I felt a shock after unplugging a PS1 power adapter, even though it was no longer connected. Later, while holding an HDMI cable and touching the chrome trim on a launch-model PS3, I felt a continuous tingling sensation. The TV and PS1 were connected to the same extension strip, while the PS3 used a separate one. I also noticed a similar tingle when testing USB-C and other low-voltage cables connected through that extension. What could cause this, and is it safe to keep using the strip or devices?
3 Answers
A small tingle can come from the filtering components in switching power supplies when equipment isn’t properly grounded, but a repeated shock from several cables points to a wiring or power-strip issue rather than the HDMI cable itself. Try the equipment only after the faulty strip has been removed, ideally on a known-good outlet, and have the outlet checked if the problem continues.
This sounds like a grounding or leakage-current problem, most likely involving the extension strip or a device connected to it. Unplug that strip and stop using it until it has been replaced or tested. Don’t keep repeating the touch test, since a fault could become more dangerous.
Also consider whether the house wiring has a missing or faulty protective ground, especially if it’s older. A TV or other connected equipment can pass a small leakage voltage onto cable shields and metal parts when grounding is defective. Replace the extension strip, avoid using the setup for now, and have an electrician inspect the outlet and grounding if any tingling remains.
It turned out to be the extension strip shared by the TV and PS1. I tested several low-voltage cables through it and got the same tingle, so I’m no longer using that strip.