ThinkPad W520's 2-Prong Power Supply = High EMFs! [ Editado ]

[drewwesley]

I noticed not to long ago that my ThinkPad W520's 170W power supply has no grounding plug, 2-prong. Operationally, it works fine, but my EMF meter is off the charts when I make contact with the palmrest. Healthwise, I'm worried about the long-term implications of ungrounded radiation. Even grounded desktop computers and LCD monitors emit super-low EMFs (tested on the same meter).

Interestingly, I noticed that the ThinkPad Edge series provides the 3-prong option. Why can't the T-series and W-series provide this option as well?

[ColonelONeill]

Hmm. Now I'm intrigued.

Does it still take the same readings if the laptop is on but unplugged?

[drewwesley]

When the laptop's unplugged and running on battery, there are no alarming EMFs. However, the power supply itself reads a high amount when plugged in.

[drewwesley]

There's some good information here:
http://emfwise.com/low-emf-computer.php 

[harrisb]

Better not to use a cellphone either.

[drewwesley]

Cellphones are more intermittent, releasing EMFs only when used. There are sheilds for those reported to reduce the impact:
http://www.amazon.com/EMF-Super-Protection-Your-health/dp/B003UH4QXC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=13396945...

That said, don't charge them close to your bed for better quality sleep, and turn 3G/4G/Wifi off when uneeded.

Although I don't think EMFs can be 100% eliminated in today's world, I believe we should make efforts to reduce them as much as possible. As stated earlier, I got like zero EMFs from desktop computers and monitors using grounded plugs. For the price we pay for Thinkpad Workstation models, Lenovo should provide the 3-prong adapter (really not too much to ask for). These devices demand close interaction with physical contact. Otherwise, I'm looking at a grounding plug (link in previous post) or a 3-prong laptop. Don't get me wrong - the W520 rocks otherwise.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was the main reason behind low speaker performance (tweaked by Conexant SmartAudio) that would otherwise buzz or hum due to lack of grounding.

I'll try to provide some EMF reading snapshots.

[ColonelONeill]

I get a hum from the headphone jack if I move around a bit while on AC. Probably would be alleviated with a three prong adapter.

[drewwesley]

W520 running on AC Adapter 2-prong (not grounded) ~1200mG !!! Harmful	W520 running on Battery N/A 0mG Safe	HP Pavilion ze4600 running on AC 3-prong (grounded) ~50mG Relatively Safe

Interestingly, my meter's Amazon description summarizes why 3-prong adapters are important:

"If the equipment like computer with ground loop power, the electromagnetic radiation will be diverted to the ground, then the test will fail." 

 
Laptop manufacturers to ixnay the grounding plug to save money. Also, many consumpers prefer the 2-prong plug because it's sleeker, boasting more portability. Although technology has grown to reduce/eliminate the risk for electric shock with 2-prong plugs, it doesn't reduce/eliminate EMF exposure that harms us.

[webo]

From what I can tell, it might be possible to replace the cable that goes to the power brick for one with three prongs.  Will that help or is there additional wiring that needs to be done within the power unit to make it effective?

EDIT: NM, seems it needs to be wired for that: http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Gateway-Notebook-Computer-Charger/dp/B002WQ7CFG

[JDay]

EMF is harmless. In fact the Earth produces a very strong one that you are surrounded by at all times. It is what protects us from cosmic radiation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro_magnetic_field

"An electromagnetic field (also EMF or EM field) is a physical field produced by moving electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field. The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the electromagnetic interaction. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature (the others are gravitation, the weak interaction, and the strong interaction).

The field can be viewed as the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by moving charges (currents); these two are often described as the sources of the field. The way in which charges and currents interact with the electromagnetic field is described by Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law.

From a classical perspective, the electromagnetic field can be regarded as a smooth, continuous field, propagated in a wavelike manner; whereas from the perspective of quantum field theory, the field is seen as quantized, being composed of individual particles."