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MacBook Pro Electric Shock Problem

I get this problem too. I get electric shocks at the palm rests whenever I am charging my MacBook Pro. I think it has to do with the aluminum since aluminum has a positive charge. Simple Physics would say the charges get earthed by your body, which just provides a path to the Earth, which is of infinite negative charges.

It is freaking irritating.
 
zzzCookie said:
I get this problem too. I get electric shocks at the palm rests whenever I am charging my MacBook Pro. I think it has to do with the aluminum since aluminum has a positive charge. Simple Physics would say the charges get earthed by your body, which just provides a path to the Earth, which is of infinite negative charges.

It is freaking irritating.
Click to expand...

That is incorrect. The Magsafe is creating a potential between the MBP and ground. If aluminum had a positive charge, and the earth had an infinite negative charge, that would be a cheap source of electricity, bu there's a reason why you don't see aluminum-ground power plants-- it doesn't work like that!

Using the grounded 3-prong cord for the Magsafe should eliminate any tingling sensation/electric potential on the MBP. If not, make sure your house is properly grounded and that the Magsafe is working properly.
 
m85476585 said:
That is incorrect. The Magsafe is creating a potential between the MBP and ground. If aluminum had a positive charge, and the earth had an infinite negative charge, that would be a cheap source of electricity, bu there's a reason why you don't see aluminum-ground power plants-- it doesn't work like that!

Using the grounded 3-prong cord for the Magsafe should eliminate any tingling sensation/electric potential on the MBP. If not, make sure your house is properly grounded and that the Magsafe is working properly.
Click to expand...
I got a new Magsafe and my house is properly grounded, however, I still get this stupid electric shock thingy. However, on my polycarbonate, on the same plug, the same charger, no electric shock.
 
Plastic is an insulator, so it obviously won't shock you.

Are you getting large shocks when you first touch your MBP, after walking across the room for example? If so, that's static discharge, and the grounded adapter won't help. In fact, there's not much you can do about static discharge at all. If on the other hand you feel a continuous tingling sensation or repeated small shocks, that is the Magsafe and the 3-prong cord should eliminate it.
 
I get this problem either on my mid-'10 MBP. When the MagSafe is plug-in the MBP, I get electric shock anytime I put my hand on the computer, esp when typing while I put by wrist on the case.

However, I solve this problem by just wearing shoes when using the computer or just do whatever to make your body not to touch the floor (make sure what you sit on isn't metal though). ;)
 
Electric Shock - faulty magsafe

Hi,

After reading this thread I'm almost certain that, in my case at least, the electric shock problem is due to a faulty magsafe charger.

I've just experienced a nasty electric shock problem from the aluminum casing for the first time after owning my macbook pro for two years. My Apple magsafe had a damaged cable, so I bought a cheap new replacement on ebay. Plug it in and... crack! Electric shock city. So this is going right back to ebay, and I'm forking out the cash for an Apple certified charger.

I should really learn - buy cheap, buy twice.

Chris.
 
My 2010 mbp i5 and my aluminium unibody HTC legend phone both do the "tingle" thing when charging.
Coincidence?
It seems like a metal/unibody case earthing issue and, from personal experience not unique to Apple.
In neither case am I getting noticeable shocks, just the VERY slight tingle when plugged in.

I`m not inclined to return either item as it doesn`t bother me and seems to be a common issue, unless anyones been blown across the room?
 
Update: Just discovered that if I use the FULL LENGTH power cord, then I get no "tingle" at all, only if I plug in using the mini plug.
Seems to all point to the power supply not earthing properly.
Still not really bothered but I`ll probably use the full length cable in future.
 
Most probably a grounding issue

In my case I have recently moved form a grounded 3 pin system in the UK to a 2 pin system in the Netherlands and I instantly noticed the tingling sensation on the palm rest. I'm just glad to see no one has mentioned this having an adverse effect on their laptop.
 
Mostly Fixed

Hi,
I had the same problem as you. I bought my macbook pro 2 weeks ago prior to my trip to Qatar.

I have been getting shocked in my wrists and it hasn't been pleasant.

In the box was included a three-prong which attaches to your power supply. Disconnect the two-prong and use the three prong.

Make sure your computer isn't directly plugged into an outlet; instead using a surge protector.

that should improve your circumstances while charging. It may not be perfect, but it is better.

Apple definitely needs to square this away.

