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.

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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.

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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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