Electric Shock

[Topshelf]

Last night my wife and I experienced an electric shock while sitting on our couch (not the static electricity shocks, I'm talking constant flow of shock...). It went through her and into my hand. We weren't sure what it was and then it happened again. I know the back of the couch rests against a wall that has an outlet and was wondering if it could be shocking us. We also have a couple of light switches that turn the outlets on and off. I turned them off but neither of us wanted to test the couch again because we were scared of being shocked again (not the static electricity shocks, I'm talking constant flow of shock...)

Any ideas of what it is? Should I call an electrician?

 

[Bubbahotep]

I don't know what you were doing on the couch, but might I suggest using a battery powered device instead of one that plugs in.

 

[ISUFan22]

I don't know what you were doing on the couch, but might I suggest using a battery powered device instead of one that plugs in.

This.

That Hitachi Magic Wand is one fantastic device, but those things can short out...

 

[Cyclonepride]

Very strange one...... does your couch have an exposed metal frame? It's hard to imagine that cloth, leather or wood would conduct the charge through to you.

 

[Topshelf]

I know there is some metal in the corners of the couch.

I knew this would create some comments on the side, but really wondering the best approach.

Thanks

 

[dosry5]

At least you two haven't lost that spark....

 

[ISUFan22]

Very strange one...... does your couch have an exposed metal frame? It's hard to imagine that cloth, leather or wood would conduct the charge through to you.

I agree - very difficult to see this happening.

If seriously concerned about it - I'd have someone come out at take a look.

If in fact you're getting a noticeable shock through the couch, imagine how strong it may be at the source of the problem. I doubt you or your wife would like to accidentally feel that one.

 

[RyCy04]

My guess is Horace Pinker

 

[Topshelf]

Who is the best person/company to have check it?

 

[keepngoal]

turn the breaker off for that room. move the couch out and look for exposed wires all around the area.

-keep

 

[keepngoal]

turn the breaker off for that room. move the couch out and look for exposed wires all around the area.

-keep

Or a hidden camera for one of those 'funny' shows. :wink:

you should be able to see what is the problem, but do so with the breaker OFF.

could easily be exposed copper from a lamp cord.

-keep

 

[OskyCy]

I'd suggest keeping the fire extinguisher handy too. If the couch is conducting electricity it could easily start a fire.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Definitely keep the breaker off for that line. I suppose if the metal frame were right up against the outlet, or part of the frame where the covering cloth was thin, it could happen. The cloth between you and the frame would have to be somewhat thin also, and the couch would seem to have to be grounded on something as well. Just sounds really weird.

 

[CycloneErik]

At least you two haven't lost that spark....

Well played.

 

[Topshelf]

thanks for the advice... good stuff, I'm even going to pass on the "still haven't lost the spark" comment, she'll get a kick out of that one.... better yet, she'll get a charge out of it...

 

[htownclone]

Is your "couch" in fact actually a steel bench?

Maybe it was the holy spirit?:wink:

 

[CYKID]

My guess is a couch frame conducting from a nail in the floor that has a breached a wire strung in the lower level. Can we get a poll on this?

 

[jmb]

My guess is a couch frame conducting from a nail in the floor that has a breached a wire strung in the lower level. Can we get a poll on this?

that's what she said.

 

[Bubbahotep]

I think Dynamo lives in your basement

 

[keepngoal]

thanks for the advice... good stuff, I'm even going to pass on the "still haven't lost the spark" comment, she'll get a kick out of that one.... better yet, she'll get a charge out of it...

Please keep us updated on what you find when you move the couch.

-keep