WiremanWireman · Getting shocked or a tingle: troubleshooting for electricians · 2023 NEC ·
Getting shocked or a tingle
A shock from an appliance, fixture, faucet or shower. Find the missing ground or the current on it.
Before you start
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How it works
You feel a shock when current flows through you to something at a different voltage. Metal that should be at ground has picked up voltage. That happens when equipment has a fault and no working ground, when polarity is reversed, or when a failing neutral pushes return current onto the grounding system.
Every question and answer in this guide. Tap “Step by step” to walk through it.
- De-energize the circuit or unplug the item and keep the occupants clear. Where did the shock come from?
- An appliance, tool or lampTest: Test the receptacle it was plugged intoExpect: 120 / 120 / near 0 V.
- Hot–ground 0 V (open ground)Open ground plus a fault in the item
- Hot and neutral are reversedReversed polarity
- Readings are normalA fault in the appliance
- A light fixture or switch plateA live fixture or switch plate
- A faucet, tub, shower or poolCurrent on the grounding or bonding system
- An appliance, tool or lampTest: Test the receptacle it was plugged intoExpect: 120 / 120 / near 0 V.