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Vaibhav98

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 30, 2021
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I just got my macbook air a week back and since then whenever i charge my device, i can feel some sort of electric senstation around it body, I am a bit concerned what is causing this and will it be safe to use this device for long term or not
 
I just got my macbook air a week back and since then whenever i charge my device, i can feel some sort of electric senstation around it body, I am a bit concerned what is causing this and will it be safe to use this device for long term or not
That’s not normal. Have you tested connecting it to different wall outlets? If so, you may want to return it for a replacement.
 
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If it feels a bit like vibration, especially when dragging a finger across the MacBook's body, this can happen if the laptop is not grounded. I used to have a grounded extension cord for one of the chargers I used with my previous work MacBook Pro, and got the sensation with the charger that didn't have. I don't have the extension cord for my current work MacBook, so I always get the sensation when charging.

The sensation is not dangerous, but if it bothers you check that your MacBook's charger supports it and purchase the Power Adapter Extension Cable from Apple. I believe they only sell grounded ones. Obviously the power outlet needs to be grounded, too.

 
I think its safe, i've not noticed it on my MBA (yet anyway, i tend not to use it when its charging) but an older laptop always had this and i used it for 8 years without issue!
 
Are you using it in a country with a 220-240v electric system? (eg UK) I've worked with dozens of mac laptops. Yes, many laptops with a metal chassis will give you a slight buzzing feeling if you run your finger along them while they are plugged in. It's much more common in countries with 220v electric systems than in countries in 110v electric systems.

In most cases it's nothing to worry about, though I can understand it feels concerning.

The Macbook power adaptor has no earth connection but Apple have designed it to meet all relevant rules. If you are concerned, don't take my word for it. Talk to a qualified electrician or ring Apple.

 
The Macbook power adaptor has no earth connection but Apple have designed it to meet all relevant rules.
Not out of the box, you need something like this (which use to be included in the old days):
 
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Nothing dangerous. If possile put the mains plug upside down in the socket. Earthing the Mac solves the problem anyway. Or just run it on batttery power.
 
If it feels a bit like vibration, especially when dragging a finger across the MacBook's body, this can happen if the laptop is not grounded. I used to have a grounded extension cord for one of the chargers I used with my previous work MacBook Pro, and got the sensation with the charger that didn't have. I don't have the extension cord for my current work MacBook, so I always get the sensation when charging.

The sensation is not dangerous, but if it bothers you check that your MacBook's charger supports it and purchase the Power Adapter Extension Cable from Apple. I believe they only sell grounded ones. Obviously the power outlet needs to be grounded, too.

stop spreading misinformation!
the Apple power adaptor only has 2 pins, so a 3 pin extension cord does nothing
 
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I use my M1 MBA in various locations all around Queensland, and whenever the power supply isn't properly grounded (often in older homes) I get this buzzing electric shock sensation from touching the body of my MBA. In a properly grounded power point there is no problem. I have found that the electric shock feeling I get has also played up with Touch ID, causing it to only work intermittently. I have reported this to Apple engineering - we were troubleshooting why my Touch ID wasn't working recently and discovered this seemed to be the cause of the problem. So far I haven't found any other dramas with my MBA other than the shocking experience, but just hope the homes don't have a major electrical problem that will burn them down.
 
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It terminates into an ungrounded TWO PIN socket that plugs into the ungrounded TWO PIN input in the mains adaptor lol
Please count again! or maybe you don't have a cable.
IMG_4935.jpeg
IMG_4934.jpeg
 
School day for me, all these years I admit I never knew the latching pin also acted as a ground pin...
...or does it? Have you ever checked continuity between the latching pin and the earth pin on the plug?
You'd be right that I no longer have one to check.
You live and learn. 👍

Just found my multimeter and did a check. There really is continuity, both through the extension cable and through the power-brick.

That I don't have many grounded wall-plugs at home, if any, is another matter. But years ago I worked in a lab, where ground mattered.
 
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As a Mac tech, I have experienced this many dozens, perhaps hundreds of times. Never a safety issue.

I don't know the cause. I often wondered if it simply static, or even something non-electrical, like the sharp leading edge tickling the skin in just the right way that it feels like a gentle shock. Not trying to spread fake news, just don't know what it is, but I don't believe it is a safety issue.

There are over 2K Macs where I work, and roughly half are MBPs. Never any issues, nobody ever electrocuted in the last 10+ years.
 
I just got my macbook air a week back and since then whenever i charge my device, i can feel some sort of electric senstation around it body, I am a bit concerned what is causing this and will it be safe to use this device for long term or not
This is common in Mac notebooks since they don’t use grounded connections. It should be harmless.
 
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