Tingling Sensation From An Appliance
A washing machine, dryer, fridge or other appliance gives a shock or tingle from the metal case, even a brief one. Do not open the plug, and unplug it only if you can do that without touching the case.
High risk
Blake FolgadoCo-founder, Tradehand
What would yours cost?
We'll tell you the price for this, then find a local electrician to do it.
What's happening?
A shock or tingle from the case means current reached the outside, even if the contact was brief. You feeling it does not prove the earth wire in the plug has come off. The appliance, the lead, the socket or the installation earth are all possible.
What usually causes it?
- A damaged lead or a fault inside the appliance
- Damp inside the case
- A poor earth at the socket
- The same supply or bonding fault that is also felt on taps or radiators
Is it dangerous?
Yes. The current can rise if the fault worsens, and wet hands around a washer, dishwasher or kettle make injury more likely. HSE says an RCD reduces the chance of injury and still does not remove it. Call 999 if someone is unconscious or not breathing normally. If they seem well, still get a medical assessment: Electrical Safety First says injury, including a disturbed heart rhythm, may not show at once.
Can I fix it myself?
Stop using it. Do not open the plug, move the appliance, or touch the case again. Unplug only if the plug and socket are dry, undamaged and easy to reach. Otherwise leave it, and switch off at the consumer unit only if you can reach and operate it without touching suspect metal or standing in water. If you are not sure, keep away and call. If an adapter is fitted, describe it rather than opening it. If other appliances, taps or radiators did the same, keep off that metalwork and call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales as well as an electrician. Tell them which appliance and socket, whether the shock was brief, and what else metal did the same.
When should you call an electrician?
Have the appliance and the socket tested before either is used again. Several appliances, or taps and pipes as well, need the installation and possibly the supply checked.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Prove the appliance dead before opening it, then test earth continuity and leakage
- Test the socket earth rather than assuming the appliance is the only fault
- Check the installation earth if more than one appliance tingles
- Retest and leave it unused until those results show it is safe
Questions people ask
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
