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

[David Dietrich]

Hi Don,

Thanks for the reply.  I hope I am doing this right...I attached an alligator clip to the ground pin on the power plug of the soldering station while it was plugged into the outlet.  I then attached the other end of the test lead to my DMM.  I also attached the lead to my iron tip per your instructions.  If this is the right way, I am getting no AC voltage read on my DMM in the 200 or 500 V setting.  I am going to Home Depot to get one of those line testers.


I unplugged the wand from the unit and inspected the cord.  It has no signs of wear or breakage.  The unit either resides on the workbench or is stored/transported in my toolbox.

I am guessing that this is a power outlet issue, as when I used my lighted magnifier, the bottom of my lip touched a metal handle and I got a tingling feeling.  


I am stopping the build until I can figure out exactly what the problem is.  The last thing I want to do is get really zapped or fry the K2 before it is ever really used.

73,

David



________________________________
From: Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com>
To: David Dietrich <kc9ehq2003 at yahoo.com>
Cc: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] (Slightly O/T) Intermittent nips when soldering

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.
> 
>