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MacBook feels like current is going through it when plugged in, “vibrate” feeling

Michael Scrip said:
Can someone explain the grounded Apple power extension cable linked above?

Obviously it has the third prong which is typical for grounded plugs.

But... there are still only two prongs going into the power adapter itself.

So is it actually being grounded?

Usually if a laptop charger is grounded it accepts a 3-prong "Mickey Mouse" cable like this:

615s5UJZuyL._SX425_.jpg
Click to expand...
I honestly find it hard to believe, apple willingly and knowingly would release a two pronged plus knowing there would be such an issue....
 
It's not an issue. You may feel it all over the world with all manner of electrical appliances where there is no or floating earth or dual insulation. Some people notice it more than others and it can vary depending on your footwear and the kind of floor you are standing on.

Not worth bothering about.
 
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Michael Scrip said:
Can someone explain the grounded Apple power extension cable linked above?

Obviously it has the third prong which is typical for grounded plugs.

But... there are still only two prongs going into the power adapter itself.

So is it actually being grounded?

Usually if a laptop charger is grounded it accepts a 3-prong "Mickey Mouse" cable like this:

615s5UJZuyL._SX425_.jpg
Click to expand...
If you remove the "duckhead" connector on the power adapter, you will see that there are two connections for the power, and what I would describe as a round metal "head" that slides into the power extension connector, giving a third electrical path - ostensibly for ground. It's only use would be with a three conductor cord, and, I suppose, makes a firmer connection that just a two wire connection.
Apple has, over the years, used both a 2-wire, and 3-wire extension cords for those power adapters. I have both.
 
DeltaMac said:
If you remove the "duckhead" connector on the power adapter, you will see that there are two connections for the power, and what I would describe as a round metal "head" that slides into the power extension connector, giving a third electrical path - ostensibly for ground. It's only use would be with a three conductor cord, and, I suppose, makes a firmer connection that just a two wire connection.
Apple has, over the years, used both a 2-wire, and 3-wire extension cords for those power adapters. I have both.
Click to expand...

Excellent. Thank you! :)
 
I am using the extension cable with 3 prongs. I’m also using a Belkin wall adapter.

It’s definitely MUUUUUUUUCH better.

But sometimes, I think can still feel a little bit.

At this point I don’t know if it’s in my head or real but I guess I’ll just watch it for now and see.

I would prefer not replacing this specific computer for a white box refurbished one.
 
Hieveryone said:
I'm using my 2019 15" in America. Standard outlet.
Click to expand...
is this something that only happens on a 15? Ive never heard of this and have owned numerous macs....And only when its plugged in? So someone pls. explain to me how to avoid this? In lets say a coffee shop? Do you buy a new adapter? This all seems utterly ridiculous apple wouldn't solve this already!
 
kp98077 said:
is this something that only happens on a 15? Ive never heard of this and have owned numerous macs....And only when its plugged in? So someone pls. explain to me how to avoid this? In lets say a coffee shop? Do you buy a new adapter? This all seems utterly ridiculous apple wouldn't solve this already!
Click to expand...

It's more of an issue with having a grounded plug to your adapter.

With Magsafe, Apple provided a two-prong adapter and a three-prong cable. So you could use it in either case. But three-prong would have avoided the fuzzing problem.
 
pshufd said:
It's more of an issue with having a grounded plug to your adapter.

With Magsafe, Apple provided a two-prong adapter and a three-prong cable. So you could use it in either case. But three-prong would have avoided the fuzzing problem.
Click to expand...
right, but for a 2019 15“ macbook pro its only 2 pronged, so the problem isn’t addressed?
 
kp98077 said:
right, but for a 2019 15“ macbook pro its only 2 pronged, so the problem isn’t addressed?
Click to expand...

I just looked and see that it doesn't come with the three-pronged cord but you can buy one yourself or just grab one off a Magsafe brick if you have an old machine. Apple's getting cheap not including the cord these days.
 
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pshufd said:
I just looked and see that it doesn't come with the three-pronged cord but you can buy one yourself or just grab one off a Magsafe brick if you have an old machine. Apple's getting cheap not including the cord these days.
Click to expand...
Oh, I see - so you can just used the three pronged portion and replace it over the pin?
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Hieveryone said:
I’m using the extension cable with 3 prongs and I think it’s gone. I’ll be monitoring it though.
Click to expand...
where did you get the 3 prog one?
 
kp98077 said:
Oh, I see - so you can just used the three pronged portion and replace it over the pin?
[doublepost=1564270514][/doublepost]
where did you get the 3 prog one?
Click to expand...

I saw a comment on Amazon saying that you could just order the three-pronged plug/cable and it would work. I didn't verify it myself. You could ask about it on the Apple forums. I only have MagSafe MacBooks so I can't try it myself.
 
This really is making a mountain out of the proverbial mole hill.

This is not an issue. You have a metal cased laptop. Inevitably you will get a minuscule tingle if you are charging it without an earth connector. Apple didn't provide one because you don't need one. It is perfectly safe. As I mentioned before, it will vary with whatever you are wearing, what you are standing on, what the humidity is like, how you touch the case (one handed or two) and whether you grip the case or just float your hand lightly over the surface.

It's normal and not worth wasting your time over or spending money buying non-essential cables.
 
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Everything's working properly and it's normal but I personally find it uncomfortable and feel like my fingertips itch which is just a peculiar feeling.

IF you don't feel like spending $20 on a new cord head down to your favorite PC recycler and just get whatever you can find in good condition. Even goodwill will have a few you can pick up for a couple dollars. It's a very standard cord that hasn't changed over the years. I have one at home, at work, backpack, emergency kit....
 
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