Spoiler: it's not normal. We explain why it happens and what you should do
It happens to a lot of people, and the usual reaction is to shake their hand, say ‘what a fright’, and carry on with what they were doing. But getting a small shock or tingle when touching a socket or switch is not something to be ignored. It’s not normal, and there’s almost always an electrical reason behind it.
At Iluminamos tu Vida, we review installations in Madrid where the owner had been living with those kinds of shocks for months, not considering them important, and in many cases, there was a fault in the installation that required attention.
Why does a plug give a shock?
The most common cause is that the current is going somewhere it shouldn't be. This could be because the plug has worn contacts and there's a small leak, because there's moisture inside the plug socket, because the appliance plugged in has an internal fault, or because the installation doesn't have a properly functioning earth connection.
The grounding system, when functioning correctly, collects that leakage current and diverts it without you noticing. When it's absent or not working properly, that current can pass through your body when you touch the plug.
How serious is it?
A slight cramp in the finger when touching the edge of a plug usually has no physical consequences. But that doesn't mean the underlying electrical problem is minor. It could be a symptom of a current leak which, depending on the circumstances, could be more intense at another time or with a different type of contact.
If the cramp has been more than a tingle, if you've noticed it travelling up your arm, or if you've had any physical sensations afterwards such as tingling or numbness, see a doctor, even if you feel fine. Electric shocks can have effects that are not immediately noticeable.
What to do when it happens
Firstly, don't touch that plug again. Unplug whatever was connected to it by pulling the appliance's plug, not the cable. If you can, switch off the circuit breaker for that circuit at the electrical panel.
Then call an electrician to check it. Don't leave it until next week. A shock from a plug is exactly the kind of warning sign you want to address quickly, before it turns into something more serious.
What is the electrician going to check?
He's going to check the condition of the socket and the wiring in that box, the home's earthing, and the RCD, which is the device that should detect that type of leakage and cut off the power before you notice it. If the RCD didn't trip when you got the shock, it may be faulty.
At Iluminamos tu Vida, we carry out this diagnosis quickly and completely. If you've had a scare of this kind in your Madrid home, contact us and we'll take a look.