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-   -   Can ear buds, plugged in computer, shock you with electricity? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-hardware-18/can-ear-buds-plugged-in-computer-shock-you-with-electricity-541567/)

General 03-29-2007 04:51 AM

Can ear buds, plugged in computer, shock you with electricity?
 
I was listening to some online radio, with some ear buds plugged into my computer. The music was not very loud. Suddenly I felt what seemed like electricity shooting into both ears, also felt across my face, perhaps along glasses frames. Was about like strong static electricity, not strong like a power socket. Volume remained constant during whole time, but speakers crackled. I don't believe was same sensation as having speakers blow out ear drums. Can a computer send a surge of electricity through a person? Is there a danger here?

Simon Bridge 03-29-2007 05:13 AM

Not really.

You may have had a static buildup or it may have been a nerve reaction from how you were sitting. Maybe you got bitten by a small insect?

If you want to know - try putting the headphone output through an oscilloscope - the output from this should never be more than 5V and typical current is in the milliamps. You could stick your toungue on bare wires and not get a tingle. (now try it with a 9V battery :) )


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