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    Static

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by wagthesam, Nov 20, 2009.

  1. wagthesam

    wagthesam Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know if something in my laptop is not working correctly.

    When I'm lying on the couch and have my laptop on my stomach, and I touch my someone's skin, I feel like theres electricity between my hands and their skin. Its weird, this only happens when the laptop is plugged in. Should I be worried and get my laptop checked?
     
    wagthesam, Nov 20, 2009
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  2. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Have you got an earthed plug?
    (3 prongs or 2 prongs and side contacts)

    Has your laptop got a metal "outer case".

    Maybe name your laptop.
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 21, 2009
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  3. wagthesam

    wagthesam Notebook Enthusiast

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    Vostro 1500, my laptop is not grounded. I believe the case is plastic.
     
    wagthesam, Nov 21, 2009
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  4. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Hmm, well I know that laptops with a metal case and non-grounded adaptors have been known to give out slight electric shock...

    But if you have a plastic case/outer shell on the laptop that shouldn't happen.

    Is it continous or always a one off?

    Becaus if its a "one off" then that may be static - but I think its continuous from your description?
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 21, 2009
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  5. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    Try the laptop on another outlet. It's not something to be super worried about, but you've got dirty power and no ground plug, so you're getting a bit of electricity on the ground of the laptop. Which is the chassis. And I believe the bottom of the Vostro 1500 is in fact a metal alloy, as is the lid. The palmrest and LCD bezels are plastic.
     
    Hep!, Nov 21, 2009
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  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Floating voltage is reasonably common with equipment which is not grounded. You are providing a path for the stray electrons to get to ground.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Nov 21, 2009
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