[Sparky3570]

Hi all,Im new to the forum and ive already got a problem that i need help with. I was called to an apt building because of switches and outlets cause a static shock when you touch them.
The situation is driving the tenants crazy! It doesnt shock me evrytime but the janitor was getting a shock at each and evryone.
Ive never seen this before in all my yrs....what to do??

USL Electrical Services

 

[HARRY305E]

Hi all,Im new to the forum and ive already got a problem that i need help with. I was called to an apt building because of switches and outlets cause a static shock when you touch them.
The situation is driving the tenants crazy! It doesnt shock me evrytime but the janitor was getting a shock at each and evryone.
Ive never seen this before in all my yrs....what to do??

USL Electrical Services

Welcome to the forum.:thumbsup:

Did you check to see if the switches are grounded?

 

[antique electrician]

Humidify

 

[ablyss]

Drive a ground rod !!
... just kidding.

Problem could be a nail driven into a wire and only when there's a load does it trickle on to the grounding system. Run a new wire to the outlets and be done with it.

 

[jza]

Hi all,Im new to the forum and ive already got a problem that i need help with. I was called to an apt building because of switches and outlets cause a static shock when you touch them.
The situation is driving the tenants crazy! It doesnt shock me evrytime but the janitor was getting a shock at each and evryone.
Ive never seen this before in all my yrs....what to do??

USL Electrical Services

A static shock? Probably the carpet. Unless there's steady power at the plate screws at any given time I can't see this being very electrical related.

 

[whittom]

I have found out that a good percentage of residential electricians don't ground their switches. I would check that, and check your grounding system. I would also check to make sure all wires in panel are screwed down tight, especially the neutrals and grounds.

 

[jza]

I have found out that a good percentage of residential electricians don't ground their switches. I would check that, and check your grounding system. I would also check to make sure all wires in panel are screwed down tight, especially the neutrals and grounds.

He said STATIC. Receiving a static shock off of an outlet screw is proof in itself that the system is grounded correctly. Plus, you really think multiple outlets wouldn't be bonded to the box through the device screws? Come on.

 

[Voltron]

A static shock? Probably the carpet. Unless there's steady power at the plate screws at any given time I can't see this being very electrical related.

I agree. Best course of action would be to remove all carpeting on the premises. Immediately. :laughing:

 

[svh19044]

Winter, dry air, carpet, static electricity. When you touch the switch/plate/screw, or the faucet, you get a shock.

 

[jza]

Winter, dry air, carpet, static electricity. When you touch the switch/plate/screw, or the faucet, you get a shock.

Some of the stuff that gets brought up on a forum for professional electrician's just blows me away.

Check the grounding? For static? Good God.

 

[papaotis]

i dont know if its the harsh winter or a change in me, but im starting to think I'M a static generator! im gettin shocked everytime i get out of my truck or take my coat off!:blink:

 

[svh19044]

i dont know if its the harsh winter or a change in me, but im starting to think I'M a static generator! im gettin shocked everytime i get out of my truck or take my coat off!:blink:

I have hardwood floors in my house and the damn dogs still shock me every time they sniff me. I think they do it on purpose.

Any way to permanently ground them? :whistling2:

 

[Wirenuting]

I agree. Best course of action would be to remove all carpeting on the premises. Immediately. :laughing:

No he should drive a ground rod into the carpet, leaving just a few inches sticking up for the HI to see..
Or
He can order parts and install them in the summer on a rainy day...
Problem solved.

 

[Aegis]

No he should drive a ground rod into the carpet, leaving just a few inches sticking up for the HI to see.. Or He can order parts and install them in the summer on a rainy day... Problem solved.

This WONT WORK!

He already removed all the carpets.

 

[Wirenuting]

This WONT WORK! He already removed all the carpets.

Rats, now a carpenter needs to replace the carpet...

Then he can drive the rod.

 

[Clarky]

This winter, at least in our house the static electricity has been high. And yes everything is grounded. We have carpet, the static that build's up is looking for a place to go, they reach for the switch and the static discharges from you to the screw[ which is metal bonded to the device]. They could change all the screws to teflon but the static electricity has to discharge from you some how!

 

[macmikeman]

We three kittens have lost our mittens,
And now we get shocked touching lightswitches.

 

[chicken steve]

fire the janitor!


~CS~

 

[LGLS]

"Electrons are something manufacturers put into carpets... in order to attract dirt."

 

[Tjtono]

Spray diluted fabric softener on carpet. Believe it or not it works for static.