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

[David Dietrich]

Hi Don,

Well, it is the outlet.  I just heard a pop and some pyrotechnics from my outlet!!!!  I bought the AC line tester at Wal-Mart.  I first plugged it in at my power strip on the desk.  It showed a n open ground.  I then tested it at the outlet at the surge protector.  OK.  I then removed the surge protector, and plugged the tester into the main outlet, and that is when I had the pop and pyrotechnics.  Thank God I was wearing shoes and only touching the tester, and the circuit breaker tripped!!

As for my workbench, it is made of MDF board.  I hope I did not kill any components from this issue.  However, I was able to power up things for the initial power on tests.

I am ceasing all work down there until I can get an electrician to check the outlet and wiring.  This house is only 22 years old, so it should be up to code.  We had it inspected when we bought it, and the inspector found no problems with the electrical.  We know the builders cut corners when they built this place.  I hope they didn't cut any with the electrical.

Thanks & 73,

David
KC9EHQ