Getting constant electric shocks

samster1

I have recently had a new kitchen fitted but I'm getting constant electric shocks from sink, door handles, light switches and sockets any ideas? It does it even with the electricity off its as if its a capacitor charging and then when I touch it it discharges through me but its constantly not just now and then. 

Rosa_Damascena

Synthetic clothing and metallic fittings are never a good combination. 

FindMyWayBack

Ring the electrician involved

Risteard

It sounds like the installation isn't Earthed. Likely there is no connection between the MET (Main Earthing Terminal) and the Earthing Conductor. You should de-energise the entire installation as a matter of urgency until this has been rectified.

Jeepers_Creepers

Almost certainly you are the one carrying the leccy, Sam, and you are simply discharging it via metal objects, especially ones which are earthed.

The fact that a door handle gives you a shock suggests it ain't a 'mains' electrical fault.

Does the kitchen have a new floor covering? Try walking about bare-footed - if the shocks stop, then it's you building up 'static' probably via your socks or shoes on this floor. If, however, the bare-footed shock proves fatal, I'll apologise.

samster1

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Almost certainly you are the one carrying the leccy, Sam, and you are simply discharging it via metal objects, especially ones which are earthed.

The fact that a door handle gives you a shock suggests it ain't a 'mains' electrical fault.

Does the kitchen have a new floor covering? Try walking about bare-footed - if the shocks stop, then it's you building up 'static' probably via your socks or shoes on this floor. If, however, the bare-footed shock proves fatal, I'll apologise.

Yes I've had new laminate Installed. That's when all this started. 

Jeepers_Creepers

Simple - drive some 6" nails right through the laminate into the subfloor, every - oooh - foot or so. Go for a medieval studded look...

I suspect that the underlay is a thin foamy polythene type like we had on ours? Makes a perfect insulator! The shocking situation hasn't happened with us, tho' - I wonder what's different?

I guess you need different footwear, or go barefoot or be-socked? I wonder if there's an anti-static coating that can be applied - that also ain't slippery?

Perhaps email the manufacturer for advice?

chrisw

It may be linked to the current weather conditions as well. For the past couple of weeks I've been getting nasty shocks getting out the car and even putting the key in the house front door lock. Nothings different in terms of clothing,etc.

Stenwold

OP, do you shuffle your feet?

Rosa_Damascena

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Simple - drive some 6" nails right through the laminate into the subfloor, every - oooh - foot or so. Go for a medieval studded look...

I suspect that the underlay is a thin foamy polythene type like we had on ours? Makes a perfect insulator! The shocking situation hasn't happened with us, tho' - I wonder what's different?

I guess you need different footwear, or go barefoot or be-socked? I wonder if there's an anti-static coating that can be applied - that also ain't slippery?

Perhaps email the manufacturer for advice?

Excellent tip! I had never thought of this as being a risk but I can see this shortcut making life really miserable.

coffeehound

Static issues tend to get worse in cold dry weather as the indoor humidity becomes low.  A humidifier should help if it is causing a problem.