Shock from metal parts- G46VW

[rhk217]

Hey Guys,
So I finally got my first laptop, a couple of days ago, A G46VW.

Its a very cool laptop. But Since the first time I used it the Aluminium palm rests of the laptop give a electric sensation when the laptop is connected to the grid. So I waited a couple of days and got a belkin power surge protector. And that didn't help either.

I was looking up things online and so far the only reason I could find is that there is no grounding. But the laptop comes with a 3pin plug so I assume thats not the problem (also I am assuming that my plug point has proper earthing).

So is this common? Is it harmful (to me or more importantly to the laptop)?
Also will this cause any damage to the USB devices I plug in, like my XBOX controller?

[Zygomorphic]

That is quite strange. Are you living in an area with known good electrical networks? If your house is older (in the states), it may not be properly grounded. Does the laptop "zap" you when it is running on battery? If not, then I would say that the issue is in the transformer. I would suggest that you check either your electrical grounding system, and/or your transformer.

[rhk217]

Thanks for your reply. I actually live in India, and well like the country, the electric networks is in works. And I cannot say anything for certainity regarding the grounding of where I live right now, as I am in a hostel on campus. I guess its a fault at my end only.

It doesn't give me shocks or anything, but just a sensation, slight tingly feeling when I touch the aluminium. The only thing is I am worried if this will damage my laptop or my accessories. Any idea about that?

[d@nn_78]

Maybe what you feel it's just a high frecvency vibration, transmited through the metallic surface, and not an electric shock. The vibration can be caused by the hdd, or the fans.

[Zygomorphic]

Thanks for your reply. I actually live in India, and well like the country, the electric networks is in works. And I cannot say anything for certainity regarding the grounding of where I live right now, as I am in a hostel on campus. I guess its a fault at my end only.

It doesn't give me shocks or anything, but just a sensation, slight tingly feeling when I touch the aluminium. The only thing is I am worried if this will damage my laptop or my accessories. Any idea about that?

I don't think that it will, or something would have happened. I hadn't thought about the high-frequency transmissibility of the fans, though that wouldn't likely give a tingly feeling. Also, if it is the fans, then the tingly feeling would continue even on battery. If it doesn't, then the electrical network could be to blame - in that case, I don't know if it would damage anything, since I am by no means an electrical engineer - if you know any of those, they might be able to help you more.

[dstrakele]

That's not good you experience the tingling only when plugged in. If your outlet is not properly grounded, it has the potential to damage your laptop and YOU. We don't want to see you written up in the Times of India as ANOTHER case (see http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...extension-cord). Best get that checked out.

Also read http://en.community.dell.com/support....aspx#17467555.

A surge protector cannot protect against improper grounding.

[d@nn_78]

The grounding ends in the transformer. The laptop itself it's not grounded, he receives 20V.
The probable reason why he feels only when connected to the grid it's that little bit of extra power to all laptop components.
I've felt the same sensation on an MBP, and it was from the hdd.
Just my oppinion...

[gypsymoth]

Was your laptop modified? If so, maybe a ground wire or other electrical wire isn't connected properly?

[rhk217]

Maybe what you feel it's just a high frecvency vibration, transmited through the metallic surface, and not an electric shock. The vibration can be caused by the hdd, or the fans.

No, its definitly not something like that. Note that it only happens when the laptop is plugged in.

[rhk217]

Was your laptop modified? If so, maybe a ground wire or other electrical wire isn't connected properly?

Nop, its in its stock condition. I guess its is a grounding problem after all.