Dell Inspiron 15R gives electric shocks
I have had this laptop for just more than a year and never faced any problem with it until sometime back when I got a "tingling sensation" using the track pad, just around the edges. That happens only when running on AC.
When I Googled I see there seems to be a problem with this laptop. However, many posts in different forums talk about two pinned adapter as a probable cause but I have a three pinned one. The wall outlet is earth grounded properly.
Since I never had this problem, is this about faulty hardware or other environmental factors? It had been a hot day and the night is cold (but it has been so mostly this season), also I have scrapped my fingers around the nails lightly (just thinly peeled off skin) doing gardening.
I just want to know what's happening, as I cannot call the customer care till Monday. Any clues?
Update:
The harder I press the track pad, the more the sensation.
I got it again, even when running on battery but with the adapter chord plugged in and AC off! I unplugged it and the shock was gone. I plugged it back in and the shock didn't return! Its funny. I am not even able to see a pattern.
Solution 1:
The fact that this only happens when on AC power is a bit concerning. I'd call Dell and get a replacement.
The problem is likely related to the controller for charging the battery. You could test this theory by unplugging the battery while it's plugged in and see if you still have the problem.
The other thing it could be related to is the inverter that runs your backlight. Most laptops will brighten the screen when on AC power. If this is the case, you have a potentially very dangerous situation on your hands. This is probably unlikely though, since you would likely be getting strong shocks no matter what.
In any case, call Dell and get a replacement. Also, don't use two hands at once on your track pad.
Solution 2:
It sounds like your laptop has issues with a ground, since the voltage on the laptop chassis is floating high. You should not have gotten an electric shock. If possible, open the laptop, and try to see if any components are electrically shorted to the laptop chassis and/or other connectors.
If you only experience the shock when the charger is connected to the laptop, then you should stop using the charger immediately and get a new one. Check the charger itself for ground faults. If you are using an ungrounded charger, there may be an electrical fault in the actual socket. Start with the charger, and work from there.
Again, there is no voltage in the laptop which is high enough to shock you. I have not seen any laptop chargers provide a DC output higher then 20 V. Look into the charger or any short circuits (either in the laptop or charger), but again, since you're getting shocked, ensure that your charger is not the problem.