How to keep your computer case from electrocuting when you touch it

Have you ever touched a computer case and felt electrocuted?

Although not deadly, but the sensation is very surprising because it comes unexpectedly.

Why did that happen?

If you look at the power plug, there are two metal rods that represent electric charge (neutral) and mass charge, respectively.

However, this system has a crucial drawback, namely: absence of a third metal rod for grounding. This is very common in the electricity system in Indonesia.

Grounding itself plays a role in distributing unused electric current to the ground (insulator) so that it does not endanger people who touch electronic devices.

Computer components are conductors and in most cases, electricity flows freely into the case, causing an electric shock when you touch it.

Well, if you don’t want to be electrocuted by a computer case anymore, here are the steps you can follow.

How to prevent the computer case from electrocuting using grounding

The most recommended way is to make your own grounding so that electricity can be discharged. Here are some materials you will need to make a simple grounding system.

• Nail to be plugged into the wall or ground (adjustable length and diameter)
• Cable fiber / stiff with a length of several meters (depending on needs)
• Adhesive tools such as solder, bolts, or tape (optional)

If all these materials have been prepared, here are the steps to make grounding easily.

1. Turn off the computer and remove the plug from socket electrical (outlet) so that you don’t get electrocuted when installing grounding.

2. Connect the copper to the metal casing using solder, tape, or bolts. But you can also tie it to the hole as follows.

3. Connect the other end of the cable to the nail, either coiled or soldered, then plug it into the ground or wall. Please select the most suitable medium according to your situation.

The final step is to turn on the computer to see if the case is still powered or not. You can try to touch it or use test pen if you are worried about getting electrocuted.

Some electronics manufactures also make grounding kit which are sold from IDR 100,000 per unit. This tool is relatively neater and can be used on various devices other than computers, such as refrigerators and televisions.

Why doesn’t the case shock again after grounding?

According to the Listenden website, soil is basically a conductor so electricity can easily flow to it. Instead of flowing through people, electricity tends to flow through wires and eventually into the ground.

This is because metal wires and earth are better materials in the context of conducting electricity than the human body.

If the grounding is against a wall, will the wall give an electric shock?

Of course not. The electric current in the wall is closer to the ground, and the electrical properties naturally flow to the material with the higher conductivity.

How about grounding for the laptop?

Too bad because laptops are mobile devices, grounding with nails is not ideal. Laptop plugs generally already have a metal plate for grounding, but electrical installations at home must also support grounding.

You can watch a video on how to make grounding for an outlet or ask a technician to install grounding if you don’t understand electricity.

How about a phone that electrocutes when it’s charging?

Please note that the average mobile phone charger is not equipped with grounding. Therefore, installing grounding at home will not make the phone neutral from electricity while recharging.

The solution is to use cloth or special gloves so that your hands don’t come in direct contact with the smartphone. Covering a smartphone with a rubber case can also prevent electrocution.

Okay, that’s how to keep the computer case from electrocuting again when touched. These tips can also be applied to other electronic goods.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments column.