Just noticed that when i have plugged my iphone 5 in to charge if i run my hand up the back i can feel what feels like an electric current. I have plugged my partners one in too and this does exactly the same. It is only slight and starts a second or so after plugging in . Does anyone else have this problem?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
can feel an electric current on iphone 5 back when charging
- Thread starter only me
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
All devices with that type of external casing do the same. My iPad, my old PowerBook G4, my old Sony ereader, my DAB radio. Nothing to worry about.
If someone can measure the volts and ampere (hopefully in mA) that'd be great
Im afraid my tool box does not quite expand to that
My iPad did this same thing. When plugged in charging, if I ran my finger across the back it would feel like a strange vibration going on.
Neither one of our iPads do that, nor does my MacBook Pro, the wife's MacBook Air or our Mac Mini. A properly insulated device should not conduct electricity to the housing under any circumstances.
This is incorrect. Or at the very least, imprecise. Most electronic devices connect the outer case to common ground. This is because if there ever is a short circuit to the case, it drastically minimized the odds of electrocution.
If there is a difference in potential between common ground and yourself, you may very well feel it, and it indicates a possible wiring issues in your house. On the plus side, the difference should be fairly minimal.
However, if this is what the OP is talking about, I can't say. I suspect it's more to do with the housing being vibrated at a high frequency, perhaps by the battery or other charging circuitry.
I'm pretty sure that the phenomenon isn't caused by the conduction of electricity. Electricity does 'feel' like that. I have to confess though I don't know what the actual mechanism is.
Perhaps some people feel it and some people don't. As I said, I feel it on every aluminium encased device when it's plugged in. Google 'tingle iPad charging' and you'll see loads of people talking about it.
Ok, I miss stated what I meant. I meant it should never conduct electricity beyond the case meaning to the person holding it. And like you said, if you feel it, then there is a problem.
On the other side, what could possibly be vibrating?