Flric case caused shocks when touched

gizmobjb

Pi Model or other hardware: pi3 b
Power Supply used: canakit PSU
RetroPie Version Used : 4.3
Built From: SD image from retropie website
USB Devices connected: usb for mouse and keyboard
Controller used: 8bito SN pro
Error messages received: undervoltage

I have had my pi3 b for over 4 months and decided to get a new case. I installed the pi in a flirc gen2 and if I touched the case it would give a shock and shut off the pi. I contacted flirc and they had me sand the case in a few places to make sure the pi was touching metal. Eventually this worked and there are no more shocks. But my concern is this, I now get the undervoltage warning all the time. I never got this warning before. I know that it usually means the PSU is bad so I have ordered the official PSU. I have the Canakit PSU currently.

But my concern is could the shocks have caused any damage that would cause this warning?

rbaker

@gizmobjb You are unlikely to get a shock. It's probably the fact that you are charged up and are experiencing a static discharge shock when touching metal just like when you get out of the car wearing a jumper then touch the door.

gizmobjb

Thank you for responding. That's what I thought at first to. But the flric rep had me sand in specific spots on the inside of the case to ground the pi. To me if it was just static build up the rep would have said that but never did. I got the impression from him with the quick response of sanding the case due to the pi not being grounded that he has seen this before.
But my biggest concern is damage to the pi from the shock and shutting off. I never got the undervoltage warning before. If there was damage would it not turn on at all? I do have the official PSU arriving tomorrow so I will know then.

Alturis

@gizmobjb said in Flric case caused shocks when touched:

flric rep had me sand in specific spots

I have one of these too. I am curious which spots?

gizmobjb

On the inside where the usb and hdmi ports touch the case. Have you received shocks from yours

Alturis

@gizmobjb No I have it but I have not set it up yet. Was going to today.

Alturis

@gizmobjb said in Flric case caused shocks when touched:

On the inside where the usb and hdmi ports touch the case. Have you received shocks from yours?

Got it setup tonight. Actually after your post warning of this issue I had made a mental note NOT to touch it while it was plugged in. ;)

But then after doing some testing and hearing some occasional buzzing from the speakers I discovered that by moving it away from some of the wires in my case the problem went away.

Then afterward I realized I had been touching it a ton during all of that while it was plugged in and running without even thinking about it.

No shocks or turn offs.

Hyruleslink

I have a Flircc case and have never had this happen. It could be a faulty case, but most likely it's something going on with your Pi or power supply. The Flircc is probably just channeling the loose electricity.

Alginonuk

@hyruleslink Hi, I've had this exact problem. First time I thought it was static, but it happened twice. I have two RPI3B+ both if FLIRC cases. One I have the old thermal pad (shaved it down to fit) and 2nd I used some thermal tape I have (fits a lot better). The one with the old pad gave me a shock twice and the power turned off on the Pi both times.

I contacted FLIRC and Pi Hut and got no reply from either of them! Which is really disappointing and poor customer service I think.

I'll be trying to contact them again, but don't plan on using the case until I know it's safe.

gizmobjb

I was using the power suply from my canakit and would get the shocks and yellow bolt. I switched to the offical power supply and no more shocks or yellow bolt for the last two months.