Safety Information

Product Safety

The base internationally recognized product safety standard for Information Technology Equipment (ITE), such as computer systems, printers and monitors, IEC 60950 provides design and testing requirements for safe use of the equipment. Designing products to this standard reduces the risk of hazards from electrical, thermal, mechanical, chemical and radiation conditions.

Safety standards appropriate to the category of equipment are used for the designing and testing of non-Information Technology Equipment.

General product safety information is provided within the Safety Information section of this website. Product-specific safety information which is intended to address a product-specific feature (e.g., wall-mounting brackets) is provided within the documentation shipped with an optional product-specific feature. Note that product safety warnings and cautions for certain components, accessories and peripherals may be provided within the product safety information applicable for the component, accessory and peripheral. Product users should ensure that they have read and are familiar with all product safety information applicable to the use of their systems, components, accessories and peripherals.

Tingle Sensation

A tingling sensation may be noticed any time a notebook computer AC adapter is connected to the electrical supply and the user touches any exposed metal surface on the computer or any connected devices. This sensation has been known in the electronics industry for many years. The likelihood of occurrence depends on several factors, but the experience may occur on devices that have metal surfaces and (especially) 2-prong AC Adapters.

Some users have asked whether this sensation relates to the safety of the notebook. Please be assured that the electric current on all Dell products have been measured and shown to be well within the safety limits established by national and international safety standards for Information Technology Equipment, UL 60950-1 and IEC 60950-1. If a tingling sensation occurs, it does not present any risk of injury to the user nor is it harmful to the computer itself.

All electrical devices powered by AC Adapters with a two-pronged power cord (without a connected ground wire) may exhibit an electrical potential (voltage) between the exposed metal parts of the device and earth ground. The human body can be thought of as a wire which can conduct electric current. Depending on the conditions of a person's skin -- oily, dry, etc., and the surrounding environment (humidity level, flooring or desk material) -- the body can be more or less conductive. If conditions are right for the human body to be less conductive, such as having dry hands or wearing rubber soled shoes on a carpeted floor, the probability of sensing the tingling (electric current) is reduced. If conditions are right for the human body to be more conductive, such as having wet hands or standing barefoot on a concrete floor, the probability of sensing the tingling (electric current) increases. This phenomenon can even occur with a three prong grounding type power cord if the building supply ground is compromised or inadequate.

Air Travel

When traveling with your Dell computer or Personal Electronic Device (PED), it is important to understand the restrictions of use for your product while on board an aircraft. Dell encourages you to review the safety information applicable to your adapter, batteries and wireless device before traveling with your PED. Additionally, Dell recommends that you review the Air Travel information included on this website and provided by your airline.

Product Use and Handling

In addition to the safety information provided with your product at shipment and herein within the section entitled Safety Information, Dell recommends that you review the Product Use and Handling information included on this website. Adherence to the guidelines provided on this website will assist in protecting your product.

Glass Warning

Touch screens on some Dell devices are made of glass.  This glass could break if the device is dropped or receives a significant impact.  To reduce the risk of cuts, do not touch or attempt to remove any broken glass.

Use of Symbols on Products

Some Dell products will display a symbol as defined below.

Annex A displays pictures of the new symbols.

 

IEC60417 Number	Definition
IEC60417-6092	To identify class II equipment provided with functional earth
IEC60417-6049	To identify the country of manufacture of products. In the application of this symbol, the "CC" shall be replaced by the two letter country code defined in ISO 3166-1.
IEC60417-6050	To identify the model number or type number of a product.
IEC60417-06045	To indicate an AC rated power input.
IEC60417-6046	To indicate a DC rated power input.
IEC60417-6047	To indicate an AC rated power output.
IEC60417-6048	To indicate a DC rated power output.