Any notebooks with 2-prong power supply?

I was wondering if any asus notebooks came with an ungrounded power supply. I do a lot of audio stuff, and if I have two components grounded, I get lots and lots of noise. I have the m5n with an aftermarket power supply, but it's 2x as large as the OEM one. I looked on the web and saw that Delta Electronics (the maker of the original adapter) makes a version of the adapter that utilizes a two-prong power plug.

Has ASUS ever used such a supply? Did the S5ne ever use it because of its smaller size?

Also, what size dc jacks do ASUS use and for which model? Thanks guys.

 

I am no electrician but if you clip off the ground prong it solves your dilema.

 

you can cut the 3 pin cable and solder on a 2 pin plug, if you want... the grounding is only for the adaptor anyway.

 

Aren't ungrounded devices normally double insulated instead though? Would the power supply be doulbe insulated despite being intended for use with a grounded plug?

Having said that I'm using a European style plug though an adapter effectively ungrounding my power supply. I guess I'll just have to avoid using my laptop in the bath while plugged it ;-)

Phil
W2Vc-U005P

 

I'm pretty sure the ground of the notebook end is hard wired to the safety ground. I read .3 ohms. I think it's so the notebook doesn't float and shock you. Which is a good thing. Every place I read doesn't advocate cutting the safety ground... I was thinking of putting a ground isolator on the line (resistor and capacitor in parallel) but then I have some ugly lines. Anybody think of anything?

The model number for my adapter is Delta Electronics, ADP-50HH rev B. I'm not sure if it's double-insulated... I tried opening it, but it's glued shut, and doesn't really want to budge. Maybe if I get really daring I'll do it.

If you're ungrounded, then you can put your laptop in the water and it won't fry you. Just your notebook.

 

I have used various notebooks with 3 pin power supplies in situations where the ground in the wall socket is not connected and have, on occasion, observed floating voltage but nothing dangerous.

I would suggest disconnecting the ground in an extension lead and using that when doing the audio work. The W3 will then be grounded through the other equipment and the ground loop will be broken.

John

 

That's fine, but it is there to ground the system...... it would be fine 99% of the time and then one day, pow - nothing. If you don't have a ground in your house I guess there's really nothing else you could do though.

 

By "pow - nothing" do you mean static charge build up could fry something or is there something else I should be concerned about. Either way I think I'm going to head out this weekend and get myself the proper grounded lead.

Phil
W2Vc-U005P

 

Yeah, that's why I wouldnt use one of them 3 prong to 2 prong adapters. I dont think it's safe. I figure, if the manufacturer thought something should be grounded, then it really should. Just don't tamper with it. I did notice some of the older Sony's (done by Asus) had 2 prong plugs, but then again, it was old technology and it wasn't that powerful of a computer.

 

I worked on a Sony S460, which is a newer model, and it only had a two-prong (I'm pretty sure...) Of course, the power brick was just that...a friggin' brick...practically weighed the same as the laptop.

 

Well I mean I think the worst thing you can do is ruin the powersupply, which isn't too bad.. it's not like you're going to fry the computer...... but then again, I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

I should clarify my previous comment. I have used, over many years, both (a) notebooks with ungrounded power supplies and (b) notebooks with grounded power supplies connected to ungrounded sockets, with no harm to me or the attached equipment. The benefit of grounded sockets has yet to reach many developing countries. In fact, the worst situation is when the ground terminals are connected together but there is no satisfactory grounding to mother earth (this is a problem in very dry conditions) and you then run the risk of your equipment being zapped though the ground connection by a fault elsewhere.

However, I would agree that grounding is desirable to eliminate floating voltage, although it is not essential.

John

 

It's not like you were going to get sued John.... but with something like this it's always good to have everyone on the same page.... Otherwise someone might try to hold us accountable when they shortout their system.