An electric shock from a microphone could be caused by static electricity, a faulty microphone, a damaged cord, or moisture on electrically live parts. This post will cover what a shock is and four reasons why someone might get a shock in this instance from an electrician’s perspective.
What Is An Electric Shock?
An electric shock is a sensation that occurs when current passes through the body. It occurs when the body makes contact with a surface containing voltage. This creates a circuit allowing current to flow through the body.
The more current that passes the body and the longer someone is exposed to that current, the worse that the electric shock will be.
If someone has a good connection to earth (wearing no shoes, standing on damp ground), more current will flow and they will get a more intense shock.
As electric shocks have the potential to cause permanent damage or death, residual current devices (RCDs) must be on all power points and lighting.
RCDs are required for power points in domestic situations because handheld appliances plugged into them are a high risk for electric shock. RCDs work by shutting off power to a circuit when risk of an electric shock occurs. It does this by sensing current differences which indicates that current is leaking to earth. When a certain threshold is met, the breaker trips. This threshold is typically 30 milliamps for 300 milliseconds but RCDs exist with lower thresholds (10 milliamps).
For an RCD to operate properly the home’s earthing system needs to be intact with a low resistance and all conductive surfaces must be bonded to earth with an earth wire.
Are RCDs Required On Commercial Premises?
RCDs are not necessarily required on commercial premises unless it is an office or lunchroom. Someone getting a shock from a microphone may be located in a bar or commercial premises where the wall socket is not on RCD.
If someone got a shock from a microphone, it is a good idea to check if a breaker has tripped in the switchboard indicating a fault with the microphone or cord.
Electric Shock From A Microphone? – Reason #1
Static Electricity
Likelihood: High – especially if someone is moving around a lot with the microphone.
Static electricity forms on clothes, hair and skin due to friction with the ground or the air. It results in an electrical charge building up before getting released as an electric shock.
Carpets are a common culprit for generating static electricity.
Using a rubber mat over the carpet will help reduce static build up.
Electric Shock From A Microphone? – Reason #2
Faulty Microphone Or Speaker
Likelihood: Moderate
A faulty microphone may be the cause of shock. There may be a fault due to wear and tear or a manufacturing defect resulting in high voltage appearing on the microphone. Before determining if the microphone is faulty check the condition of the power cord.
Electric Shock From A Microphone? – Reason #3
Damaged Cord
Likelihood: Moderate
A damaged power cord exposing live wire strands will definitely cause a shock, either by directly touching the strands or indirectly by touching a conductive or damp surface touching the wire strands.
Before inspecting the power cord ensure that the speaker is unplugged from the wall socket. A damaged cord will have nicks or abrasions on the insulation allowing the wires to be exposed.
Electric Shock From A Microphone? – Reason #4
Moisture Inside Speaker
Likelihood: Low
Moisture inside the microphone can cause an electric shock hazard. Always check the condition of the microphone before connecting it to a power source and if it is wet don’t plug it in.
Electricians Perspective
Static electricity is the most likely culprit unless the microphone and speaker have been subjected to wear and tear or moisture increasing the electric shock hazard.
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