Electricity and me

[ryuubu]

It has never really bothered me or been an issue at all, but I am here next to my girlfriend now and this phenomenon occurred so why not consult the great internet.

I don't really know how to explain it, and I'm sure many others have the same feeling but I'll outline a situation.

Say, like now, for instance. I'm sitting on the ground with my laptop, on my lap, and my girlfriend is lying down next to me.

I went to touch her face and wow, I feel it.

If my hand remains stationary, nothing, but if I move it across her face, I feel the strangest sensation. I would describe it as a vibration as you might expect from trying to use a almost dry window wiper on a dry windscreen, like my skin is gripping her skin.

Take the laptop off, and the feelings normal.

This sensation is always present when I'm touching something electrical (though to varying degrees).

I once tested it, by getting my girlfriend to put one hand on the laptop, and I, with my eyes closed, would touch her skin and tell her if she was touching the laptop or not.

I guessed right every time, even pointing out that it was very strong when she put both hands on the laptop, or weak when only a finger was on there.

The partner feels nothing strange.

...

Anyone else have this? Able to link me to a wikipedia article? It sorta baffles me in that these appliances shouldn't be letting out electricity, especially through the plastic coverings, right?

Cheers!

[jacob]

Is your laptop connected to electricity at this time?
Sometimes when there's no proper grounding and the laptop is connected static electricity can build.

I felt the same feeling but only when touching the aluminum body of the laptop itself, when it was connected without grounding.

[ryuubu]

Yeah it's on. Are some people sensitive to this? Noone I've asked in the past has had a reaction to it.

[jacob]

I guess some or all people are sensitive to this. Try to unplug the laptop from the electric socket and only run on batteries. See if you still feel it when it's on batteries.

[Talker]

Originally Posted by ryuubu

Yeah it's on. Are some people sensitive to this? Noone I've asked in the past has had a reaction to it.

Based on the statement that the laptop was using an external power source, there would / could be consideration with:
bare feet / hands touching earth
faulty grounding
eddy currents
unseen electrical earth grids sat in
dampness of the area sat in
humidity

Ah yes, life is beautiful and still full of new surprises.
Be Well