PC-Case conducts energy

[Deleted member 110184]

@westward10 THanks for your answer. That is the answer i always got Cant i test it somehow with my multimeter???

P.S.: I am loacted in Europe, so i do have a european outlet.

 

[westward10]

You can use a multimeter but it may not give an effective result. Turn off the mains power to the socket and set your meter to low ohms then test between the computer casing and the socket earth with the computer plugged in and it should show continuity, if not then it is not earthed. Ensure power to the socket is off when you do this!!!

 

[wildwest]

You will notice that socket tester in the picture does not detect neutral /earth crossed over.
Use meter to check continuity of case to earth tag on schuko plug not plugged in.
But, if neutral earth crossed, not going to learn anything new from this test. Recommend get local elektriker to check sockets. Sorry

 

[static zap]

..... Recommend get local elektriker to check sockets. Sorry

Especially if "Smart Meters" are being fitted in Germany too!

 

[Squid]

Use a proper power lead, if you are in Germany does the socket you are plugging in to have an earth pin if not try plugging it in elsewhere with an earth and make sure the power lead has an earth as well.

 

[Fitzy]

Check the mounting of your motherboard, computer cases are earthed via the little mounting columns you screwed into the computer case before you mount the motherboard on top of these, makes sure that every mounting hole on your motherboard has one of these underneath and a screw is firmly tightened in every hole. If any of these columns are missing or the motherboard is not screwed down to them, it could cause your problem. Luckily you’re only working with 12v dc after the psu. Also check all the solder joints on the base of the motherboard to see if any are too long, especially on the capacitors legs etc, it’s not unknown for one of these to be just too long and just touch the case, therefore resulting in the occasional shock.

 

[DPG]

Definitely test the earth continuity (low Ohms range, power off!). Test it right from the earth pin on the mains plug to the case of the PC. Also test the voltage between a known earth (screw of the mains socket on the wall maybe) and the PC case whilst it is powered up. Try on both the AC and DC settings on your multimeter.

Let us know what results you get from these tests.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

The source of the voltage you can 'feel' is likely to be normal earth leakage that occurs inside the power supply unit, mainly due to the radio interference suppression components. These leak a small constant current that would normally pass down the ground lead back to the supply. If the ground lead is broken, the entire case of the computer loses its reference to earth potential and the leakage raises it to some arbitrary voltage between earth and 230V. The actual voltage is immaterial and although you can measure it, it is easier and safer at first to use the low resistance (e.g. 200 ohm) range on a multimeter to localise the break in the ground path from plug to power supply.

The problem will not be anything to do with the motherboard, all voltages there are too low to cause a noticeable shock under normal conditions and all are referenced to the case anyway; the case can't become live with respect to itself.

 

[wildwest]

Repeat.
The Suckit n See type Tester shown in does not verify neutral earth reversal.
OP describes himself as "new to this".
He also gives a good description of an AC touch voltage appearing on the case of his equipment.
He has asked how to measure what the touch voltage is.
He is new to this.
PLEASE DON'T advice him to carry out live testing with a multimeter

 

[wildwest]

The only advice should be get a competant person to check the socket.