Strong Static Electricity fr Electrical Appliances

mjk · 24-03-2006, 04:24 PM

Hi Folks,

I just moved to HK and am not sure if it only happens to me but I realised that my DVD player and broadband TV "box" give off strong static electricity (I don't know if it is the right term to use), when plugged into the socket. It did not really help even when I tried different sockets. I was "shocked" several times when in contact. However, it seems fine after I power off the appliances, leaving them still plugged to the power socket.

I have never experienced this in other countries (Asia and Europe) where I stayed before. I heard someone mentioning before that it could be due to humidity or the sockets.

Another problem (well, not quite but I am just uncomfortable with it) I have is with my laptop. I am currently plugging my laptop into the power socket 24/7 (according to the tech support of the company, it is ok to do so). It happens that I can feel mild current travelling through the top casing whenever I switch it on. Is this normal? I have also never come across this problem.

I guess calling both cases "electricity leakage" may be too exaggerating....I tried doing some research online but couldn't seem to get anything out of it. Am also not so keen to ask electrician w/o first knowing what could have happened. Can anyone enlighten and possibly how to get it fixed? Thanks!

KnowItAll · 24-03-2006, 04:33 PM

You've got some equipment that is not grounded for sure and is definately leaking some electricity...

I'd get an screwdriver electricity tester (HK$10-20 from a hardware store) and check.

Also, check that your apartment has a functioning ground fault circuit detector ...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html

Decca · 24-03-2006, 04:38 PM

The problems could be in a number of flaws. Firstly could you answer the following questions as best you can?

a Are these devices purchased in Hong Kong and do they have the 3 prong plug? If not; are you using an adapter/transformer where only 2 prongs are used?

b What building type are you in? - A very old one or brand new?

c the laptop, does this electrical surge/shock happen only once or is it repeating?

KnowItAll · 24-03-2006, 04:46 PM

Before I leave for the day... you can also call HEC Technical enquiries hotline....

http://www.heh.com/hehWeb/DomesticSe...s/Index_en.htm

mjk · 24-03-2006, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Decca:

The problems could be in a number of flaws. Firstly could you answer the following questions as best you can?

a

Are these devices purchased in Hong Kong and do they have the 3 prong plug? If not; are you using an adapter/transformer where only 2 prongs are used?

b

What building type are you in? - A very old one or brand new?

c

the laptop, does this electrical surge/shock happen only once or is it repeating?

a) One is a DVD player purchased in Singapore. It has the 3 prong plug. The other one is the local broadband TV box from PCCW. Both used in my flat for the first time after moving here 2 weeks ago.

b) Built in 1991, so pretty "new". Relatively well maintained.

c) for the laptop it is not exactly a shock, more like a mild vibration which does not seem to go away.

mjk · 24-03-2006, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by KnowItAll:

You've got some equipment that is not grounded for sure and is definately leaking some electricity...

I'd get an screwdriver electricity tester (HK$10-20 from a hardware store) and check.

Also, check that your apartment has a functioning ground fault circuit detector ...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html

I bought this tool last week and it confirmed the leakage... that's why I am so concerned. The DVD player was working perfectly fine before moving here - so I suspected it's the socket and not the player. How to be sure which one is faulty?