Been zapped by a kitchen sink.

[EternalOptimist]

So, you're telling me THIS isn't a good place for light switch?

looks dodgy to me. why not attach a big rubber glove to it ?

[Paddy]

While cleaning up my cup at work an hour ago I got a zap of electricity off the tap, enough to hear the crack and my yelp and swearing from a few feet away. I still don't feel right.

When does static turn into the real thing? (they changed the boiler a few weeks ago...)

Buy on of these

MAGIC TESTER Multi-Test Screwdriver - Cable / Fuses on eBay (end time 01-Apr-11 20:26:53 BST)

[Sysman]

Buy on of these

MAGIC TESTER Multi-Test Screwdriver - Cable / Fuses on eBay (end time 01-Apr-11 20:26:53 BST)

Is that simply a normal Neon screwdriver? You can get them at any electrical shop (i.e. get one today rather than waiting for it to come via post off ebay).

I have found using these invaluable when working on mains electricity to verify that I've removed the correct fuse (or flicked the right switch in a trip switch box). The labelling in mains fuse boxes isn't always correct.

I always test my Neon screwdriver on a known live source before starting work to ensure it isn't knackered, and if I drop it, do another test, just in case.

On the static versus improperly earthed boiler/whatever question:

A new combination of new clothes / shoes / carpet / office chair can trigger static you haven't experienced before.

Many years ago my washing machine started to tingle to the touch. Yep, the earth wire in the plug had worked loose. Do you have any other kitchen appliances not properly earthed which are charging you up and then you get the zap when you touch the tap?

[MonzaMike]

I'd get it checked

If that was the case then the live current would be flowing to earth via the path of least resistance, which is unlikely to involve Cojak, her shoes and the kitchen floor. It's also unlikely to have gone unnoticed for a few weeks.

We had similar problems with an old iron bath. Worked out in the end that the kids were spilling water and it was soaking into the wooden floor and eventually finding some current from a dodgy wiring.

It's was intermittent dependent on the amount of water between the bath and the dodgy wiring.

If there was recent work i'd get it checked.

We've all suffered from static shocks, but a real one will feel a bit different

[cojak]

Did you look like this afterwards?

A little less pink but close.

It hurt (hence the swearing) and I felt as if I'd just run 50 metres for about an hour after. I will mention it to someone on Monday.

Thanks chaps.

[Cliphead]

A little less pink but close.

It hurt (hence the swearing) and I felt as if I'd just run 50 metres for about an hour after. I will mention it to someone on Monday.

Thanks chaps.

That doesn't sound like a static belt to me. Don't take chances with leccy.

[shaunbhoy]

If you had been chained to it properly in the first place the static electricity wouldn't have built up to dangerous levels!!!

I know I shouldn't, but this made I laugh!!

[d000hg]

I felt as if I'd just run 50 metres

I think your fitness might be more of a concern then.

[Cliphead]

Cojak, empty yer inbox...

[NickFitz]

If you had been chained to it properly in the first place the static electricity wouldn't have built up to dangerous levels!!!

I reckon somebody else is going to get a severe shock and feel rough for an hour or two once cojak settles down enough to notice this post

It hurt (hence the swearing) and I felt as if I'd just run 50 metres for about an hour after. I will mention it to someone on Monday.

That sounds like it's probably more serious than a bit of static