Grounding Issues in a Computer – My PC is Shorting Out
My Computer Shocks Me When I Touch It – Is This a Ground Issue?
Yes… most likely. It might not be but there are a few questions we can ask to narrow down if it is or not.
Is this a PC you just built? If so does it fail the POST test?- Is the computer locking up or freezing when it happens?
- Does the computer reboot when it happens?
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions you may very well be running into a shorting or grounding issue with your computer.
Information on Grounding Issues in a PC
Ground issues can be really annoying because they are hard to spot, and can be inconsistent at times. But they can also be fairly predictable too so there are a few things we can check if the system is indeed grounding out on the case.
Check for Ground Issues Prior to Building Your Computer
If you have not yet built your system some things to look for ahead of time are.
01. Check the I/O Plate for Your Motherboard
Make sure your motherboard backplate is inserted securely. If you push on it lightly from the rear of the case it should not pop out of place.
02. Check the Tabs on Your I/O (backplate) Insert.
Make sure to bend the tabs on the ports of the backplate “UP” so they are out of the way. These serve no “real” purpose and only stand a chance of getting shoved into a rear port. (ie NIC Port, USB, Firewire, etc.)
03. Check the Metal / Brass Standoffs that Came With Your Case.
Make sure you are using the metal stand offs that come in the hardware pack with the PC case. Before you install your motherboard hold it up and count how many holes it has it for screws. Make a note of the placement for these screws and be sure to put a stand off in each spot on the case that will line up with these holes.
If you do not have enough stand offs check to see if you have been provided with any plastic stand offs to fill in where needed.
04. Metal vs. Plastic Standoffs on an Old Motherboard
On older boards the screw hole that is most likely to ground out is the one closest to the memory slots. If you are working with an older board it is recommended to use a plastic standoff here if possible.
05. Do Not Use Force when Screwing Down the Motherboard.
When you screw down your motherboard DO NOT use force with the screw. A screw should be tightened to the point where it makes contact with the board. I use light pressure when screwing a board down until I feel the screw stop moving.
Over tightening a screw can strip the area around the screw hole and make contact with a trace which will cause the motherboard to short or ground out.
06. Check for Potential Metal Contacts in Your Case
Make sure any metal inside the case is not touching your motherboard. Some cheaper cases have metal tabs under the power supply that can get bent during the installation of the PSU.
07. Check the Metal Near Your PCI Slots
Make sure you do not bend the metal near the PCI slots. Some PCI slots require you to break out a metal tab to make them available for use. Do not bend the rear slots while doing this. Gently work the metal back and forth like a hinge until the metal tab breaks off.
08. Check For Wires Making Contact with the Back of the Motherboard
Make sure there are not wires from the case stuck under the motherboard. Common cables to check for are USB, Audio, Firewire, Front panel wiring, wires from the power supply, and wires from fans.
09. Check for Frayed Wiring in the Case.
Check all the wiring in the case and make sure none of it is frayed or exposed.
Grounding Issues in a Computer that is Already Built
If you have already built your computer and you think it might be grounding out ask yourself the same three questions:
- Is this a PC you just built? If so does it fail the POST test?
- Is the computer locking up or freezing when it happens?
- Does the computer reboot when it happens?
01. Shake Your Case to Check for a Grounding Issue
Now let’s check for potential issues by giving the case a shake. Did it freeze or reboot? If a case does this when you shake it, it’s a pretty sure thing the motherboard or wiring is grounding out somewhere.
02. Has Anything Changed Recently in the System?
Ask yourself if anything has change recently in the system? If so can you change it back to try and rule out what may be causing the issue?
03. Has New Hardware Been Installed that may be Causing Ground Issues?
Has any new hardware been installed in the system? If so was it installed correctly? Try removing the hardware and see if the problem persists.
04. Check for Damage that may be Causing Grounding Issues
Has the system recently been bumped, damaged, or dented in anyway. (Getting knocked over? Sliding off a car seat? Been shipped via UPS?)
05. Has Anything Been Spilled on the System that may Cause it to Short?
Has anything been spilt on the system? Soda or Beer perhaps?
06. Check the I/O Backplate for the Motherboard.
Check to make sure the motherboard back-plate has not come loose and started making contact with the board.
Take your finger and press on the backplate to make sure it is not wobbling. Do the edges of the backplate feel the same on all four sides? If not, the backplate may have come loose a little bit.
07. Reseat Expansion Cards in the System.
Reseat the expansion cards in the system to make sure they have not been knocked loose.
Remove each one and reinstall it into the same slot to ensure it is firmly seated.
Try removing all the expansion cards and seeing if you can recreate the problem.
08. Reseat the Memory in the System.
Reseat the memory in the system to make sure it has not come loose.
09. Check for Frayed Wiring Which Might Cause Shorts.
Check all the wiring in the case and make sure none of it is frayed or exposed.
PC Grounding Issues Overview & Summary
The above steps should help you pin pint any potential grounding issues in your computer. If your computer is in fact grounding out this article covers all the common things you should look for.
