Sam at BLAG

Is it usual that domestic mains electricity in Spain isn't grounded?

We're getting it grounded at home, which I thought might be an anomaly, but now I'm in the library and getting the same tell-tale tingling sensation when running my fingers along the surfaces of my laptop.

#AskFedi #Spain #Electricity #Electricians

Mar 24 at 12:13pmWeb
Show thread♿ 🏳️‍🌈 La pantera rojaMar 24
@blag Does your laptop have a metal case? Is it connected straight to the mains? I'm confused.
Show threadSam at BLAGMar 24
@beckermatic Yes, metal casing and plugged directly into a regular mains socket.
Show thread♿ 🏳️‍🌈 La pantera rojaMar 24

Are you using an Europlug? If so, those are designed for Class II appliances only (i. e. double-isolated, not needing ground/earth).

Also, I'm really curious about your laptop. Never seen a model that plugs straight into the socket.

Show threadSam at BLAGMar 24

@beckermatic Here's my plug.

https://typo.social/@blag/116284501031765151

And sorry, perhaps I was confused about what you were asking; the computer has a cable that goes into a box (transformer?), which then has another cable extending to the plug that goes into the wall.

Show thread♿ 🏳️‍🌈 La pantera rojaMar 24

Most laptop AC adapters are solid-state transformers that include a rectifier bridge and a filter. On the laptop side, the connector is usually a DC coaxial (the “barrel connector”) with just two contacts: positive and negative.

As a laptop is a Class II appliance, it is double-insulated, meaning it doesn't require grounding, as the chassis does the trick.

So, if you feel a tingling sensation when operating with your laptop, try unplugging it for a moment, and check again. If the sensation goes away, it surely means something is broken on your AC adapter, and you should replace it asap.

Show threadNirroMar 24
@blag I just bought a home in a building from the 60s. The outlets have fuses and the building itself doesn't have a ground take. More recent buildings are correctly grounded but many older ones aren't. I'll probably see about getting one installed, though.
Show threadSam at BLAGMar 24
@nirro Ours in mid 1970s I think, so I guess could fall the wrong side of any subsequent requirements to earth the mains.
Show threadColin M. FordMar 24
@blag I always find electrical systems of other countries fascinating. In Japan all outlets are "ungrounded", essentially because they heavily rely on Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). As every circuit is protected from ground faults through other means, they don't tend to use grounded outlets. Maybe it's the same in Spain? Have a poke around your breaker box!
Show threadHias aus OlivaMar 24
@blag
By law, yes. In reality, in most houses not