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    Question about AC Adaptor

    Discussion in 'Panasonic' started by Montana, Mar 7, 2008.

  1. Montana

    Montana Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Panasonic Toughbook Y7 comes with a "3-pin" AC adaptor. This is probably a stupid question, but does that mean it comes with the grounded pin, so you can only plug it into certain outlets? (e.g. can't plug it into most power strips, etc.)?

    Thanks!
     
    Montana, Mar 7, 2008
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  2. gravitar

    gravitar Notebook Deity

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    I've noticed that the 3.5A power supplies have a two-prong (ungrounded) power cord, but the 5A ones have the ground pin. My guess is there's some law that over a certain power level, you have to provide a bonding conductor. The power supply will function just fine without it connected, however.
     
    gravitar, Mar 7, 2008
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  3. mnementh

    mnementh Crusty Ol' TinkerDwagon

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    Well, most power strips you're going to run across HAVE a ground circuit; they're required to by NEMA regulations. Obviously, if they're plugged into an outlet without proper ground wiring, or if someone has broken off the ground (shame, shame) pin from the plug, yeah- no ground. Grounded is good - it limits not only chance of personal shock injury, it also provides ground plane EMI shielding for a lot of modern electronics. If you HAVE to use your laptop where modern electrical wiring is not present, then a simple adaptor is available at most Wal-Marts that is intended as a "temporary" solution for this issue. Otherwise, shell out the 5 bux for an extension cord with a ground conductor; don't use a 2-wire lamp extension by breaking off the ground pin.

    mnem
    Electrically yours.
     
    mnementh, Mar 7, 2008
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  4. Toughbook

    Toughbook Drop and Give Me 20!

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    I have both 2 pin and 3 pin adapters. The 3 pin is the larger adapter and is made for the 1Ghz model. The 800 & 600Mhz models came with 2 pin adapters. You can switchy-switch any and all and they will work fine.

    BUT... As is pointed out... DO NOT break off the ground pin on the 3 pin connector to make it fit. That's just plain old redneck engineering.
     
    Toughbook, Mar 7, 2008
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  5. gravitar

    gravitar Notebook Deity

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    no, don't break the pin off. its much easier to cut the little "bump" off the lamp cord so the 3-prong cord plugs in :)
     
    gravitar, Mar 7, 2008
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  6. mnementh

    mnementh Crusty Ol' TinkerDwagon

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    Heh... and here you see the difference between Redneck engineering and Detroit engineering... *SNICKER*

    mnem<~~~Redneck Dwagon*
     
    mnementh, Mar 8, 2008
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