PC-Case conducts energy

[Deleted member 110184]

Hello there!

First of all, i am not an electrician and i am absolutely new to this. I have a Problem with my PC and am seeking for advice on how to handle it. I hope this is the right place to post this Thread, if not please let me now.

I just built a brand new Computer with all new components but i have the problem that my PC-Case conducts energy. This means as soon as i touch anything that is made of metal from the case i can feel the energy on my finger. It really is a constant shock and not just a short shock you would have with static electricity. First thing i did was to buy an outlet tester. I checked all the outlets for errors but all of them are all right.

I do have an UPS between the Outlet and my PC. So what i want to test now is if i plug out the energy from the Outlet and i run my PC only over my UPS, if i still get that shock. The Problem is, i really dont know how to measure the Voltage of the PC Case correctly. I do not know where i have to put the Voltage and the Ground Pin from the Multimeter to measure the Voltage of the case. Can anybody help me out with this??

Thanks!

 

[telectrix]

1st thing is to measure from the case to a known earth. try on both ac and dc ranges. test again with the UPS out of circuit.

 

[westward10]

Either the case of your computer is not effectively earthed, most likely or your socket is at fault but your tester indicates it is not.

 

[Deleted member 110184]

Hey @telectrix. Thanks for your reply! Thats exactly the problem. What can i use as a ground?? Please forgive me but i am an absolute beginner.

 

[Deleted member 110184]

@westward10 Thanks for your reply. Many people in other forums said the same, this is why i bought this tester in the first place. This is why i want to measure the Voltage when my PC is connected only to the UPS, so i can rule the outlet out as an error source.

 

[static zap]

Try another IEC cable , ( or PC - PSU ?)
(have seen earth pin pushed into case)

 

[westward10]

Does this happen when the computer is plugged direct to the socket without the ups.

 

[Deleted member 110184]

@westward10 Yes it is the same without the UPS. The UPS is also completely new.

 

[Deleted member 110184]

@static zap I will absolutely try that, but before i need to know how to measure the Voltage on the PC-Case That is my original Problem.

Even the USB-Ports give up electricity and when i plug something into the USB-Port the connected device also gives me a shock.

 

[westward10]

99% certain your computer is not effectively connected to the earth of the 13A plug. It is difficult to advise a way forward as you do not have suitable test equipment and we cannot advise that you keep touching it to see if it has disappeared.

 

[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.