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.
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.
@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.
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.
Sam at BLAG
♿ 🏳️🌈 La pantera roja