[P1] Current passing through the iBook

[David Linker]

I had a similar problem with a US computer in Europe.

In that case, the problem was different standards for grounding. In the 
US, even non-grounded plugs have a polarity, and often devices assume 
that one of the two plugs is "neutral", and can be connected to the 
ground with impunity.

In Europe, the two power connectors are equivalent, and it is even 
possible to insert the plug when rotated 180 degrees. Both of the power 
connectors "float" relative to the ground, and are never connected to 
the ground.

If an american device that ties one of the power connectors to the 
ground is plugged into a european type plug, there is a potential for a 
short circuit. In the worst case, the "grounded" parts of the device 
may be connected directly to a live power connection. I have actually 
experienced this with a US made computer in Europe! If you are getting 
a tingle, that implies that there are TWO places where there is a 
problem, and that you are completing the circuit. This is generally not 
good!

The most impressive effect that I had from this problem, other than 
shocks, was when I connected two american computers with an RS-232 
(serial) cable, and didn't know about the problems listed above, and 
the european-style plugs were in opposite polarity. The result was that 
the ground connector in connecting cable acted as a short with 220V, 
both computers shut down, and smoke started to come out of one of the 
computers! When I opened it up, there was a black hole burned into the 
motherboard!

In short, this is a serious problem, and I believe potentially VERY 
dangerous. I would recommend sorting it out. Since I do not know what 
resources you have available, it is hard to recommend a course of 
action.

DTL

On Monday, December 2, 2002, at 12:57 PM, Peter Nacken wrote:

> Hey folks,
>
> Funny problem .. I bought my iBook in the US where it was used to 110 
> Volt
> electrical current... But smart as the iBook is, it's yo yo (or brick
> nowadays) can handle everything from 100 to 240 ...
>
> Now .. I am on this island where 220 V is normal and I have no problems
> operating my iBook at all ... The only little thing is that I get a 
> nice
> tingly feeling whenever I touch that metal opening button in the front 
> ...
> Since it is the only metal part, I guess this is some outlet for some 
> extra
> power / current (that's the part I slept through in physics)
>
> I have noticed that by the way also with my new nice Casio Exilim digi 
> cam
> (nice little toy by the way ... Quality not as great as the Canon 
> S110, but
> the size can;t be beat) .. And even the microwave in this hotelroom I 
> will
> not touch its metal parts anymore ..
>
> Anyone knows what is going on .. And if it is damaging my iBook ?
>
> P
>