Identifying Causes of Electrical Shock

Question: I have a new washing machine.

I have been receiving electric shocks from the washing machine.

• Initially I thought maybe the machine was not grounded.
• I checked my plug using an volt meter and a ground circuit was there.
• I then checked the washing machine from the ground plug to the door hinge using the ohms setting and the they were connected.
• Now how can there still be any electricity flowing?
• The machine is sitting on a wood stand “a front loader” and the floor is concrete.

This electrical question came from: Eric, a Homeowner from Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Eric.

Electrical  Shocks are Nothing to Mess Around With

• Lets Identify the Possible Causes of Electric Shock

Possible Causes of Electrical Shock:

1. The washing machine may have an internal voltage leak to the frame.
2. A voltage reading may be identified using a voltage tester.

The Concrete Floor and Electrical Potentials

• Concrete floors normally have a low resistance to ground because the earth ground is directly below and there is direct contact.
• Adversely a concrete floor may become electrified due to a problem with your house wiring, specifically having to do with a faulty or un-bonded ground system at the main electrical service.

Testing for a Electric Voltage Leak

• Set the tester on the AC Voltage setting and take a reading from the washing machine housing to the ground terminal of the outlet to verify this.
  • WARNING: You must be insulated and kept safe during tests for voltage
  • Be sure to wear protective clothing, rubber boots and non-conductive gloves
  • Do not get in a position of  being part of the electrical circuit

PLEASE NOTE:

• This condition is Extremely Dangerous!
• Until this problem is identified and corrected it would be good to install a GFCI outlet for the washing machine and any other electrical outlets or devices in the area.
• The source of the voltage leak should be identified and corrected without delay.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Using Electrical Testers

Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

Circuit Wiring

Electrical Safety

Home Electrical Safety
A new approach to keep kids and electricity apart with hopes to prevent children from being injured by electricity.

Electrical Grounding

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements

• Listing of electrical codes for grounding
• Examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring