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MabelJane
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« on: 12:58:58, 02-06-2007 » |
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I wonder if anyone here can help.... For the last few days we've been getting static electric shocks  off the cold kitchen tap. One was so bad yesterday I could feel it in my finger and thumb for a few minutes afterwards. As far as I know nothing's changed around the sink to cause this. Any suggestions? MJ |
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Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
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Kittybriton
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« Reply #1 on: 14:13:21, 02-06-2007 » |
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The only thing I can think of is... if you wear anything with a high nylon content, try to find an alternative. I used to get shocks when going to my car after work, particularly in summer (is there some connection between sunny weather and static E? my vague and nebulous memory of science lessons says there is).
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Click me -> About meor me -> my handmade storeNo, I'm not a complete idiot. I'm only a halfwit. In fact I'm actually a catfish. |
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Chafing Dish
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« Reply #2 on: 15:48:34, 02-06-2007 » |
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Yes, but not so strong that it numbs your finger!! You have an electrical problem. Don't ask me for details, though.
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MT Wessel
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« Reply #3 on: 00:51:31, 03-06-2007 » |
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Could be dangerous short. Faulty earth connection. Get electrician. Now.  |
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« Last Edit: 00:53:07, 03-06-2007 by MT Wessel »
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lignum crucis arbour scientiae
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Bryn
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« Reply #4 on: 08:46:40, 03-06-2007 » |
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While agreeing that it would be as well to get the system inspected, (it is not unknown for 'cowboy' electricians to have used water pipes as earthing points, a potentially very dangerous short-cut, and these days some non-conductive piping might well be included in a water system), I would also suggest that the immediate reaction to a static discharge could indeed result in temporary numbing. This would not be liklely to be caused dirctly by the static, but by the muscular response to it. Was the hand knocked in the jerk away from the tap, for instance.
Better safe than sorry though. Get your earthing checked out.
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MabelJane
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« Reply #5 on: 10:38:05, 03-06-2007 » |
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Thanks to you all for your replies. I'll have it looked at. Strange thing is, I've touched the tap frequently since posting this and haven't had any more shocks! I often get static shocks off the car door in summer. On sunny days I usually close the door with my bag to avoid them! I wonder if some people are particularly susceptible to static? As I child I recall having horrible shocks off glass display cases in the Geological museum in S.Ken. but none of my friends did. And I wasn't in nylon clothes!  |
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Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
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John W
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« Reply #6 on: 16:00:17, 03-06-2007 » |
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Thanks to you all for your replies. I'll have it looked at. Strange thing is, I've touched the tap frequently since posting this and haven't had any more shocks! After you get one of these shocks, try immediately touching the tap again!! If you don't get a shock the second time then this would imply a static build up was in your body, maybe due to the clothes you wear, shoes and carpet, or you just got off the couch etc. If the tap/piping is metal and full of water then shocks due to your electricity supply would be unlikely as the water system is essentially earthed. The worst electrostatic shocks I ever had were when I drove a Rover 600 and had to wear polyester trousers or a suit to work. At the end of a journey I would get out of the car, and as soon as I touched the outside of the car door .... ZAP! and it was like a small hammer had banged on my finger nail. The missus sometimes got it too. We solved the problem by getting a special aerosol spray to spray on the car upholstery. John W |
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Tony Watson
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« Reply #7 on: 18:35:52, 03-06-2007 » |
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How strange that it's the cold water tap and not the hot one. I often get static shocks from radiators but never taps. I go through phases of getting shocks from the car and when I do I get out very gingerly, being careful not to touch any metal part of the door (I close it by pressing my elbow to the window). Then I put the key in the front door and I can see sparks if the light is dim.
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Chafing Dish
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« Reply #8 on: 21:21:07, 03-06-2007 » |
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My own worst shock was when I dropped the toaster into my bathwater. But after that, I could read women's minds!
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MabelJane
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« Reply #9 on: 21:41:10, 03-06-2007 » |
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Bizarrely, my daughter, R, is now claiming to be getting static shocks from the running water when she rinses her hands... and come to think of it, my thumb cuticles sting when I rinse my hands at the kitchen tap even though the skin's not sore, which it sometimes is. This is getting weirder and weirder! Then I put the key in the front door and I can see sparks if the light is dim.
That's a good trick! |
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« Last Edit: 23:14:36, 03-06-2007 by MabelJane »
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Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
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increpatio
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« Reply #10 on: 22:47:13, 03-06-2007 » |
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Maybe there's something wrong with the shock absorbers?  |
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MabelJane
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« Reply #11 on: 23:05:40, 07-06-2007 » |
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The Shocking Truth: A nearby socket wasn't properly earthed. A case of "I'm not paying an electician to do a job I can do perfectly well myself"... I'm pretty  but relieved that at least no one was actually hurt. MJ  |
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Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
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martle
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« Reply #12 on: 23:10:12, 07-06-2007 » |
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Very glad you're still with us, MJ! |
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Green. Always green.
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Andy D
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« Reply #13 on: 23:12:58, 07-06-2007 » |
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The Shocking Truth: A nearby socket wasn't properly earthed. A case of "I'm not paying an electician to do a job I can do perfectly well myself"... I'm pretty but relieved that at least no one was actually hurt. MJ Yes MJ, you need to employ proper electricians like us! best wishes Buffalo Bill Electrical Services  |
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MabelJane
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« Reply #14 on: 23:22:14, 07-06-2007 » |
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Thanks Martle - I'll get a proper electrician (not Buffalo Bill thanks Andy) to install these:  Lovely aren't they! |
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« Last Edit: 09:56:18, 08-06-2007 by MabelJane »
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Merely corroborative detail, intended to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative.
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