Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cellphone]

Anyone else experienced this and know much about it?
I've had in my possession two different computers, one really old stinker was like a Pentium 1 that I found in the street. And more recently a new model with the latest motherboard, cpu, power supply etc. On both machines, actually on the computer boxes as well as with 3 different monitors I've ever used, I get small electrical shocks pretty much anywhere on them that I touch.

I even once had taken the new computer completely apart and put the motherboard on an anti-static wrap on table, seperate from power supply etc, and out of the computer case. STILL the motherboard, the hard drives, etc, all gave a slight electrical shock anytime I touched them. This happened whether the units were on or off, the only requirement was that they were plugged in. That's how I know it wasn't the case. OH YAH, I've also used two different power supply units, one I brought with me from overseas and one that I bought here in Yongsan. Again, ALWAYS getting very slight shocks.

You can also test out your own to see. If you touch the computer case directly and firmly then the shocks don't seem to be noticeable. The best way is to lightly brush your hand or fingers across pretty much any area inside or on the computer. Try the outside of the box first and you should feel them (well, I do), or gently try slightly more inside the case. My neighbor doesn't get any on his, and I don't know why I do.

MY QUESTION ---> if anyone else has experienced them how were you able to stop it?

[the_beaver]

I get that all the time, even when everything's powered down. Don't understand it.

[cellphone]

yah... well here's one interesting thing. I've noticed that when you switch your Power Surge protector to the off position that the electric shocks get ever worse! Which tells you that the surge protector is doing something right even though not completely. Furthermore previously I was using this really cheap three plug electrical cord that didn't have on/off light switch and the shocks were pretty bad. I then went out and spent 11,000won and bought a higher voltage one that looked like it had quality and went up to 250v plus on/off switches for all 4 slots. I still get the shocks, however noticeably less powerful than before. Before it felt like "dangerous", now the shocks just feel like little mosquito bites at worst.

I was thinking about going out and spending big won and buying a more expensive but something really tells me it's not going to go completely away, I hate to be rude but all of the surge protectors I've seen around were made in Korea and I just don't think any of them are going to really solve the problem completely. I like the country and people and all but I just don't think a more expensive one will necessarily completely stop it (?).

[ishiii]

There is no ground on a power plug in korea. Two prongs instead of three, like back home.
Yer pc is not grounded and it shocks you. Getting shocked from the parts is bad, not bad for you but the pc. If you feel the need to touch the parts make sure that U put one hand onto the chassis of the case before u touch anything. Let the current go threw u. Or possibly shorten the life of yer pc

[Gollum]

These are grounding issues. My brand-new home has grounded outlets. Still, many of the plugs we have for items are not grounded.

220v also works a little differently than back home.

One of the reasons I am glad I have moved out of my old apartment is because I got that odd little "shock" feeling from any metal-cased electronic item plugged in: Stereo, computer, DVD Player, etc. It didn't hurt, but I always wondered what would have happened if I had touched it while standing in water.

I have a studio-quality metal microphone wired to my computer for audio, and it used to shock me in the lips if I got too close... OUCH!!

You will also find that leaving your internet cable plugged in can cause a slight shock too.

Scary, ain't it!??!

[rok_the-boat]

Maybe you could ground the computer with a cable.

Or, if you wear certain fleece jackets and fidget on a nylon-backed chair - maybe you are the source.