After working in the computer industry with customers who build their own systems these are the common problems I have seen time and time again.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to leave them below in the comments section. Thanks.
gemini Said,
October 1, 2010 @ 4:25 am
I’m having a problem on my PC, it was grounded but still when I touched it(case)I got electric shock.
admin Said,
October 1, 2010 @ 6:27 am
Gemini,
Is this a regular occurrence or was it a random one time, thing. Cases are actually really good at conducting static electricity and shocking people. Since I build a lot of computers, whenever I take a case out of the box and remove the plastic or fabric bag that surrounds it, I cringe and know I am going to get shocked. This is without components even in the system.
If this is happening regularly the grounding issue may be occurring inside the case with your motherboard making contact with a piece of metal, or the power supply might be faulty and is causing you to get shocked when you touch the case.
Determine if this is happening regularly or not, and then you should better be able to determine what may be happening.
EnpowerFan Said,
July 26, 2011 @ 9:26 pm
My EnPower COmputer is on and from time to time it decides to turn off, this happens when the computer is sitting idle and nothing is being done and also when work is being done on the computer. any suggestions?
wasim Said,
September 13, 2011 @ 9:00 am
Hi,
i built a pc 4 days ago, in the beginning it was running fine. but after 2 days it started crashing. now it crashes almost in 10 minutes if i am playing games. The screen blacks out or gives shaded lines and nothing works untill i reset. Could this be a grounding issue?
admin Said,
September 13, 2011 @ 10:08 am
I would try running a memory test on the system first:
http://www.computer-how-to-guide.com/memory-troubleshooting/ms-memory-diagnostic-guide/
When you are testing the memory make a note of whether the system has issues before it boots into Windows. Does the problem persist after 10 minutes in memory diagnostic.
If not it may be a driver issue, try updating your video drivers and making sure Windows is up to date. Also ensure your video card is seated firmly in the PCI-E slot and that the fan on your video card is working.
If the issues persists outside of Windows check the system temperatures in the BIOS under PC Health Status. It sounds like your system may possibly be overheating or having memory issues.
This could be related to grounding, but more often than not you would experience a sudden reboot or hang. The shaded lines description makes me think there may be a memory or heating issue with the system.
NSX Said,
October 2, 2011 @ 1:22 am
I Have a same problem, My pc case shocks me. But I realized my connector socket have no grounding in the room where I use the computer….
I took a long and thick cable, I cut the isolation from the two end of the cable.
I screwed under a screw one of the end of the cable to my case. other end of the cable is connected to my radiator on the wall.. (The painted surface not good, you have to find a point where is no paint.)
We can use Plastic tape to fix it. Make sure is connected firmly both of end of the cable (under the screw, on the radiator).
For me its solved the problems. My case not shocks me anymore, but we have to notice it is not the most correct way to grounding, temporary can be good.
Dear Admin
I’d like to ask you about Metal vs. Plastic Standoffs.
When I screwed in my motherboard I used plastic pads at EVERY hole between the screws and motherboard. Is it can be problem? Maybe my motherboard have no grounding now?.. I’m also sure I have some trouble with my IO Panel too, but I was not caring with it, because stands firmly in the opening of the case. Just seems a few millimeter bigger than the opening. so one of the end of the IO panel is not fit in the opening..
What do you think about the situation, do I have to modify something? Thanks your answer in advance. And sorry for my poor English:)
Greets: Karoly
admin Said,
October 10, 2011 @ 7:35 am
Hi Karoly, in response to your question about the standoffs either plastic or metal should be fine. The only real difference I have found is that the plastic standoffs can sometimes bend or break if you ship a system somewhere. It is mainly personal preference and what type of hardware pack you have available to you. The I/O plate is one thing I would take a closer look at. Because of all the rear connections on the motherboard this plate is responsible for a lot of grounding and POST issues with systems if it comes loose and is making contact with the board. Many times you can adjust it with the board still in the system. I recommend using a flat head screw driver to push the plate from the inside of the system to try and get it to snap back in place if you know it is loose. There is usually a ridge on the inside of the plate you can stick the flathead into to help prevent the screw driver from slipping and cutting a trace on your board. As always use controlled force to avoid potentially poking the motherboard with the screw driver.
NSX Said,
October 11, 2011 @ 2:25 am
Hi admin
Thanks your answer. Unfortunately I still have random bluesreens. And I don’t really find where is the problem. For this reason I try to check things like the grounding. Last time when my computer was freeze (blue screen), I heard approx five seconds before a windows notification sound like ejecting USB hardware. So I think some hw going to offline, maybe the ssd drive itself where is the system files located. After a bluescreen I always must to power of the computer, otherwise the bios can’t see the SSD Drive. Do you have any idea? Is it can be a grounding problem(?) or I should to investigate the drivers? (I already tried to download all of the new drivers what I found, bios update too) I always got this screen: http://nsx.hu/upload/mybluescreen.jpg when I looking up in google, the 0x000000F4 is typically storage problems. I tried to use another sata hub on my motherboard, but the blue screen was the same: The only difference: bios don’t loose the ssd drive after reset. So I running ot of ideas, Sometimes 5 days long I have no problems and sometimes everyday.. The funniest thing: 99% I got the bluesceens in the windows, not when I playing… I have guarantee for every hw, but I should to know which one the bad (if its a hw problem)…
If you have some idea, Let me know.. I will waiting for your answer.
