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Common questions
Common Questions
10 totalWhat are the safety recommendations when using my HP Notebook PC?
HP recommends only using HP-branded AC adapters, batteries, and other accessories to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, it is advised to read the Safety & Comfort Guide included with your product for further guidance in reducing potential risks. (Page 2)
Why does my HP Notebook PC with aluminum alloy surfaces feel tingly when using a third-party AC adapter?
Using a third-party 2-prong or otherwise ungrounded AC adapter can cause a slight tingling sensation due to electric current leakage. This is not typically harmful, but it can be avoided by using an HP-branded 3-prong grounded AC adapter that minimizes such sensations and ensures compliance with safety standards.
Can I use ungrounded AC adapters with my HP Notebook PC?
While technically possible, the use of third-party ungrounded AC adapters can cause a tingling sensation due to electric current leakage. For safety and regulatory compliance reasons, HP recommends using only HP-branded 3-prong grounded AC adapters.
What are the benefits of using a 3-prong grounded AC adapter with my HP Notebook PC?
Using a 3-prong grounded AC adapter provides safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. It reduces electric current leakage and electrostatic discharge risks while meeting electromagnetic compatibility standards such as FCC specifications.
What models of HP Notebook PC use aluminum alloy on their surfaces?
Models announced in calendar year 2008 include the HP EliteBook Series, HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client, and docking stations like the Advanced Docking Station with aluminum alloy used on display enclosures and areas surrounding keyboards.
Why does my HP Notebook PC feel tingly when using a correctly grounded AC adapter with poorly grounded outlet?
Even if you use an HP-branded 3-prong grounded AC adapter, the tingling sensation might still occur if connected to an outlet that has poor grounding. Ensuring your electrical outlets have proper ground connections can minimize this issue.
Show 4 more questions
What is electrostatic discharge (ESD) and how does it affect my HP Notebook PC?
Does HP provide any efforts to minimize electric current leakage on notebook PC touch points?
Are HP Notebook PCs compliant with international standards?
What should I do if the tingling sensation persists despite using a grounded HP AC adapter?
Full Manual
3 pages
Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 2 Metal surfaces..................................................................................................................................... 2 HP Notebook PC AC adapters .............................................................................................................. 2 Third-party ungrounded AC adapters ..................................................................................................... 2
HP Notebook PC Metal Surfaces and 3-Prong Grounded AC Adapters
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Introduction This document provides general information about metal surfaces on specific 2008 models of HP Business Notebook PC products and their interaction with HP Notebook PC 3-prong grounded AC adapters and with third-party 2-prong or otherwise ungrounded AC adapters. Metal surfaces For appearance and durability, some HP Business Notebook PC products announced in calendar year 2008, listed below, utilize an aluminum alloy material on some exterior surfaces: HP EliteBook Series Notebook PC HP 2133 Mini-Note PC HP 2533t Mobile Thin Client HP Docking Station and Advanced Docking Station On the notebook PC models listed above, this aluminum alloy material is used on the display enclosure that surrounds the display panel and on the area surrounding the keyboard. On the docking stations listed above, this aluminum alloy material is used on the top and sides. HP Notebook PC AC adapters HP Omnibook brand notebook PC models were announced prior to 2002 and shipped with a 3-prong grounded AC adapter beginning in 2002. HP Compaq, HP Pavilion, Compaq Evo, and Compaq Presario brand notebook PC models have shipped with a 3-prong grounded AC adapter since 1995. HP plans to continue using 3-prong grounded AC adapters for all notebook PC models. The benefits of using 3-prong grounded AC adapters include safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. HP Notebook PC AC adapters comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards that include but are not limited to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) specifications and international EN 55022 EMC specifications. Through the use of a 3-prong grounded plug, HP Notebook PC AC adapters help reduce the potential for electric current leakage, lower the risk of electric shock, and provide increased user protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Third-party ungrounded AC adapters Under certain circumstances, the use of a third-party 2-prong or otherwise ungrounded AC adapter with a 2008 HP Business Notebook PC product listed above can cause a user to feel a slight tingling sensation when touching the aluminum alloy surfaces. This is not typically a safety concern, and in most cases, it is not harmful to the user or to the product. HP Notebook PC products and HP Notebook PC AC adapters meet or exceed current applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Therefore, the tingling sensation should not be felt when a listed product is used with a supported HP 3-prong grounded AC adapter. Possible exceptions could be when the notebook PC and a supported HP 3-prong grounded AC adapter are used with an AC outlet which itself has a poor ground or when the 3-prong grounded AC adapter is used where only 2-prong (ungrounded) AC adapters are supported.
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The slight tingling sensation discussed herein has been present in the electronics industry for numerous years and is common on notebook PC products and other electrical devices and appliances that utilize metal surfaces and 2-prong ungrounded AC adapters. HP Notebook PC models include a 3-prong grounded AC adapter to help minimize the presence of slight tingling sensations as well as for compliance, safety, and reliability reasons that are mentioned herein. In addition, HP has made efforts to further reduce electric current leakage on typical notebook PC touch points such as the palm-rest area. Warning To ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements, HP recommends that only HP-branded AC adapters, batteries, and other accessories be used with HP Notebook PC products. To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide included with HP products and available at http://www.hp.com/ergo.
© Copyright 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. 501907-001, July 2008