[Elecraft] (Slightly O/T) Intermittent nips when soldering

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

I would take an AC voltmeter to that iron (right after you turn it on so 
it is not yet hot).  Measure between the iron tip and the AC safety 
ground wire (round hole in the receptacle).  If you measure *any* AC 
voltage at all, replace or repair that iron for your own safety's sake.

If you are unsure of whether the AC receptacle's "green wire safety 
ground" is actually in-place and working, use one of the inexpensive 
electrical receptacle testers at the receptacle - if you do not have 
one, they are available at hardware and DIY stores.

If the AC safety ground is not intact and you have your ESD mat and 
wrist strap connected to that ground, you may indeed have an ESD zap, 
particularly if your work area is carpeted or the humidity is reduced 
due to AC.

IMHO, that is something that must be investigated immediately before it 
gets any worse and you end up with a good electrical shock - that could 
be fatal.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/10/2011 3:15 PM, David Dietrich wrote:
> Hi Dale,
>
> I find it hard to believe it is ESD because my soldering station is grounded and ESD safe.  I wear a strap whenever I need to.  I work in my ham shack that is my unfinished basement where the temp and humidity stay pretty constant year round.  I wear clothes made mostly of cotton.  My only guess is that a wire in the cord from the main unit to the pencil is shorting or something, however my soldering station has never been abused or mistreated in any way.  Also, one would hope that the actual wired in the cord are insulated from each other.  This has only started to happen over the last week or so.
>
>