Neutral to Ground Current

[undercoverbrother911]

Hi everyone. New here.

 

Running my pc through power strips here.

 

i have noticed that there is a small amount of voltage ~4 volts between neutral and ground when a measure it in an empty socket in my power strip.

But when ever connect my pc to it the voltage jumps to ~15+ volts. Turning on my pc increases it to ~25-30 volts. Needless to say, any exposed metal of pc case shocks you if you are grounded.  MY PSU is a budget Cooler master, 80 PLUS w/active PFC.

 

What gives? Any explanation and solutions from experts will be appreciated.

 

 

 

[Applefreak]

19 minutes ago, undercoverbrother911 said:

Hi everyone. New here.

 

Running my pc through power strips here.

 

i have noticed that there is a small amount of voltage ~4 volts between neutral and ground when a measure it in an empty socket in my power strip.

But when ever connect my pc to it the voltage jumps to ~15+ volts. Turning on my pc increases it to ~25-30 volts. Needless to say, any exposed metal of pc case shocks you if you are grounded.  MY PSU is a budget Cooler master, 80 PLUS w/active PFC.

 

What gives? Any explanation and solutions from experts will be appreciated.

 

 

 

Bad or damaged power strip, bad wall plug, what pc case do you use, any other devices connected?

[johnt]

Do you get the same behavior with a different outlet? like in a different room?

[johnt]

bc you should be measuring zero when connected to ground

[kb5zue]

Obviously the power strip in question is a total piece of trash.  Have you tried connecting your pc directly to the mains in the wall?  Power strips are notorious for problems because basically there is next to zero quality control during the manufacturing process.  If you must use a power strip, be sure to find one that is built with some quality.  Avoid the cheap strips, they are the worst.

 

Take care and good luck.

[johnt]

Here is how I would test things:

 

Check the wall:

1. Check the neutral to ground connection at the socket by disconnecting the power strip and testing the socket directly. You should be reading zero.
2. Check the positive to neutral, in in the US, you should be at 120v.
3. If either one of these checks are significantly different, you probably have a bad socket or, possibly, bad wiring in your house.
4. You can test other sockets around you house to see what behavior you are getting.

Check the power strip:

1. Plug the power strip into the tested wall socket, check the neutral to ground connections for each port. You should be reading zero. If you are not reading zero, but your socket measured zero, then your power strip has an issue somewhere and it's just best to replace it.

Check the PSU:

1. It's probably not the PSU, but what you can do is plug the computer to your wall directly and see if it shocks you. Into the socket we are trying to diagnose.
2. You can also take it to a different room and test the shock behavior there. It's best to take it to a bathroom as those are usually on a different, protected circuit. That way you can be assured you aren't testing the same circuit run in your house.

[johnt]

Just now, kb5zue said:

Obviously the power strip in question is a total piece of trash.  Have you tried connecting your pc directly to the mains in the wall?  Power strips are notorious for problems because basically there is next to zero quality control during the manufacturing process.  If you must use a power strip, be sure to find one that is built with some quality.  Avoid the cheap strips, they are the worst.

 

Take care and good luck.

This is my thinking as well. I'm hoping the Op hasn't wasted money on a chinesium brand to save a few bucks...

[undercoverbrother911]

1 hour ago, johnt said:

bc you should be measuring zero when connected to ground

I have checked with different room and power strip. The behavior is similar.

[johnt]

39 minutes ago, undercoverbrother911 said:

I have checked with different room and power strip. The behavior is similar.

I mean your options are limited here. If you are measuring a dirty ground in every socket of your house... I mean... that is not functioning as intended. Is it a recently constructed home?

[SorryBella]

5 hours ago, johnt said:

check the neutral to ground connections for each port.

This is the most vital part imo, I have a lot of old power strip that has OP's behavior and whenever I check it its all the same: no ground wire. When i install a more modern 3 wire, the zapping subsides.

[johnt]

On 7/29/2023 at 10:53 AM, Caroline said:

Caroline doesn't need to hear all this she's a highly trained professional.

We trust you. You're still breathing right? RIGHT? 

[Lurking]

Ground and Neutral should be bonded at the Main panel but NOT at any sub-panels or anywhere else. Bonding neutral and ground in sub panels is a common mistake and wil make the ground current-carrying.

 

Ground should connect to an actual ground rod in the soil. That also should be bonded to any earth contact metal like copper water service pipes or rebar in the foundation. If this isn't done properly, resistance to ground can be too high. Believe it or not, this is not done properly in many homes, or even commercial places.

 

Have above checked out, this can be measured. Unplug all devices in your house and check if the ground to neutral voltage is zero. If so, plug in devices one after another till you find the culprit.