My Outlet has Open Ground, Coax Cable Shocks Me?

Question

I recently installed a TV tuner card in my computer. When i disconnected my coaxial cable from my TV i got zapped. Whenever i touched the tv's coax input and the metal nut on the end of the coax i got a tingly feeling. I figured it was just because i rubbed my arm against the staticy front of the tv. When i touched my computer case while holding onto the coax cable i got the same tingly feeling through my arm. I was afraid to hook the coax up to the computer so i hooked it back up to the tv, and when the end of the cable came close to the tv's input a blue arc (like maybe a mm at most) shot across. I just tested the outlets and they both have an open ground even tho they are 3 prong. Why would the things zap me? Wouldnt the power only flow through the cable line (the new earth ground) if the TV and comptuter were leaking voltage and not sending it back to the neutral wire? I would say the TV line was sending voltage through the tv/computer but since they have no ground that cant be?

Answer 1

Open ground means that there is no continuity to the ground. This needs correcting asap. Check the outlet to make sure the small slot onthe right is hot, the left is neutral, and the lower round ground functions.
If you have a voltmeter, check your equipment to see what is ming through and where. Start unpluging things to isolate the problem as you keep testing.

Answer 2

The outer shield of the CoAx should be grounded.
You are being 'zapped` by leakage current arcing to
that ground.
Get those outlets grounded.
If there is no bare ground cable in the outlet box,
chances are that it's a steel box, and the wiring
is run in armored cable. That will provide a ground.
At your local hardware store, you can probably
purchase ground clips attached to green ground
wires. Fasten the clip to the box, attach the wire
to the green grounding screw on the receptacle,
and you're done.

Answer 3

The open ground plug is a common problem with older homes (people just replace the non grounded outlet with a grounded one). First you have to provide a ground to that outlet (connect a ground wire to your copper pipe with a bond clamp and run that wire to your plug) or you can run a new circuit to a new plug for your computer. As far as the coax wire contact your cable or internet company to have them check if their cable wire is grounded. Also check if you have a ground rod for your electrical service. You might have to hire an electrical contractor.

Answer 4

Surge Protectors A surge protector plugged into an ungrounded outlet will not operate as the manufacturer intended. When a large surge or spike hits, the surge protector uses the ground wire to take the "hit" away from the protected equipment and send it safely to ground. If the surge or spike is not sent to ground by the surge protector it will destroy the delicate electronics you were trying to protect. The warranty offered by the surge protectors manufacturer offer, is only valid if the surge protector is used in a properly grounded outlet.