Possible Causes of Electrical Shocks

Causes of Electrical Shock from a Machine: Testing for a Electric Voltage Leak, I have been receiving electric shocks from my washing machine.

Electrical Shock from a Machine
Electrical Question: I have been receiving electric shocks from my washing machine.

• I have a new washing machine and I have been receiving electric shocks from it.
• Initially I thought maybe the machine was not grounded.
• I checked my plug using an volt meter and a ground circuit was there.
• I then checked the washing machine from the ground plug to the door hinge using the ohms setting and the they were connected.
• Now how can there still be any electricity flowing?
• The machine is sitting on a wood stand “a front loader” and the floor is concrete.

This electrical question came from: Eric, a Homeowner from Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Eric.

Causes of Electrical Shock from a Machine

Application: Troubleshooting and Testing Electrical Circuit Wiring.
Skill Level: Advanced – Consult a Qualified Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester or Continuity Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on experience and level of electrical system problem solving skills.
Precaution: Testing live wires is dangerous and should be done by an experienced electrician only. Testing using a continuity tester should only be made after the circuit has been identified and turned OFF and Tagged.

Possible Causes of Electrical Shock

IMPORTANT: A voltage test should be performed by a Qualified Electrician to identify and correct the electrical fault.
Typical Causes of Electrical Shock

• The washing machine may have an internal voltage leak to the frame.
• The electric cord, wall receptacle or the circuit may be incorrectly wired.

The Concrete Floor and Electrical Potentials

• Concrete floors normally have a low resistance to ground because the earth ground is directly below and there is direct contact.
• Adversely a concrete floor may become electrified due to a problem with your house wiring, specifically having to do with a faulty ground wire connection, or the ground system is not grounded properly at the main electrical service.

Testing for a Electric Voltage Leak

• Set the tester on the AC Voltage setting and take a reading from the washing machine housing to the ground terminal of the outlet to verify this.
  • WARNING: You must be insulated and kept safe during tests for voltage
  • Be sure to wear protective clothing, rubber boots and non-conductive gloves
  • Do not get in a position of being part of the electrical circuit

IMPORTANT:

• This condition is Extremely Dangerous!
• Until this problem is identified and corrected it would be good to install a GFCI outlet for the washing machine and any other electrical outlets or devices in the area.
• The source of the voltage leak should be identified and corrected without delay.

More about Electrical Shock and Electrical Wiring

Using Electrical Testers

Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

Circuit Wiring
Electrical Safety

Home Electrical Safety
A new approach to keep kids and electricity apart with hopes to prevent children from being injured by electricity.

Electrical Grounding

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

• Listing of electrical codes for grounding
• Examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

« How to Make Room for a Two Pole Circuit Breaker

How To Install Three Way Dimmer Switches »

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES