Korean Job Discussion Forums

[huck]

I'm visiting Thailand, and I'm plugging my laptop into the local outlets, which shouldn't be a problem, since it can handle from 110V-240V. I'm using a grounded plug/wall adapter (it has a hole for the grounding prong).

However, on the side of my laptop, where there's a metal lever to push whenever I want to eject a pcmcia card or whatever, everytime I brush it, I get jolted (shocked) from a steady electrical current...If I keep touching it, it's like a minor electric shock treatment.

I'm assuming that this can't be good for my laptop. When I unplug it from the wall, it doesn't happen anymore...

Does anyone know why this is happening, and if it's as dangerous for my laptop as I think it is?

Thanks...

[Bulsajo]

[skindleshanks]

I remember something like this happening on my very laptop about five years ago. I never did figure out what to do with it. I just didn't touch there, and nothig bad ever happened.

Reading your email makes me curious again.

[thaitom]

Most houses, buildings in Thailand are not grounded.

[dbee]

Bascially OP your computer takes in current at about 20V. Electricity naturally flows from positive to negative ... well, actually it's the other way around. But we won't go into that here.

Your laptop isn't grounded, which means that the electrical charge has no where to go. It just builds up in your machine. When you touch the metal casing bit - you complete the circuit. And the built-up charge flows from the computer through you, to the ground.

Not all electrical appliances need to be grounded eg. mobile phones, transistor radios. But if you are going to be using it alot then, yes - you should try to ground it. Motherboards contain sensitive chips that are very easy to blow.

You might be able to get a grounding adapter at a hardware store. Or alternatively get a piece of metal wire, fasten it to an exposed metal part of your computer - then plant the other end of the wire to either something that is metal and grounded ... like a radiator, window, etc ...

[mack the knife]

The real issue: You haven't come to grips with your newly-discovered powers, Mr. Von Doom.