Getting shocked by PC?

[VicciVicVic]

When I touch the rear end of my case, I get shocked. it is very mild and doesn't hurt, it's just a slight tingle. My question is where this is coming from and what's causing it? I've checked that all the traces on the motherboard aren't touching anything and that every part and cable is seated correctly. Just to add, sometimes the shock is a bit harsher and it will also extend further out, meaning I can touch one of the audio jacks on my DAC and feel it (though not as strong as on the case) A couple of times I have been able to feel it through my keyboard as well because of the metal backplate. The problem has been persisting for about a year or so because I was kind of hoping it would just go away. But other than feeling a physical shock, it doesn't seem to have any adverse effects on the PC.

[Metallus97]

That will be static electricity. Is you PSU properly screwed in the case?

Do you have carpet or something plastic on the flor?

[VicciVicVic]

Just now, Metallus97 said:

That will be static electricity. Is you PSU properly screwed in the case?

Do you have carpet or something plastic on the flor?

My PC sits on my desk which is wood, so no carpet or plastic. My PSU is screwed in properly yes, but one of the screws is slightly different because I lost one of 4 screws. It's about the same length, so it doesn't touch anything inside the PSU, but I assume either way, that this screw likely be the culprit?

[mariushm]

It's not static electricity, it's intentional, it's how modern switching power supplies are designed.

Your problem is you need to have the computer plugged into a grounded (earthed) mains outlet ... if you do you won't feel that anymore as that gets discharged through the ground wire.

 

Longer explanation and simplified ... in the process of converting high voltage to DC voltage very efficiently there's some stray energy that if ignored, would cause the power supply to behave like a radio transmitter and would affect radios around your house and other devices. To solve this problem, the energy is "sent" to the ground pin of the power connector. Your case and power supply is also connected to the ground to protect you.. so anything grounded may zap you until your pc is properly grounded

[Metallus97]

2 minutes ago, VicciVicVic said:

My PC sits on my desk which is wood, so no carpet or plastic. My PSU is screwed in properly yes, but one of the screws is slightly different because I lost one of 4 screws. It's about the same length, so it doesn't touch anything inside the PSU, but I assume either way, that this screw likely be the culprit?

Nono, as long as there is connection the case is grounded.

 

1 minute ago, mariushm said:

It's not static electricity, it's intentional, it's how modern switching power supplies are designed.

Your problem is you need to have the computer plugged into a grounded (earthed) mains outlet ... if you do you won't feel that anymore as that gets discharged through the ground wire.

Ok this could also be the problem. But still could also be static

[Juular]

Stray voltage, it maybe PSU issue but likely it's your mains ground line connected to the neutral instead. Where do you live ?

[Kon-Tiki]

2 minutes ago, Metallus97 said:

Ok this could also be the problem. But still could also be static

I disagree. Static charging does not occur out of the blue without anything that could be responsible for it (namely rubbing on a part that has a connection to the PC's case). Grounding (or more precisely, missing grounding) seems to be more likely which is a serious safety issue. If there is a short circuit between the mains power phase and the case without the case being grounded, you could get electrocuted.

[VicciVicVic]

I have my PC plugged into an outlet multiplier, like a surge protector, just without surge protection, and I assume that would be the culprit then as I have tried removing the screw and it made no difference. I live in Denmark if that helps.

[Spotty]

32 minutes ago, VicciVicVic said:

I have my PC plugged into an outlet multiplier, like a surge protector, just without surge protection, and I assume that would be the culprit then as I have tried removing the screw and it made no difference. I live in Denmark if that helps.

Is the power board grounded (3rd prong on the plug)?

Try plugging the power supply directly in to the wall outlet, or a different wall outlet, and see if you still get shocked when touching the PC.

[Metallus97]

55 minutes ago, Kon-Tiki said:

I disagree. Static charging does not occur out of the blue without anything that could be responsible for it (namely rubbing on a part that has a connection to the PC's case). Grounding (or more precisely, missing grounding) seems to be more likely which is a serious safety issue. If there is a short circuit between the mains power phase and the case without the case being grounded, you could get electrocuted.

hmmm ok I assumed the outlet etc to be grounded anyway. Where I live it is unlawful to sell such equipment without proper grounding

 

But in that case: get the thing grounded. If anything goes wrong you could really be in danger of a big zap