Electric shock from aerial lead

[Londondecca]

I bought a new Freeview box (Humax 8000T) yesterday and whilst unplugging the old DVD recorder and (old) Freeview I received a mild electric shock... ok more of a tingling that a shock. How is this possible and does this mean something is wrong.

[GaryB]

This is normal with modern Double Insulated appliances. It's an induced voltage - basically leakage and is a tiny current and not dangerous.

[Londondecca]

That is good to know, thats

[red16v]

Hi, the mains input circuitry probably has two capacitors across it with a common point in the middle - creates a sort of 'quasi' earth. Most likely the voltage you're feeling is 110v (but little/no current) and it will make the hairs on the back of your arms tingle if you touch the chassis of the double insulated device and a 'true' earth. Not sure I'd want to do this if i had a pacemaker fitted (not a joke) and I'm surprised manufacturers get away with this. Regards, yt.