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Title: Laptop Aluminum Casing Electric Shocks: Causes, Power Supply Issues & Voltage Details

Problematyczna 9750 12
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  • #1 17585015
    Problematyczna
    Level 6  
    Posts: 5
    Hello,

    I have a problem with a laptop with an aluminum case near the keyboard. From the news, after a light touch with a finger, there was a tingling (when pressing the finger, there was no feeling). I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, I feel like I've been electrocuted a few times. The laptop is connected to a grounded outlet. It seems to me that these shocks are only when the laptop is running on the power supply. What could be the reason? Is it the laptop itself or is it more of a power supply issue? The laptop is no longer under warranty, but probably service will not be avoided.

    Another request - what voltage is possible on the case?
    On the power supply I have the following information:
    INPUT: 100-240V ~ 1.6A (1.6A) 50-60Hz
    OUTPUT: 19.5V (19.5V) ---- 3.33A (3.33A)
    These markings mean absolutely nothing to me. Can the current be high in the case of a "kick" through such an enclosure?
    I've been using my laptop for a while :)

    Thank you very much in advance for your explanations.
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  • #2 17585044
    Piotr160292
    Level 38  
    Posts: 5137
    Help: 374
    Rate: 282
    The socket may be sore. The question is whether it is connected to the PE wire and it is connected to earth.
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  • #4 17585061
    Problematyczna
    Level 6  
    Posts: 5
    HP Pavillion 15-n070sw
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  • #5 17585082
    sosarek

    Level 43  
    Posts: 83875
    Help: 9318
    Rate: 15431
    Problematyczna wrote:
    HP Pavillion 15-n070sw

    Problematyczna wrote:
    with an aluminum housing next to the keyboard.

    Nowhere in the descriptions or in the photos do you see any aluminum housing.
    Company Account:
    Z
    Pka, Poznań, 60-850
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #6 17585124
    Problematyczna
    Level 6  
    Posts: 5
    The keyboard housing is definitely not plastic. It is completely different to the touch than plastic.
  • #7 17585150
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21874
    Help: 2030
    Rate: 5128
    @sosarek Another power supply with an EMC filter, the center of which the capacitors are connected, is connected to the ground of the output voltage, and without the possibility of connecting PE. If not the frame, the USB socket will "kick" They should add a ground wire with a crocodile to fasten it to the faucet or radiator :D Like in the washing machine "Frania".
  • #8 17585151
    Problematyczna
    Level 6  
    Posts: 5
    On the website of the store where I bought it (a few years ago) I found information: "housing material aluminum
    Plastic".
    According to me (after touch) the general housing is plastic, and the keyboard circle is aluminum.

    Added after 3 [minutes]:

    Krzysztof Kamienski wrote:
    @sosarek Another power supply with an EMC filter, the center of which the capacitors are connected, is connected to the ground of the output voltage, and without the possibility of connecting PE. If not the frame, the USB socket will "kick" They should add a ground wire with a crocodile to fasten it to the faucet or radiator :D Like in the washing machine "Frania".


    What does "no PE connection" mean?
    Sucks PSU in general? :)
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  • #9 17585167
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21874
    Help: 2030
    Rate: 5128
    @Problematic Maybe not a specific power supply, but this type of "design direction", because there are many of them. The mains plug of this power supply has a PE contact?
  • #10 17585172
    Piotr160292
    Level 38  
    Posts: 5137
    Help: 374
    Rate: 282
    I mean that the socket may have a pin or may not have a PE wire connected, i.e. a yellow-green wire that is connected to the ground (earth). The pin itself will not give you anything and in order to fulfill its protective role it must be connected.
  • #11 17585177
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21874
    Help: 2030
    Rate: 5128
    @Piotr160292 It's "another thing" :D . This is the design of the power supply.
  • #12 17585190
    Problematyczna
    Level 6  
    Posts: 5
    If the "PE contact" is the place where the pin from the socket is placed, then it has.
    Perhaps the socket itself, despite the pin, is not grounded. After a few electric kicks, I don't feel like trying other sockets :)
    Regarding those kicks - how much current could there be on the case?
  • #13 17585201
    Piotr160292
    Level 38  
    Posts: 5137
    Help: 374
    Rate: 282
    Krzysztof Kamienski wrote:
    @Piotr160292 It's "another thing" :D . This is the design of the power supply.

