Possible Causes of Electrical Shocks

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

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

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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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.

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