Greets: Karoly
Kevin Said,
November 7, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
That is the exact same tower as mine and I’m experiencing intermitten shut downs. I’ve tried everything and I believe it’s a shorting issue but I can’t detect where!!! Driving me NUTS. Any additional advice is welcomed
admin Said,
November 8, 2011 @ 8:07 am
Hi Kevin, aside from ensuring the rear I/O plate is secure and making sure your front wiring is correct and not frayed you may want to consider removing the motherboard combo and checking for any other potential issues with standoffs or things behind the motherboard if this is a system you assembled yourself.
boris Said,
November 11, 2011 @ 4:45 pm
Hi!
My pc reboots when I plug in a USB in some of 6 ports on the rear. It also happens when I plug it out, or just push left-right some of the plugged in USBs. It can also happen when I touch back metal plate around the ports with the metal of unplugged USB device. But it doesn’t happen every time so it’s hard to diagnose is it any specific port. Sometimes PC doesn’t reboot but only disables some or all USB ports (so keyboard and mouse become unresponsive). Any ideas? Is problem in the grounding of the back metal plate? Is it possible tat the shortage happens in one of the plugged USB devices (mouse, printer, keyboard..)? Thanks!
Kevin Said,
November 21, 2011 @ 1:01 pm
Hey Admin,
Thanks for the reply. I tried everything listed in the article, removed the I/O plat, removed the motherboard, checked all the standoffs and wiring. Everything ran smoothly for the first 48 hours or so, then poof, same problem again. PC dies for no apparent reason. I’m left with 2 options, throwing the damn thing in a swimming pool or seeking professional help! Any other advice would be greatly appreciated, or any other creative ways to make my PC blow up so I can move on.
RoganJosh_NI Said,
December 6, 2011 @ 12:49 pm
I have been having similar sudden shutdowns, which grew in frequency the last few days – I was beginning to think I had some malware – a chance comment from my wife made me check the mouse cable of my G9 gaming mouse – I knew it had been getting trapped on my sliding keyboard shelf bracket and hgave it a closer look – it had been worn down to the bale, and as I had been moving the mouse while playing games, it had shorted out against the bracket cuasing the pc to shut down instantly and only restart after hte short had been cleared.
Odd, but true – as a temp solution, I covered up the bare cable with some duct tape – that should last until I get a replacement g9x.
Hope someone else finds this useful – but obviously rule it out if you’re using a wireless mouse.
Thanks
RoganJosh_NI
shadow021 Said,
December 7, 2011 @ 5:05 am
my pc atuo turn off after 10 seconds.
the cpu temp is only 20 c so i dont think its cpu.
any ideas?
Patrick Said,
January 10, 2012 @ 11:06 am
Good afternoon,
I am putting together my first build, but it won’t startup, I push the power button and it seems like its coming on, but when I remove my finger from the power button, the computer turns off. Could this be my computer grounding out?
BillG Said,
February 21, 2012 @ 12:38 pm
I have similar issues to those above. One two separate PC builds, they wouldn’t even power on until I removed the front panel connectors (sound and USB). It’s great that the power supply protects agains ground faults so effectively but it leaves you hanging, wondering if the whole computer is toast.
I took the motherboard out and hooked everything up outside the case and everything works. Then I put it back in the case attaching just the power and power switch. This brought up the bios, then the SATA cables, then the graphics card. All good. Attach front USB, boom! Won’t even power on.
Any tips on what to do here? Seems strange that on two separate builds (two different cases, motherboards, power supplies) that the same thing is happening.
Alex Said,
April 13, 2012 @ 11:03 am
I plan on building a computer that will be layed out totally open and hanging on my wall at my desk. I want to build it on that checkered/diamond aluminum. Therefore I am wondering if I can put a coating of something on the motherboard backside?
Alex
Jeff Said,
June 29, 2012 @ 1:44 pm
I am building my first computer, and I’ve run into 1 potential problem although I’m not sure if it’s a problem. I bought a cooler master haf 912, Asus m5a97 evo mobo, and a cooler master hyper 212 evo cpu fan. The problem is the backplate of the cpu heatsink is barely touching my case. There are 4 diagonal metal tabs for Intel users, and 2 of them are touching the back of my case. Should I be concerned?
John Said,
September 1, 2012 @ 3:36 am
Im having this shock problem in my pc everysince i bought it and the electricity is a little bit strong.. every time i touch some metal part of my pc case and if im holding the end part of any usb cable then i plug it in.. it really has a electricity.