ouch! shocked by t43p

[metacolo]

I've got a t43p which I use as my primary computer.

Whenever it is plugged into the wall (or apparently into ethernet), it shocks me. Specifically, any of the metal parts (fingerprint reader on the palmrest being the worst!), metal screws on the vga connector on the right, etc.

Earbug eadphones plugged in directly are bad too -- even if they go via an outboard usb amp.


The other minor issue is that the screen backlights appear to be vibrating at high frequency -- if you touch the screen in the bottom or top areas where backlight tubes are found, it's vibrating. Same with the top cover over those areas.

I assume neither of these is "normal". Unfortunately I can't really send it in to get warranty service right now (iraq...), but hopefully soon.


(eagerly awaiting upgrading to a core 2 duo someday, ideally with a WUXGA screen, or at least UXGA...so it looks like some waiting...)

[joester]

First, determine which it is. Outlet or Ethernet.
Have someone verify the wiring. There's a loose ground or something. I don't think it's your computer. If it was, it would happen all the time, not just when plugged in.

And.. Thank You!

Joe

[rkawakami]

Sounds like your AC outlet may not be properly grounded or wired with a hot neutral. Or your power adapter is not properly isolated. At least that's what might happen with U.S. based power. Seeing how you are in Iraq, you should be using 230V 50hz AC power. The standard IBM AC adapter should be able to handle that. But if you are plugging in the 2-pin U.S. style cord into an adapter to fit the Iraq 3-pin socket, you may not be grounded. That should not be a problem normaly with the 72 watt 2-pin IBM adapters (they're supposed to be non-polarized). In either case, you could try flipping the 2-pin cord around to see if that makes any difference or try another AC power adapter.

[joester]

I overlooked the two VS three pin plug. Good point Ray.

[metacolo]

I'm using a 72W IBM with a locally sourced british 3-pin 13A square-plug to 2-pin IEC320-C8 connector line cord. Feed is 230V/50Hz.

I swapped the 2-pin plug at the 72W adapter interface, and now it doesn't seem to be shocking me. Thanks! I'll take some paint and mark one side of the adapter and line cord.

Thanks!

[GomJabbar]

Starting to feel like Ben Franklin were ya

[jdhurst]

I'm using a 72W IBM with a locally sourced british 3-pin 13A square-plug to 2-pin IEC320-C8 connector line cord. Feed is 230V/50Hz.

I swapped the 2-pin plug at the 72W adapter interface, and now it doesn't seem to be shocking me. Thanks! I'll take some paint and mark one side of the adapter and line cord.

Thanks!

It should not matter how you plug in the adapter.

In a North American, one side is a ground potential whereas the other side is at line potential (nominally 117VAC). I can plug my adapter into such an outlet either way, and it makes no difference to electrical levels on metal parts of the ThinkPad.

In a British system, I think both sides float above ground, but I am not certain. In any event, I have used my ThinkPad in Britain as well as in Europe and plug it into an adapter either way. Still no difference.

Your adapter may be defective.
... JD Hurst

[bill bolton]

In a British system, I think both sides float above ground, but I am not certain.

An IEC compliant 3 wire general purpose power outlet system as used in most (but not all) Commonwealth countries and former British colonies, protectorates etc has this:

• An "active" conductor which is the full mains voltage with respect to "earth" (aka "ground")
  
  A "neutral" conductor, which is at a nominal "earth" potential via the distribution network
  
  A "safety earth" conductor which is locally connected to a known good "earth" via a spike (or similar) driven into the surface of the planet on the actual premises.

Heaven knows what you are likely to find on the general purpose outlet (wall point) in some of the less politically stable parts of the planet, where mainating any sort of basic utility service can be a significant challenge, let alone maintaining it in compliance with IEC standards.

Cheers,

Bill

[jdhurst]

Thanks, Bill. I was not sure at all. I am not a big fan of 234 VAC appearing at an outlet. But that is just me. .... JD Hurst

[danage]

@jdhurst: actually, i dont feel comfortable with us style outlets that you can unplug half way and stick your fingers in between. higher voltage reduces loss as well.

@metacolo: good luck to you in iraq.