    Or ... I'm not saying that it's only the socket's fault
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user's experience with electric shocks from an HP Pavilion 15-n070sw laptop with an aluminum casing near the keyboard. The user reports feeling tingling sensations when touching the laptop, particularly when it is connected to a power supply. Responses suggest that the issue may stem from improper grounding of the power supply or the socket, as well as potential design flaws in the power supply itself. The conversation highlights the importance of a proper PE (Protective Earth) connection to prevent electrical shocks and discusses the implications of voltage and current on the laptop casing.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Your laptop’s adapter (19.5 V/3.33 A ≈ 65 W) can cause a mild tingle via EMI leakage; “This is the design of the power supply.” Grounding (PE) or a 3‑prong adapter reduces it. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585177]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps HP Pavilion and similar laptop users diagnose tingling shocks, decide if the PSU or socket is at fault, and fix it safely.

Quick Facts

Why do I feel a shock when touching my laptop’s case?

Your adapter uses an EMI filter with Y capacitors. They reference the DC ground to mains through capacitance. That creates a tiny AC touch current and a tingle. “This is the design of the power supply.” It appears when plugged in, not on battery. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585177]

Is the problem in the laptop or the power supply?

It is the adapter’s design, not the laptop. Class II bricks lack PE and can “kick” slightly. USB shields or metal trim may feel it first. The sensation usually disappears on battery power. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585150]

What does PE/ground do in this situation?

PE is the protective earth conductor in your installation. It shunts leakage to earth, stabilizing the laptop’s reference. A socket’s ground pin must be wired to PE. A floating pin gives no protection or benefit. [Elektroda, Piotr160292, post #17585172]

Can a socket look grounded but still not be?

Yes. A socket can show a pin yet lack PE. The yellow‑green conductor may be missing or disconnected. Use another verified grounded outlet to compare behavior. [Elektroda, Piotr160292, post #17585172]

How much voltage or current could be on the case?

You feel a small touch current limited by safety standards. Typical limits are about 0.25–0.5 mA for ITE. The sensation can occur even though current remains very low. [IEC 62368-1, 2018]

Could the USB port be the part that “kicks”?

Yes. The USB shield ties to the laptop’s DC ground. EMI capacitors reference that point to mains via capacitance. “If not the frame, the USB socket will ‘kick’.” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585150]

How do I quickly test whether the PSU or the outlet is at fault?

Use this quick isolation test.
  1. Run on battery only. Confirm the tingle disappears.
  2. Move to a known grounded outlet. Recheck the tingle.
  3. Inspect the adapter plug. Look for a PE contact. Lack of PE on the plug or outlet implicates grounding. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585167]

Is this dangerous, or just annoying?

For compliant adapters, touch current stays within IEC limits. It is usually annoying, not hazardous, under normal conditions. Ensure a proper PE path and stop if shocks feel strong. [IEC 62368-1, 2018]

What model and materials are relevant here?

The reported system is HP Pavilion 15‑n070sw. The palmrest ring may feel metallic to the touch. Outer shells can still be plastic despite metallic feel. [Elektroda, Problematyczna, post #17585124]

Why does it happen only when on the power supply?

The effect requires the adapter connected to mains. On battery, the laptop floats without AC leakage path. The OP noted tingling only while on the power supply. [Elektroda, Problematyczna, post #17585015]

What can I do to reduce or eliminate the tingling?

Use a properly grounded outlet and adapter with PE. Where PE is absent, Class II bricks may tingle by design. Replacing the brick can help if it feels abnormal. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585150]

Could the outlet’s PE be present but ineffective?

Yes. A visible pin without a wired PE is ineffective. The pin alone does not provide protective grounding. Have an electrician verify the PE continuity if unsure. [Elektroda, Piotr160292, post #17585172]

Should I send the laptop or the PSU for service?

Service the adapter first if shocks are frequent or stronger. The described tingling is consistent with adapter design. “This is the design of the power supply.” [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #17585177]
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