Electric shock from TV? Some common reasons include static electricity, an electrical fault inside the TV and a damaged power cord. This post aims to shed some light on why this is happening and what you can do about it from an electrical point of view.
What Is An Electric Shock From A TV?
An electric shock occurs when contact is made between a surface with voltage and earth. When this happens, current travels from the wire or surface with voltage to earth. In doing so, an electric shock occurs which is an unpleasant sensation of electric current travelling along the skin and through the body.
In this case, there are two types of electric shock someone can get from a TV.
First, someone can get a static shock. This occurs when charge builds up on the surface of the TV only getting discharged when someone touches it.
Secondly, someone can get a shock from the mains power. This is much worse than a static shock, in fact it can be extremely hazardous.
There are rules in place designed to protect people from getting shocks inside their homes. This includes using residual current devices or RCDs on power circuits in the home.
RCDs are specified to shut off power when leakage current reaches certain thresholds. For personal protection, RCD’s must shut off the circuit within 300 milliseconds and 30 milliamps of current.
For RCDs to work, there needs to be a strong earthing system in place. Without a good earthing system, RCDs won’t trip. Therefore the law sets out how the home earthing system must be installed.
As TVs are plugged into power sockets in a domestic environment, they must be protected by RCD. As RCDs are a relatively new invention they might be missing in many older homes.
Most appliances (except class 2 appliances) are connected to the earthing system which prevents hazardous voltages from appearing on them when a fault occurs.
This post will mostly talk about how someone might get a mains power shock from their TV.
Here is why someone might get an electric shock from their TV (assuming their TV is modern)
Electric Shock From TV – Reason #1
Static Electricity From Clothes, Skin Or Hair
Static electricity is the most likely reason someone might get a shock from their TV. Static charge can build up on someones hair, skin or clothes before getting discharged when the TV is touched. This discharge is a static shock. Static shocks, while unpleasant are unlikely to be dangerous in this case unlike the next few examples.
Electric Shock From TV – Reason #2
Damaged Cord
Electrical cords can become damaged exposing live wires. If these live wires come in contact with someone either directly or indirectly, it’s possible to get an electric shock.
Damaged cords can occur as a result of rodents chewing cables and general wear and tear.
Electric Shock From TV – Reason #3
Moisture Inside TV
If moisture has gotten inside a TV via accidental water exposure it is possible that someone would get an electric shock.
Electric Shock From TV – Reason #4
TV Wear And Tear
Over time TVs can become faulty, exposing parts to potentially hazardous voltages.
Conclusion
Electric shock from TV? Static electricity is the most likely reason why this is happening. The next reasons relate to wear and tear of the TV and its power cord. As always unplug your TV before inspecting it for any problems or defects.
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