i get a bit of a 'zap' from the top of my microphone while i'm singing, either just as my lips touch the mic

Question

or on the metal part, at the bottom end of my mic. not all the time just sometimes....i have been told it's not dangerous...something about it 'earthing' ??but some 'zaps' have given me quite a 'boot' lately so now i'm thinking...hmmmm this can't be good....anyone know any differant..or can anyone explain to me why it 'boots' sometimes more than others..and..is it really NOT that dangerous??? ta very much xx

Answer 1

IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!!! Your equipment is not properly grounded (or earthed, for the other side of the pond). This means that if high voltage gets on a metal part, as you describe, it will not draw enough current to trip a circuit breaker. The breaker SHOULD open and stop the current, indicating that an electrical fault is present and the equipment needs repair. Without that, the high voltage will take the best route it finds to ground (earth). If that is across your chest, say left hand to right foot or mouth to left foot, you will probably be electrocuted. Several musicians die this way every year -- try not to be one of them.

Yes, it will take some cash to get things fixed, but it will be worth it since you'll still be around to make music. If you can, find the cash to get a ground fault interrupter (GFI) large enough to handle your equipment and insist that it be used at all of your gigs. It will instantly trip when it detects imbalance in AC voltage and prevent electrocution (they even work when there is no ground (earth)). GFI's are required in US bathrooms, kitchens, and wherever water might come in contact with electricity for just that reason.

You feel the zap more due to a variety of reasons, everything from lower electrical resistance in your body, to higher humidity, from locally higher voltage, to lower electrical resistance in your shoes, the flooring, etc.

Answer 2

SD_Ducksoup has it right. Extremely dangerous. Get it fixed so you don't end up like the fellow in the news report linked below.

WK
Certified A/V Tech

Answer 3

I was just talking about this today. It can be dangerous. I don't know if current feeds back from amps or how that works but musicians have been killed or seriously injured from mikes, guitars and other stuff hooked up to amps.