STATIC ELECTRIC SHOCK from SINK and MICROWAVE?

Question

Both metal . Any solution how to stop it ????

Answer 1

Sounds like the "step and touch" rule to me. The m/w oven is leaking a little electricity from its case into your hand through your body , and out your other hand into the sink and ground. Insure(inspect)that the wall plug the m/w oven is plugged into has a proper ground wire -- this is important. Sounds like you should replace the regular plug with a G.F.C.I. safety outlet plug also >> this shuts off the electricity very fast in case there"s a short,etc. This device will only work if there is a ground wire --so if you only have the old 2 wire system(ungrounded) then forget about this. If it is the 2 wire system--then its best to move the m/w over farther away from the sink, so you can not touch both at the same time. You could also put a good ground wire under a screw on the m/w oven frame and run this wire down to the cold water pipe and clamp it on tightly to the cleaned pipe. This will carry the "leakage" to ground. You might even have a problem with the m/w causing a short/leakage--repair/replace it.

Answer 2

If it is static shock there is not much you can do about it. You can strike the surface with your finger and you won't feel it.

Do you have grounded outlets? If not then there is the possibility of an appliance with a metal body having an electrical charge on it. But this would have to be bad or worn wiring for this to happen and that is remote.

The only way the sink could have electricity is if you have a disposal hooked up but even then it would have to be on before you could get shocked. I'd say it is just plain ol static charge. You probably come off of carpet going into the kitchen and you discharge on the first thing metal you touch. The sink and microwave being the most popular things you would be touching.

But, anything can happen with electricity. Incorrect wiring, bad insulation, etc. If you are only getting a little snap and nothing more after that I'd not worry about it. But, if it is a hard shock and you still feel tingling in your hand if you continue touching it, get an electrician to your place immediately before someone gets badly hurt.

Answer 3

It doesn't sound like you'll be able to do much to correct your problem except maybe change shoes, and no guarantees there. Static electricity can be effected by many factors such as humidity. The higher the humidity, the less static electricity. The humidity in grocery stores is usually low. You'll notice in colder weather you get 'shocked' more. Handling plastic will really add to your being 'charged'. Once you get charged you touch something metal and you discharge your 'charge' and you fell 'shocked'. There is probably no safe way to remedy your problem.

Answer 4

the case of your microwave and your sink should be grounded AND bonded properly.

an electrician has to add a ground wire to both and run them to the main panel as well as bond between the hot and cold lines by the water heater.

if theres no ground your not connected with the ground wire and your getting that static shock.

for everyone saying its a 120V shock, i would have to say its not....

you can try getting a humidifier to get moisture into the air to stock those winter shocks

Answer 5

If you are building a charge from carpet, you are going to always spark at any grounded metal. I don't think you want to run around the house with an electrical bonding wire attached to you, so you will spark once in awhile, especially in dry weather.

Answer 6

bad ground
how old is your house. someone before you do some weekend warrior repairs or take the homo depot one minute shop class.
sounds like your plumbing is copper or metal (drain attatched to sink)
may be attatched to your panel or something outside

Answer 7

you have a bad ground in the circuit. contact an electrician.