Desktop Computer Works Fine In Thailand, But Getting Shocked!

[newbegin4]

I just arrived and brought over my desktop computer from the USA, works fine but I can definitely feel stray current when I touch the exterior (tingly feeling with tiny shocks).

I did flip the power switch from 110v to 220v before connecting. Is this normal for the 220v environment (I wouldn't think so)? Is it the computer's fault or could it be the house wiring (i.e. lack of ground wire)?

Fire hazard or just a minor annoyance? Anybody else experience the same thing?

Thanks for any advice!

[cdnvic]

Your computer is plugged into an outlet that isn't grounded. There's a strong possibility that the whole building is like this. Have you tried other outlets?

[proximity]

Your computer is plugged into an outlet that isn't grounded. There's a strong possibility that the whole building is like this. Have you tried other outlets?

It would be best if you could ground your outlet, but one thing to try is to turn the plug in the outlet 180 degrees. The plugs in Thailand are not polarized and reversing the plug can reduce the problem.

[pgrin]

If you are using a Thai style extension cord that accepts a three prong plug check the plug on the extension cord itself. Most local extension cords have the dangerous setup that has only 2 prongs where it plugs into the wall, creating a fake grounded situation. Go to one of the big box stores(BigC,Lotus< Carre Foure) and buy an extension cord that has three prongs on its plug. Now the next problem will be the outlets where you live. As stated before, many Thai electric outlets are not grounded.

P

[garyh]

A temporary fix is to get length of insulated wire and attach it to one of the screws on the back of your PC then connect the other end to something metal that is in contact with the building, ie drain pipe or aluminum window frame.

[lopburi3]

You are much more likely to find a grounded outlet box in a computer store than in the chains. I have never seen a proper outlet box in Tesco Lotus (nor a grounded plug) - I have seen in Carefour and HomePro or department stores. But wherever you buy you do have to check closely.

If you are in apartment and directly plugging a three pin plug into the wall I would ask manager to have electric checked - if the outlet accepts three pins it should have a ground wire (but enforcement was lax so you can not depend on it).

[Gary A]

I had that problem and finally bought a ground stake, copper coated steel and drove it in the ground near a spot outside that normally stays damp. A wire from the stake to my computer case solved the shock problem. VERY few houses have properly grounded electrical systems. Two wire systems are standard here.

[NHJ]

another solution is to wear shoes when you touch the pc, you won't have this problem.

[Crossy]

another solution is to wear shoes when you touch the pc, you won't have this problem.

True, but the issue really needs sorting.

Yes, as others have noted it's a grounding problem, the tingle is caused by leakage through the mains-filter capacitors and whilst unlikely to be dangerous is not pleasant (it's not a fault with your PC although some seem to be worse than others).

Have a look here http://www.crossy.co.uk/wiring/protection.html and here http://www.crossy.co.uk/wiring/2pin.html for some ideas how you can fix the problem.

As noted above, if you have 3 pin outlets and are using a proper 3 pin traily then the wiring in your home needs investigating.

[NUMBNUTTS]

I experience 220VAC problems everywhere - the EMF potential is that much higher - metal stake is excellent - you should not be touching any metal parts

on ya PC though - mine are all laptops with lots of plastic - static electricity will discharge any time, any where, in the mountains it is a constant problem, and

blows out PC components. Even the clothing we wear containing polyesters & generates static - carpets are a biggie. No one can tell the difference.

Also the sensitive wrist areas are more susceptible than say your fingers - discharges are greater, so is the tingle effect. Ground/discharge yourself

Personally - as I have lived around boats for so long, I prefer a floating ground - I dont want to become Earth one day - besides, electrolysis will eat the boat -

and even with 3~/380 VAC I have never had issues. It might just be that MIT $3 PSU ya bought last week. If it does not kick the GFI - its OK - test GFI!!

Other than simple precautions, dont try home-fixes - its like self medication.

[Crossy]

Whilst the above is definately true, the issue the OP is seeing is NOT static it is leakage through the necessary mains inlet filter. This normally zips harmlessly to ground (it's a few hundred microamps) but with no ground path available it zips thought you, ouch!

There are issues with floating supplies in land based installations, not least of which is some bright spark grounding a phase, when he does it nothing untoward happens (no bang) except the other phases are now 380V above ground which puts strain on insulation and components. The neutral, normally at or near ground potential also rises to 220V a hazardous situation for those expecting it to be near ground, ouch!

On the whole, a grounded neutral is the best way to ensure everyone remains safe (except your metal boat that is), even marine installations are arranged so that the neutral can't get too far from the hull potential.

[Carmine6]

another solution is to wear shoes when you touch the pc, you won't have this problem.

True, but the issue really needs sorting.

Yes, as others have noted it's a grounding problem, the tingle is caused by leakage through the mains-filter capacitors and whilst unlikely to be dangerous is not pleasant (it's not a fault with your PC although some seem to be worse than others).

Have a look here http://www.crossy.co.uk/wiring/protection.html and here http://www.crossy.co.uk/wiring/2pin.html for some ideas how you can fix the problem.

As noted above, if you have 3 pin outlets and are using a proper 3 pin traily then the wiring in your home needs investigating.

Can someone explain what can happen if there is more than one ground as the article says "More than one Main Earth Rod can be dangerous unless they are spaced from each other correctly."

I know in the US I've never seen more than one which I assumed was because only one is needed. Just wondering what could happen. Can it electrify the ground between the two?

[T_Dog]

Your best solution is to go to Amorn or Central and buy a one-to-one 230 VAC Isolation Transformer. Plug all your computer components into the isolated winding AND THEN connect your computer gear to an earth ground. The isolation transformer will also protect your gear to a degree from common-mode transients that travel down the mains from switching somewhere or from lightning strikes. I've experienced this irritating problem occuring in several countries with customers of past companies I worked for and this was the only solution that was effective. Good luck!

[Crossy]

Can someone explain what can happen if there is more than one ground as the article says "More than one Main Earth Rod can be dangerous unless they are spaced from each other correctly."

I know in the US I've never seen more than one which I assumed was because only one is needed. Just wondering what could happen. Can it electrify the ground between the two?

Pretty much the case, the ground getting electrified that is. Not likely to happen these days but back when the common distribution system was Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) there were many cases of livestock being killed by the potential between front and back legs. For this reason there are still special regulations in many countries regarding electrical installations in stables.

One stake is normally sufficient, if two are used they must be far enough apart that they cannot interact and generate large ground potentials particularly if they are not actually connected together by the wiring itself.