Live Equipment

[Norcon]

An electric concrete vibrator we are using is turning live. (110V)
The shock actually occurs when you hold the end of the poker and touch the metal shuttering.
The shock is enough to make the user want to let it go.
Its similar to the one in the link below.

http://www.enar.es/ProductsDocs/Biblioteca/VIBRACION/el/8141/8141_gb_mu.pdf

Is their an internal fault or could the earth in some of the extension leads be faulty ?.
The equipment was being run from a Honda generator.
Its the first time this has happened and the weather conditions are dry for once.
Many Thanks.

 

[Spark123]

The first thing that springs to mind, is there a problem with the generator? Small generators are normally floating earth (i.e. electrically separate), however this should not cause a problem like you are saying. What size generator? Is there anything else being run from it?
Also you should get your leads and the appliance tested out by an electrician. Worth also getting the electrician to take a look at the setup on site.

 

[Norcon]

The generator is brand new. 4 kw.

Started up the problem vibrator today and seems to work OK without shocking . Though that was conditions totally dry.
A few of the workers refuse to use it as the problem seems intermittent.
The wet concrete and the metal frame on the shuttering is probably giving a better path for the electric when the operative holds one hand on the wet vibrator and the other on the metal frame.

We have a spare one which has a different problem.
Starts up OK but when running a while and then after being turned off for a few minutes , fails to start up again unless another power tool is starting simontaneously.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Lectrician]

First thing that springs to mind is live shuttering