Electric Shock From Domestic Appliance

[EEZABLADE32]

Hi,

keep getting mild electric shock from my electric coffee machine when I touch another metal object. Also shows an electric charge on test meter even when unplugged. any ideas welcome.

thx

Tony

[The Builder]

It does sound as though there is an earth leakage fault on your coffee machine. When you touch a metal (earthed) object, you create a circuit so that the fault voltage flows through you to earth.

Although, I find it hard to understand how any voltage can be present when the machine is unplugged from the circuit.

Maybe there are electrolytic capacitors in the machine, that are storing a charge after unplugging. Maybe static? Either way, a PAT test (portable appliance test) is needed.

Usually an RCD (trip) will operate in these cases. It seems that your circuit doesn't have one. But that still doesn't explain the "unplugged" voltage.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Your coffee machine boiler element may be breaking down inside and giving a small current leakage to earth.If you have a working 30mA RCD in circuit it will need around 24mA to operate.You will experience a tingle at around 10 mA. As BM suggests get the appliance tested with an earth leakage tester.Is there a good earth at the supply socket and is your system up to date?

[BRIGHT SPARK]

...sorry TB not BM

[EEZABLADE32]

Thx for the excellent replies. I used a socket tester on the extension lead and it was a loose earth wire. All okay now. Once again thx for your interest.

[daveygh]

if you are plugging it into an extension lead be aware that extensions leads are only rated at 13 amp. most coffee machines, kettles etc run close to 13 amp on their own so anything else you plug into that lead could overload it and in some cases catch fire so be careful what else you plug in at the same time.

[EEZABLADE32]

Thx Davey, good advice.