3-Prong Adapter Revisited

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

friend of whiner — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:19:34 GMT

If the output of the adapter was really pure DC, then the ground wouldn't matter. The problem, I think, is that any switching supply not equipped with a 5 pound filter (eg Filter Concepts switchmode filters) is putting out a lot of unwanted voltage at the switching frequency and harmonics of it.

I would think the solution would be to ground the chassis of the laptop, which is only possible with that third wire.

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Matt — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:53:34 GMT

This thread is old and moldy, but to answer Glen T's question: Nothing would have to be redesigned on the laptop. The adapter connections on ALL laptops are only two-conductor (positive and negative), with ground connected to negative. This is DC (direct current), all ready converted by the AC adapter. 3-prong only becomes an issue in the adapter brick itself, which will have a 3-prong connection on the brick for the cable whose other end plugs into the wall outlet.

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Glen T — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:40:19 GMT

I believe that all current Dell laptops ship with a 3-prong adaptor b/c of the tingle whiners.

So, Dell has redesigned their entire notebook line to put back the ground that runs from the notebook to the power supply -- virtually overnight? They have changed out all the connectors mounted on all notebooks to three prong? Can you substantiate this claim??

If this were true, then that would be good news. But I don't think that it is.

Maybe Lionel can shed some light...

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Nathan — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:23:34 GMT

Steve,

I believe that all current Dell laptops ship with a 3-prong adaptor b/c of the tingle whiners.

I think that Dell should make an adaptor that will run with either a 2-wire/2-prong or a 3-wire/3-prong lead to the mains outlet. You now have to pay $70 to get a 2-prong adaptor.

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Steve — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:11:27 GMT

Are current laptops shipping with 3 prong adaptors and if not, are there plans to do so in the future?

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Nathan — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:07:51 GMT

Glen T:

I don't believe it is safe to use a 3-to-2 prong adepter unless you make sure the plate-screw is grounded and screw/unscrew it every time you move. 3-to-2 prong adaptors are not even legal in all countries (like Canada, AFAIR).

I was saying that Dell should make the standard adaptor certified for 2 prong and include a 2-prong mains lead. They should also provide a 3-prong mains lead for it as well, for people who get tingle. That would mean one product would make everyone happy.

Providing 2 to-the-wall cords (one 2 and one 3 prong) for the same power brick would be cheap.

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Glen T — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:09:15 GMT

Nathan:

You can easily turn a three prong adapter into a two prong adapter by buying a three to two plug adapter with a ground lead on it! I have a couple of these.

But, you can't turn a two prong adapter into a three prong!!!!

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Nathan — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:54:21 GMT

I have a couple of Toshiba's with 2-prong adaptors. They have worked fine for years and years. Grounding will help you if something is broken, but a working 2-prong system is better.

Having just 2-prongs is really important when you travel internationally. Some countries have odd and inconvenient grounding systems. I'm looking at you Germans with your "Type F" (2-pin, side clip earth).

Now if the standard 65-watt adaptor could take a 2-prong or a 3-prong mains lead, we would all be happy with just one product.

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Mayanja — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 06:25:50 GMT

I think the 3-prong plug should come back. It's also gone in Europe, and it's just not right. How much extra would it cost anyway to maintain it?

re: 3-Prong Adapter Revisited

Glen T — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:08:40 GMT

I just bought a Toshiba A200 notebook last week. It has a power supply that is smaller than a cigarette package, and almost as light. And, it has a three prong power supply.

So why is my Inspiron 9400 power supply twice as big, twice as heavy and ungrounded?

I think that Dell has waited long enough for this issue to have died (along with the 9400 line).