Constant Electric / Static shock through HDMI port. KDL-32BX400

[ratgcool]

Backstory: So I want to connect my TV to my desktop PC to use as an extra screen.

I did so, worked fine for about a week and then stopped working. Turns out my GFX card had died despite being only 3 weeks old. Very annoyed I sent it back. I got another one, of a different brand. This one worked for about a month. And then it too broke on me. Then a few weeks later one of my RAM modules died. At this point I realise something is going on.

I was then playing around with the HDMI ports etc whilst troublshooting trying to work out what was going wrong, when I noticed when I touched the HDMI cable to the port, right as it went in a tiny spark went between the HDMI cable coming from the TV, to my HDMI port on my PC.

It was at this point I was touching my HDMI port that was still plugged into the TV at this point, and I got a small constant shock on my fingers. So I got a shielded HDMI cable, thinking it could be inducing voltage from other nearby cables. But again I touched it and got a shock.

So I plugged ONLY the TV directly into the wall socket, and touched the HDMI cable, and I was still getting a small yet constant shock.

I am no longer going to connect my PC or Xbox into the TV, in fear of damaging more £££ worth of PC parts.

I have checked and tried: The wall socket is grounded, using a multimeter. My PC is grounded, both the case, PSU and plug. TV is grounded (through plug). Shielded HDMI cable made no difference. Moving the power wire away from the HDMI cable. Plugging ONLY the TV into the wall made no difference. Still a constant shock. Tried different HDMI ports on the TV, still shocked me.

To me this makes me think it is the TV at fault here. What are my options?

If you have ever stuck a 9v battery on your tongue, its like that, but on your fingers, when you touch the HMDI cable that is connected to the TV.

[Anonymous]

Hi there

A couple of years ago, I was changing my HDMI cables around on the TV when I touched the end of the HDMI cable whilst still connected to the TV, I too got a small fuzzy feeling (electric shock).  HDMI cables carry a +5v charge on pin 18.  Upon closer inspection of my HDMI cable I noticed the plug was not seated correctly on the lead.  Replaced lead and was all fine.

As you have already replaced the HDMI cable, combined with a 'spark' as well as damaging components in a connected PC, I would get your TV inspected by an authorised Sony repair centre. 

See:

http://services.sony.co.uk/support/en/repair/asc

Cheers

[Stoil57012]

I have the same issue with an additional problem - the computer does not show the tv as a device i cannot change it to the tv because it does not show in the options, also the shock i get from the hdmi is really strong. I have damaged my tv (XG85) aswell as my video card. i have tried:

1. changing hdmi cables (4 nothing changes)

2. earthed all my power outlets

3. changed video card

4. changed all of my fuses

5. reinstalled windows.

6. changed ports on the psu

7.changed the TV because the last one died basicly and the new one is the same as the old one

8. Changed both power oultets with new ones for the pc and the tv

I am really desperate 

[IronMask75]

I get this also on my KDL-65X9500G. With a 4K high quality HDMI lead running from eARC to my Sony STR-DN1080 receiver, the entire chassis of my receiver is mildly electrified even while it is not connected to power. Additionally, I have a "free-standing" wallmount frame/stand and I notice if I touch the Vesa bracket that is screwed into the TV (with the correct screws provided) that the bracket is also electrified? It seems like the Sony TVs have a manufacturing flaw that causes some internal electrical system to ground itself to the chassis on the TV itself and anything connected to it. Clearly this is not ideal.

I turned the unit off and unplugged the power lead to wire in a set of rear surrounds and I could not touch the receiver because of the electric shock I was receiving that was the equivalent of licking a 9V battery for funzies when you were a child. Only after disconnecting the HGDMI lead from the TV did the electricity stop.

If this is indeed related to HDMI putting 5V out over one of the pins, how can we turn that off to avoid unnecessary electric shock and premature death of connected equipment?

Also of note, I get this problem on my KDL-50W800C which is mounted on a VESA compatible monitor stand connected to my Next Level Racing GT Ultimate racing cockpit. The whole frame become lightly electrified. Seems as soon as you put mounting screws into the VESA holes on the TV, or connect a high-speed HDMI lead, everything it touches becomes live.

[EUSupport_EN]

Hi IronMask75, 

We've escalated your case to our product specialists, you'll be contacted within 15 minutes. 

Regards