DCUK6 Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 Had reports in that a laptop was giving shocks occasionally. Called in the PAT tester who tested every socket (I watched and looked at the results), tested the earth in the main case, scratched of some paint in door and main cabinet to check the earth. All OK. Did a visual check of the laptop charger which all passed the PAT tester machine. The outside protector on one of the IEC cable has been pulled out but the individual insulators around the cores wernt broken and it passed on the machine (failed visual). Anything else we can check before calling in a electrician? Cheers
jamesreedersmith Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 Had reports in that a laptop was giving shocks occasionally. Called in the PAT tester who tested every socket (I watched and looked at the results), tested the earth in the main case, scratched of some paint in door and main cabinet to check the earth. All OK. Did a visual check of the laptop charger which all passed the PAT tester machine. The outside protector on one of the IEC cable has been pulled out but the individual insulators around the cores wernt broken and it passed on the machine (failed visual). Anything else we can check before calling in a electrician? Cheers Could just be a static charge build up, some wheels on some carpets seem to act like a van der graf generator and charge the metal of the trolley. is it only after its been wheeled around that it gives shocks?
Oaktech Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 I suspect this is a static build up. Is it an all metal cabinet? Does it shock if it is plugged into the mains? We have one here that if it is wheeled somewhere and the metal parts touched before it is plugged back in it gives a fat blue spark static shock, if it is plugged in first it doesn't because the build up goes to earth. It sounds to me like it might need the same technique of plugging in first. If it still shocks while plugged in, get an electrician to check the earth bonding.
robmal Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 You might want to read this HSE advisory... Guidance - Laptop computer charging trolleys safety alert
Joanne Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 You might want to read this HSE advisory... Guidance - Laptop computer charging trolleys safety alert I've been shocked off the plug before... horrible. Much worse than static. Not just the once either... it's happened a couple of time from different trolleys made by different manufacturers. Funnily enough I had a member of staff get shocked this week by one of the trolleys. When looking it over the insulation had come off one of the chargers and there was bare metal underneath. I replaced this immediately and there hasn't been a problem with it again. Have they sorted wireless charging for laptops out yet?
DCUK6 Posted February 4, 2015 Author Posted February 4, 2015 Trolley is static and never moves. Plugged in 24/7. After the pat test was complete, I touched it with it plugged in and got nothing. It sounds so much like static but happens quite often apparently.
Don__1 Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 I used to get static shocks every single time I touched our server cab. Some were quite violent and visible. Good fun at times to touch someone else standing near me. It was caused by my cheap trousers and my cheap chair. I would charge up nicely and then discharge to the metal case of the server cab. Changed chairs and it stopped instantly, still wear cheap trousers though. Maybe the static is not in the laptop trolley but the user that touched it. 1
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now