Hdmi Sparks and Shocks

Nooters717

Recently bought a 4K TV and when the HDMI cable is plugged into the TV first, if i go to plug the other end of the HDMI into my PC it sparks and causes electric shocks and also restarts the PC but if it's plugged into my PC first then the TV it's all fine...  any ideas? I've tried two HDMI cables and it's the same situation with them both. Is it the new 4K TV or my PC?

mkohman

Neither, it's you [emoji23].. You should never hot plug HDMI cables period.. In other words you should ensure your devices are off before any plugging or unplugging..

Nooters717

Even when the PC and TV is off it still occurs...?

mkohman

Hmmm.. That I am not sure.. It shouldn't but I'm sure someone else will give you the correct advice shortly [emoji106]

kinggo

by design, HDMI does have hot plug detection pin

mkohman

It's not recommended... It can cause serious problems with electrical equipment...

"Never connect and disconnect HDMI cables and equipment while your devices are powered on (hot plugging cables). The hdmi cables carries a low DC voltage while connected. You will damage your equipment and the HDMI Distribution equipment while hot-plugging cables which will not be replaced under the manufacturers warranty. Only use the Switched Mode Power supply supplied with the HDMI Equipment since replacing the power adapter might damage your equipment if incorrect voltage is supplied to the equipment."

Nooters717

I've done numerous tests etc to try and narrow it down and the HDMI also sparks when i try my TV to PS4... what's wrong with the TV then? What do you suggest i do?

Greg Hook

Are all devices switched off at the wall?

Nooters717

Nope, they were on as that's what i use to do with my old TV without problems, i know it's bad now though. But i did unplug the TV from the wall today and then try to plug in the HDMI to the PC and it sparked. I then realised the HDMI was still in the TV even though it was unplugged from the wall but i then removed the HDMI from the TV then plugged it into the PC and there was no sparks. I will probably just learn to ignore it and buy some switchers or splitters or something for the HDMI's.

kinggo

well, the fact that HDMI as standard is a mess since every OEM can do whatever they want when it comes to CEC does not change a fact that by desing HDMI can be hot unplugged/plugged. It's not that much different thany any other copper connection, they all have some low DC voltage. What else would be going through them if not current.