Tim Watts wrote:
Ret. wrote:

deano wrote:
Its a metal (stainless steel) casing with a mirror door, has a
canopy over the door with 2 low voltage downlighters recessed into
it. The lights are operated via a rocker switch at the top rh side
covered in a rubber membrane. The whole thing is shiny mirror like
metal finish inside and out. I have an isolator switch mounted on
the wall in the room behind it. It's above a wash hand basin in my
downstairs shower room- where I shave.

With the door open, as I put my hand in to get my shaving foam, I
get a small electrical shock, on the back of my arm, just below my
elbow, where it touches the corner of the open door! It's a
constant 'buzz' - not painful, but uncomfortable and obviously
worrying!

How can I go about finding the fault? It happens when the isolator
switch is on or off! I'm wondering if the unit is faulty or has a
fixing nicked a cable in the wall? It's been up for a couple of
Years and only when the missus mentioned getting the same shock
have I thought I'd better get it resolved

I'll leave the electricians in the group to answer your query - but
on the issue of the 'buzz'... When my wife's iPod is on charge
(using a non-Apple compatible charger), if you pick it up and run
your finger lightly over the metal surface, there is also this
'buzz' sensation. I wouldn't describe it as an electric shock - just
a very very mild 'tingling' sensation.

As the output of the charger is low, I am assuming that there is no
danger from this...


I would stop using that charger right now!

At least get it tested. There should not be enough leakage to cause
any "buzz" sensation, which is clearly mains leakage and not a static
shock.

You have to ask yourself, "what if the leakage path in the device
worsens, suddenly, due to component breakdown". The fraction of a mA
or so you are feeling could suddenly become several 10's of mA which
is borderline lethal depending on circumstances, constitution.

To the OP - same applies. Isolate the lights and get it checked.

In fact, we haven't had to use the 'compatible' charger for a couple of
months because I bought my wife an iPad and that came with an Apple charger
that also charges her iPod.

I kept the compatible charger as a 'spare' but, in view of what you say,
I'll consign it to the bin.

--
Kev