Electric shock on my iMac

[Pinkly Smooth]

For some reason, when I touch the bottom part of my iMac, it gives off an electric shock. What does this mean and how do I get rid of this problem? Thank you.

 

[4sallypat]

Check your ground connection on the outlet.

Use a voltage test that tests all 3 lines (hot, neutral & ground).
Most common problem is that the hot/neutral is reversed or the ground is missing.

Then check you power cord using a DMM/DVM for 3 lines continuity.

If all that has been checked, the power supply inside may be the culprit...

 

[Pinkly Smooth]

Check your ground connection on the outlet.

Use a voltage test that tests all 3 lines (hot, neutral & ground).
Most common problem is that the hot/neutral is reversed or the ground is missing.

Then check you power cord using a DMM/DVM for 3 lines continuity.

If all that has been checked, the power supply inside may be the culprit...

Ok thanks. Is there a possibility that this could cause damage to my iMac?

 

[4sallypat]

The Mac has protection systems built in - wouldn't worry so much about the iMac.
I'd rather more about what is causing a voltage leak that can damage a human being....

Have it checked out by an electrician if you lack the testing tools.

On a side note last year, we had a teacher get shocked at work by a bad outlet on her iMac and she had to be transported to the ER. The school electrician found a missing neutral and 240V ungrounded was coming into the iMac. When he measured the AC voltage off the Mac to ground, it measured 90VAC. The iMac didn't get harmed because it is rated for 100-240V range. The teacher luckily suffered a minor burn.

 

[Fishrrman]

Are you in the USA or Canada?
Do you have a standard 120v wall outlet, with 3 openings (hot, neutral, ground)?
If so, you can buy an "outlet tester" for a few dollars that will tell you if the outlet is properly wired.

 

[Pinkly Smooth]

I live in Europe. I also have the same problem with my keyboard. Thanks for the help.

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Many Western European countries also have grounded outlets. You say "Europe" which isn't helpful since there is no single standard electrical code for residential construction that covers the EU.

Seek the help of a qualified electrician.

 

[glenthompson]

We had a problem on my wife’s iMac where the edge of the hole in the stand cut through the cable and exposed the hot lead. It was on a GFCI circuit which tripped so no harm done. Took some time to trace why the breaker was tripping.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you're in a country that just uses a 2-prong plug (NO ground), then you may very well feel a slight "tingling" when the Mac is plugged in. Laptop users complain about this as well.

 

[glenthompson]

If you're in a country that just uses a 2-prong plug (NO ground), then you may very well feel a slight "tingling" when the Mac is plugged in. Laptop users complain about this as well.

No it should not. There is no electrical connection from the incoming power or neutral return to the case. If this was the case it would never pass the various electrical safety standards around the world.
Any skin voltage on any device should be treated as a serious problem and fixed immediately.