"Electrical leakage" on Asus N53SV

[urbanium]

Hi all,

I just bought a Asus N53SV (model version N53SV-SZ589V to be precise) and I noticed something rather annoying: whenever the laptop is plugged into the wall outlet and I touch the case (back of the screen), or any metal part of it (around the mousepad), I have this buzzing/vibrating sensation going through my hand.

It is not due to the vibration of internal component but clearly from the electricity since it stops when I unplug it and also only happens when touching the metal parts. It is strong enough for my girlfriend to feel it while touching my skin while I have my hand on the laptop.

One interesting thing I noticed is that this stops if I use a grounded outlet. The problem is that I only have 1 such outlet in my house. (old-ish european apartment)

I know Tom's Hardware isnt specialized in electricity matters but maybe someone knows or maybe someone experienced something similar.

Does this present a health hazard?

Can it damage the computer overtime?

I'm thinking to return the laptop now, it's a shame because I really like it. However, I have the impression that this is not limited to this laptop only, maybe even any laptop with metallic surface would have the same problem?

Thank you!

 

[danielpolo]

Hi urbanium.
I have the same problem with that laptop. I'm going to call the tech service to see what they say about it.

unfortunately i couldn't find more info about this in other websites

 

[danielpolo]

I called and they said it's not normal, and that I'd have to take it to them to see.

an annoying situation.

 

[urbanium]

Hi Danielpolo

That thread is a bit old. I returned the laptop shortly after my initial post. It visually had to do both with the laptop and the electrical outlets in my flat. I don't think changing the laptop for a similar one would have changed anything. I have a friend who has the exact same issue with a Macbook pro (the one with the aluminium cover). Seems like non-grounded outlets + metal cases (of certain model) creates this electrical leakage feeling. It's partly bad engineering as I think it really should not do that. I changed my laptop for a model made of plastic instead of metal to get rid of that annoying problem.

I hope you find a solution!
All the best,

Urbanium