum where DIY Dave knows no better.

Or the guy on the other thread that said if he did touch 110v it would only give him a 'tingle' !!
No mate.............the current will give you the tingle and 110v can provide that 'death tingle' believe me.

I was taught/trained that in certain circumstances 'ANY' electric shock could kill .................a 'tingle' to one person is maybe a milliamp short of killing someone else !
I was told in no uncertain terms...........if I or anyone else received an electric shock and were still alive ........they were lucky.

I cringe at these 'so called electricians' who touch something after someone else has said they got a shock off it?
Domestic 240v and you touch it to see if you get a shock?
Do me a favour lol
Where do they get trained nowadays ffs?

 

[GLENNSPARK]

give the missus some rubber soled `washin up` boots to wear togehter with the marigolds....
there problem solved...

 

[Geordie Spark]

give the missus some rubber soled `washin up` boots to wear togehter with the marigolds....
there problem solved...

Wor Lass wears waders and rubber gauntlets ..................... but only in the bedroom.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Wor Lass wears waders and rubber gauntlets ..................... but only in the bedroom.

its not additional protection you know....

 

[Geordie Spark]

its not additional protection you know....

I know that ............... she wears the leather flying helmet & goggles for that !!!

 

[defrag2blue]

A colleague of mine has mentioned that they have experienced electric shock symptoms whilst washing up. They say that all the circuits in the kitchen are protected by RCD so assuming they are working ok, it rules out the theory that there is an electrical circuit problem.

Possible earthing problem?? Can anyone provide any information what may be causing it and how it could be fixed. Many thanks

Check the sinks potential voltage between taps/pipes and sink, if greater than 50volts cross bond taps pipework and sink.

 

[telectrix]

its not additional protection you know....

come on glenn. you should know that according to the bgb, 416.1, that constitutes basic protection.

 

[DPG]

Check the sinks potential voltage between taps/pipes and sink, if greater than 50volts cross bond taps pipework and sink.

Or find the fault maybe?. Daz

 

[trev]

Or find the fault maybe?. Daz

Paper cups and plates plastic cutlery. Use once then bin. Jobs a goodun

 

[DPG]

Top idea Trev.

 

[telectrix]

it's what he's used to from wandsworth.

 

[trev]

it's what he's used to from wandsworth.

I didn't say I was from wandsworth tel, I said I was in wandsworth.

 

[telectrix]

well, you should be! LOL.

 

[trev]

well, you should be! LOL.

That debt to society is well paid mate

 

[telectrix]

suppose if we've all got a clean slate, we could allieviate the boredom by bombing a few americans. they've bombed almost everone else on the planet, apart from n. korea.

 

[Engineer54]

suppose if we've all got a clean slate, we could allieviate the boredom by bombing a few americans. they've bombed almost everone else on the planet, apart from n. korea.

They did all that during the Korean war!! lol!! The main reason why you still have a North and South Korea. lol!!

 

[telectrix]

DOH! forgot about that one. just leaves russia, africa and and s. america. plenty of scope there.

 

[trev]

They haven't bombed us yet either. Careful Tel, don't want to tempt fate

 

[telectrix]

yes they have. they call it frindly fire, or blue on blue. i call it should have gone to specsavers.

 

[snowhead]

Because irrespective of the electrical truth of the matter, it implied that electricity will 'only hurt you a bit' and that an RCD will save your life. Neither of these is necessarily true and a dangerous thing to state on an open forum where DIY Dave knows no better.

That's not what it says or implies.