What is touch voltage and how do I prevent it – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

What Is Touch Voltage and Why Does It Matter?

Touch voltage is the voltage you can receive across your body when you touch something metallic — like a washing machine casing, a radiator, or a tap — while a fault exists in the electrical installation. Instead of fault current flowing safely to earth, it flows through you. Even relatively low voltages can cause serious injury or cardiac arrest.

Why Does It Happen?

Broken or disconnected earth wire inside an appliance or socket

Missing or loose bonding conductor connecting metallic pipework, radiators, or structural steelwork to earth

A faulty appliance where live internal conductors have touched the metal casing

Deteriorated wiring in older properties, particularly pre-1960s installations

Missing RCD protection that would otherwise disconnect the supply quickly enough to prevent harm

Warning Signs to Look Out For

A tingling sensation when touching an appliance, tap, or radiator

Electric shocks when touching two different metal objects at the same time

RCDs that trip repeatedly for no obvious reason

A burning smell from sockets or appliances

Visible damage to cables, plugs, or socket faces

What You Can Check Safely

Visually inspect plug tops — check the earth pin is present and connections look secure

Check that bonding clamps on incoming gas and water pipes near the meter are still in p

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.