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    Powersupply 3 to 2 prong

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Batcatsheep, Nov 30, 2016.

  1. Batcatsheep

    Batcatsheep Newbie

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    Hello!

    I just recently bought the Lenovo Thinkpad E460 and was pretty disappointed when the powersupply came with a 3-prong plug.

    Since it can be a hassle to find 3-pronged plugs where i want to carry it with me, i want to find a solution.

    Just a disclaimer, i dont know much about electronical engineering.

    From the website where i bought the laptop i found this.
    http://www.laptops.dk/product_info.php?cPath=50_69_260_261&products_id=595

    Which should be available to plug into my current adapter.

    Is this safe?

    If not, what are my options?

    I haven't seen many laptops with 3-pronged plugs, so i was thinking there might be a reason why this one came equipped with one.
     
    Batcatsheep, Nov 30, 2016
    #1
  2. Starlight5

    Starlight5 Yes, I'm a cat. What else is there to say, really?

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    @Batcatsheep it's safe, just get a cable with 2-prong plug. Alternative would be a dirty cheap adapter for the cable, but they usually don't hold well in outlets, so just get a replacement cable.
     
    Starlight5, Nov 30, 2016
    #2
  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I think you will find that particular plug (Type F in the list here) has the ground contact on the side.

    The third pin / contact is for the ground circuit. While this should be an asset in locations with high building construction standards it's a potential hazard in places where the ground circuit isn't grounded properly and can be made live by voltage leaks from other equipment connected to the same circuit. I therefore use a two pin plug ( type C) with two core cable plug a Fig-8 to cloverleaf adaptor (also called C5 to C8) on the PSU. Another advantage is that the 2 core (ungrounded) mains cable is significantly lighter than a 3 core (grounded) cable. I've been doing this for many years wihout ill-effect.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Nov 30, 2016
    #3
    tilleroftheearth and TANWare like this.
  4. Batcatsheep

    Batcatsheep Newbie

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    Thank you for the information guys.
     
    Batcatsheep, Nov 30, 2016
    #4