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MacBook Pro at 220 volts, could feel current through aluminum case

L

Losenrout

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 9, 2008
12
0
I recently traveled to Europe with a MacBook Pro, and plugged it into the outlet with a travel converter. My understanding is that the brick on the magsafe cable works as a transformer and it is safe to plug into a European outlet. I've never had a problem with other laptops.

Everything worked fine with the machine, except I could always feel an "electric" sensation through my hands when touching the aluminum case. This was especially apparent when running my fingers across the top -- it was as if I could feel an electric current running through the case.

This seemed harmless, and I ran the computer without fail during my time abroad. My question is out of curiosity -- is this sensation normal? What exactly is it? Thank you for any responses and explanation, I'm not an electrical engineer.
 
Ooh, ooh! I'm in Ireland right now, but I live and bought my MacBook Pro in the U.S.A. I get the same thing when it's plugged in! I think it's pretty cool, actually. A little tingly, vibratey sensation running over the bare case! Woot!

Wait, IS that normal? Probably not, but it doesn't break anything, so we should be cool...
 
I know there have been quite a few threads about users getting a tingling sensation from their MacBook Pro palmrest or being shocked.
 
Its not *supposed* to do that.

It shouldn't when-for instance-you are running on battery power.

I know in the states it happens because you are using the 2 prong adapter with no grounding pin instead of the full length cable.

If you are connecting via the world kit you may not have an option unless it comes with a full length USA to * adapter.
 
yeah, happened to me too in China. pretty annoying actually, more of a small shock than a tingle.
 
I'm in Russia (220v) and many (most?) MBPs and alum. iMacs do that. Doesn't matter if connected via extension cable or not.

I guess its normal, but why not all machines do that?
 
I don't think it is damaging to the computer, but it seems like a grounding issue. I have had that several times also.
 
Meh I'm always getting shocked by my macbook pro.. you get used to if after a while and at least it doesn't compare to lightning.

I find its worst when I've got my feet on the metal case of my surround sound or if I touch the metal case of one of my external hard drives. Also if you're using a first generation iPhone when its charging you get the same feeling (feels as though its vibrating if you move your fingers).
 
Depends if you are using just the power brick or the whole extra cable. The adapter alone doesn't include an earth connection, hence why you feel the static charge. If your in a country that has a 3 pin connection available (third pin for earth) then this won't happen.

You can get the same effect from most external hard drives that have a power supply. Run your MacBook Pro on battery, and plug in your external hard drive. You'll get the same effect.

It is just because of the aluminium case.
 
Strange... The MacBook Pro runs on DC power internally, so regardless of what's coming into the adapter from the wall, it should be outputting the same amount of DC current to the MBP via the MagSafe adapter...
 
Hrmm....as long as its not hurting the MBP I'm happy, I'm taking mine to Germany for 6 months soon.

I like tingly sensations though!
 
it happens to me in the US sometimes when I use the 2 prong in an old house on my property (without decent grounding). When you touch the mbp you become the ground. It's not damaging to the mbp but it could be damaging to another device if you are holding it in your hand and it's made of metal.
 
This problem is most likely cause by the construction of the powersupply.
In most powersupplies 2 capacitors provide a virtual ground when connected to a two pin plug. Those are special capacitors (Y1-type) which provide extra saftey against failure. When running on 230 Volts you can feel the current, because there are 115 Volts against earth on the virtual ground line (the capacitors form a voltage divider). When running on 110 Volts, its only 55 Volts which you can not feel. But even on 230 Volts this is not really a safety risk, because the current that can flow through the capacitors into your body is really small, in normal operations well below 1mA (I think the VDE has a 0.1mA limit on this). So: this is annoying, but in general not a risk. If unsure, have your powersupply checked by an electrican (they have special equipment for this kind of measurements) or apple!
 
first the excessively high running temps...

now you guys are getting shocked because it doesn't ground?!?

sorry.. but why the hype over MBPs"?

I'm considering buying a new generation when released, but this thread seriously turned me off...

WTF?

"It's not that bad..." "It doesn't hurt anything..." :rolleyes:

overheating and shocking are clear signs of horrible craftsmanship.
 
ndstrenge said:
first the excessively high running temps...

now you guys are getting shocked because it doesn't ground?!?

sorry.. but why the hype over MBPs"?

I'm considering buying a new generation when released, but this thread seriously turned me off...

WTF?

"It's not that bad..." "It doesn't hurt anything..." :rolleyes:

overheating and shocking are clear signs of horrible craftsmanship.
Click to expand...

lol you're overreacting. Its not a shock - it just feels like it vibrates slightly when you move your fingers over it. It actually feels nice :)
 
eXan said:
lol you're overreacting. Its not a shock - it just feels like it vibrates slightly when you move your fingers over it. It actually feels nice :)
Click to expand...

It is a static shock. Wait till you have your wrists on the edge, and it can be quite sharp and painful.
 
I'm in the UK and this has happened on my almost 5 year old Powerbook since I got it. If my experiences are anything to go on then a) you won't die and b) it will not effect the operation or lifespan of the machine.

to me it's almost as if it feels a little sticky, but it's nothing i can't deal with.
 
eXan said:
lol you're overreacting. Its not a shock - it just feels like it vibrates slightly when you move your fingers over it. It actually feels nice :)
Click to expand...

you have no idea how absurd this sounds.

I'm well acquainted with non-grounded utilities. It's called- the third world. Take a shower in Peru and tell me how good it feels... or- ride an escalator in south east Asia... it's the same thing.

I can NOT believe MBP owners are comparing their products to undeveloped countries.

You're right, dude, showers in Peru are normal. :rolleyes:

what a joke.

"It feels sticky." = LMAO

"I'll never go back to a Windows machine."
"Good- the shock treatment is working."
 
Ah, that's what i'm feeling. I bought mine in the us, and live in poland. I feel the tingling sensation, nearly always when i plug it in. Believe me, it's totally harmless. It feels nice actually.
 
That just can't be healthy.

"Kevin! Stop throwing the cat down the stairs!"

"It doesn't hurt it, he always lands on his feet."

"It doesn't help him either!!"
:eek:
 
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