Shocked from powerstrip. Why?

Chameleon · Jul 1, 2013

I recently bought a older house (1955). I have been working to setup a frag tank in the basement. I had a mag12 plugged into a heavy duty 15amp rated powerstrip from harbor freight mixing water in a bucket for the setup. I also had a lamp plugged into the strip. When I went to unplug the pump I got a pretty good shock. The powerstrip is brand new and was completely dry. Does this sound like an electrical issue with the house, maybe an un-grounded outlet, or is it more likely an issue with the powerstrip. I haven't yet installed GFCI protection for the basement or really considered the electrical as I am not that far along in the build process. I am planning to pick up a receptacle tester on the way home from work today and maybe get a better idea of what is going on.
Link to powerstrip:
12 Outlet Super Power Strip

Paul B · Jul 1, 2013

This is hard to tell from your description. When you got the shock did your finger touch the blade of the pump plug as you un plugged it out, or did you just get a shock from the plastic part of the plug? Or from the housing on the power strip.
You can get a shock from a grounded or ungrounded receptacle, the power strip is just an extension of the circuit in the wall and acts just like an extension cord. If the plug in the power strip is wired backwards internally it is easy for you ro get a shock from a plug. That stuff from Harbor Freight is extreamly cheap for a reason and it is easy to test if you have a receptacle tester.
(Master Electrician 40 years)

Chameleon · Jul 1, 2013

I got shocked from the metal housing of the power strip. It happened twice before I wised up and unplugged the powerstrip before messing with the things plugged in. I am heading over tonight with a tester and will post the results.

Thanks Paul, its good to see such an experienced reefer on my thread.

The powerstrip may need to be replaced as you mentioned. I've got some better quality ones I just loved how far apart the outlets were on this one

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Reefing Madness · Jul 1, 2013

Metal housing?? I didn't think they made metal housing power strips anymore. I'd be getting rid of that thing. Grounding issues.

Chameleon · Jul 1, 2013

OK update. Its reverse wired. Seems like an easy fix. would this explain the issues I have had?

Paul B · Jul 2, 2013

It is easy to reverse the wires. As I said, that stuff from Harbor Freight Tools is very cheap for a reason. I bought an air compressor from them and it kept tripping my circuit breaker, I removed the oil and it was thick like rear axle grease which is 90 weight oil and it is supposed to be 30 weight oil. The stuff was like tar. I called the company and they spoke to me like I had two heads so I replaced the oil and it works fine. I will be throwing it out soon as it is from a country that I don't buy from because they don't list where the stuff comes from.

Chameleon · Jul 2, 2013

Do you think reversing the wires will fix the issue? Ill do it today when I get home from work, but didn't feel like fumbling around in the dark with the breaker box off at 10:30 last night. I'm just hoping this fixes things but wasn't sure if it would

Paul B · Jul 2, 2013

Yes, the black wire goes on the darker color screw on the terminals (usually brass) which should be connected to the shorter slot on the power strip. The white wire gets connected to the longer slot and the green wire goes to the metal case of the thing. Now I am not sure if they wired the plug that goes into the wall correctly so after you re wire the thing, check it with a receptacle tester. If you have a cheap multimeter you can stick one probe into the short slot and one in the ground or round hole and it should read about 108 volts. 107-120 is fine.