Today I felt electrical shocks from two different setups in my room. First, I was zapped while unplugging a PS1 power adapter from the wall, even after it was disconnected. Later, while holding an HDMI cable connected to a launch-model PS3, my arm touching the console's chrome trim caused a continuous tingling sensation. The TV and PS1 were connected to one extension strip, while the PS3 used another. I also noticed the same thing with a USB-C cable connected to the first extension strip. What could be causing this, and is it unsafe to keep using the equipment?
3 Answers
This sounds like a grounding problem or a faulty extension strip. Try disconnecting the strip and testing the equipment from a properly grounded wall outlet, but don’t keep experimenting if you’re receiving shocks. A device or power supply could be leaking current onto its shielding or chassis.
If the issue returns with a different extension strip or directly from the wall, stop using the devices and have an electrician inspect the outlets and grounding. A ground-fault safety device can help protect against dangerous leakage, but it shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for repairing faulty wiring or equipment.
A small tingle on HDMI or USB shielding can happen when there’s a faulty ground, missing ground, or leakage from a power supply. In this case, the extension strip connected to the TV and PS1 appears to be the likely culprit, especially since multiple cables caused the sensation. Replace it and have the outlet and household grounding checked if the problem continues.
That turned out to be it—the extension strip was faulty. I’m replacing it and won’t use it again.
The TV, PS1, and other equipment were on the same extension strip, while the PS3 was on a separate one. I eventually tested several low-voltage cables under the same conditions and got the same tingling from all of them.