[NDBounce]

My Powerbook G4 has started giving me a mild shock lately when I touch the aluminum area to the left and right of the trackpad.

Of course, If I have my shoes on, the issue ceases. So I am guessing there is some power leakage going on. The shock (probably) won't cause any damage to me, but it is more than mildly annoying (as is having to have my shoes on when I am sitting on the couch watching TV while web surfing).

I also can hear the humming from an electric field if I place the computer on the floor and then pick it up.

This is not a static shock (which would be a one time instantaneous shock) but a continuous mild shock that I am getting.

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue, or may know how to fix the problem. My Powerbook is out of warranty and does not have AppleCare.

It's a 15" Powerbook G4 1.5Ghz machine.

I also thought I should inform Apple of this issue, and I will try to do that at my next convenience. I just wanted to check here to see if anyone had any quick fixes or similar issues with their G4 Powerbook.

Thank you,

O
B unce!

[ghporter]

Read analogika's post in this thread. It looks like it's normal because of a lack of grounding through the AC power adapter.

[Fusion]

Yeah, if you connect the "extended" cord to your power cord, the one that has the ground plug on it, it will go away.

This has been an issue with PowerBook since Rev A Alu 12" and 17" Books came out.

[Velocity211]

Is the static, in any way, dangerous to the notebook? Because I'd rather not connect the longer power cable to the adapter.

[ghporter]

It's NOT static. It's what's called a "leakage current" and it's caused by the fact that the computer is not grounded to the same reference as the AC power. It's NOT going to hurt your computer-it's only in the case after all-but it will bother you. And from a technician's standpoint, it'd bug the living crap out of me. How much longer is the grounded cord?

[Velocity211]

Originally Posted by ghporter

It's NOT static. It's what's called a "leakage current" and it's caused by the fact that the computer is not grounded to the same reference as the AC power. It's NOT going to hurt your computer-it's only in the case after all-but it will bother you. And from a technician's standpoint, it'd bug the living crap out of me. How much longer is the grounded cord?

Whatever then, leakage current. Happy now?

[NDBounce]

Hmm,

This sounds like a poor design by Apple. So this brings me to question #2. The building I reside in is fairly old and only has 2 prong outlets. So I can only use the 2 prong adapter...is there any good way to eliminat my being shocked, because as ghporter said, it does bug me.

Thank you,

O
B unce!

[hookem2oo7]

buy one of those 2 to 3 prong adapters and use the coverplate screw to ground the little tab on it...it may help things out a little

[legacyb4]

I've had the same problem from the start with my PBG4 giving my leg a mild tingle if left on bare skin. My Powerbook was purchased in Japan so the long cord that comes with it is only two prong with a little ground wire tab sticking out.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Velocity211

Whatever then, leakage current. Happy now?

Actually, no. Static and a leakage current are very different, have very different causes and effects, and are dealt with very differently. This issue is due to the design of the power system of the PowerBook, it's something that Apple should have addressed by making ALL PB power adapters properly grounded (and not manufacturing ungrounded cords for them), and it potentially a safety and fire hazard. Static, on the other hand, is an environmental effect, can only hurt a person a little bit, but can indeed have negative effects on the computer and the data stored on it.

I stress this because it's virtually impossible to cause injury of fire with a static issue, but it is quite possible with leakage currents. Really, this is a serious issue.