Case of dishwasher is *half* live!

[pembrokestephen]

Following regular grumbles from my partner's daughter that she was getting a shock off the dishwasher (which, initially, I didn't believe!), I discovered today that if I ground myself properly, I can get a shock off it too!

After applying a voltmeter to it, I discover that the thing is at a potential of 120V to ground - exactly half mains voltage (yes, I'm in the UK).

Even more curiously, when I switch the thing off at the plug, the voltage to ground from the metal parts drops, but only to about 85V.

Naturally, I'm seriously concerned about the safety of this appliance, so I'm carefully checking it out, but just to make sure I've got as many lines of enquiry open as possible, has anyone encountered this sort of situation, and what might be responsible for it?

*perplexed, but extremely curious*

 

[Sleepyhead]

It's an earth fault.
Basically you have little or no earth to the appliance.
Test the socket you're using first, if that's ok test the cable to the appliance. Have found this a few times where extension leads or adapters have been used.

 

[pembrokestephen]

It's an earth fault.
Basically you have little or no earth to the appliance.
Test the socket you're using first, if that's ok test the cable to the appliance. Have found this a few times where extension leads or adapters have been used.

Aha, that's great. Thanks. I'll check that and come back to report the situation