Best Regards,
V:cool::cool:
 
i recently bought a macbook pro and felt the shock problem from the first day,first i was confused and thought it was a ground problem and changed the places ,then changed from two pin plug to 3 pin and added a spike board ,but nothing changed.there is a problem in apple macbook ,thats for sure other wise its a great machine
 
Super Macho Man said:
I remember something like this from the TiBook days. The solution then was to reverse the power plug at the wall (unplug it, spin it 180 degrees, plug it back in) which would change the polarity or something(?). My TiBook came with a 2-prong power adapter, though, and I think newer ones might come with a 3-prong? And I don't know if the outlets in Kuwait are different than they are in the U.S., which might inhibit your ability to do that.
Click to expand...

Super Macho Man nailed it (years ago - lol!)

I have a unibody MacBook Pro 17 inch --- felt the same problem, as well - I reversed the power cord and everything is all better - thanks Macho Man!
 
Solved shock problem!

I have recently bought a MBP 13in. Tonight I noticed an electrical tingling sensation which I've not experienced before. I assumed like everyone on here that this was an electrical problem and so I consulted the wisdom of the members on here. Well, I'm afraid you're all wrong, certainly within the context of tingling!

I experimented, firstly by putting my feet on the ground without shoes on. The tingling remained. I then tried putting my feet into my Adidas flip flops on the floor and the tingling remained. Then I lifted the laptop off my lap and the tingling STOPPED! This is obviously not an electrical grounding problem since when it was lifted clear of my lap the sensation stopped. So I realised it must be whatever was on my lap......my girlfriend's fleecy acrylic blanket!!! It's a static problem.Metal, acrylic and glass (in the trackpad) classic static electricity materials.

I took the acrylic blanket off my lap and hey presto no more tingling sensations! If you have this problem I suggest you check what you are wearing, and what sort of underwear you have on....not for titillation purposes, but to make sure you're not wearing polyester or acrylic pants or trouser/skirt.

As it was hot here today I was in cotton shorts I was fine after I removed the blanket, if a little cold.

Hope I have now revealed the shocking truth!
 
McTiger said:
I have recently bought a MBP 13in. Tonight I noticed an electrical tingling sensation which I've not experienced before. I assumed like everyone on here that this was an electrical problem and so I consulted the wisdom of the members on here. Well, I'm afraid you're all wrong, certainly within the context of tingling!

I experimented, firstly by putting my feet on the ground without shoes on. The tingling remained. I then tried putting my feet into my Adidas flip flops on the floor and the tingling remained. Then I lifted the laptop off my lap and the tingling STOPPED! This is obviously not an electrical grounding problem since when it was lifted clear of my lap the sensation stopped. So I realised it must be whatever was on my lap......my girlfriend's fleecy acrylic blanket!!! It's a static problem.Metal, acrylic and glass (in the trackpad) classic static electricity materials.

I took the acrylic blanket off my lap and hey presto no more tingling sensations! If you have this problem I suggest you check what you are wearing, and what sort of underwear you have on....not for titillation purposes, but to make sure you're not wearing polyester or acrylic pants or trouser/skirt.

As it was hot here today I was in cotton shorts I was fine after I removed the blanket, if a little cold.

Hope I have now revealed the shocking truth!
Click to expand...

The tingling sensation also varies surface to surface for me. I find it is worse when I have it sat on my bed covers, but then it goes away when I move the laptop onto my lap. I just make sure I use the long cable plugged into the brick, instead of plugging it into the wall. That was I have no tingling feeling, no matter where the laptop is placed.
 
You don't feel tingling when it's on your lap because your legs are less sensitive and the power is distributed over a larger area.

If you are already feeling the tingling with your feet off the ground, it won't matter if you put them on the ground, or if you put them on the ground with flip-flops. There must be some other path for the current to get to ground through your body. What were you sitting on? Try putting the laptop on an insulated table (glass, wood, plastic) and standing with rubber soled shoes on and using it. The tingling should go away. Now stand on a grounded floor (tile, cement, dirt, etc) in bare feet and you should feel it.

It is hard to say one thing like the kind of clothes you are wearing has any effect because the current is very small and there are so many possible paths to ground. Even air blowing past you can carry a charge away!

I have measured 50 volts between the floating ground of my laptop and earth ground while using the 2-prong adapter. The problem is clearly caused by the circuitry in the laptop and the Magsafe.
 
Solution!

I read a lot of the replies and found at least a way to get around it: If I am shoeless and put my feet on the floor, I get the shocks and vibrations; if I just put my feet on the lower support rung of the table, the shocks cease; Also, if I just put on my shoes (running shoes in this case), the problem is also alleviated.

It's not a brilliant solution and does not address the fact that it should not be happening--but it works in my case. Considering that this thread is something like 5 years old, Apple is probably not too worried about it.
 
All your doing is either making yourself a part of the circuit, or stopping your direct contact with the ground.

This doesn't fix anything, its just basic physics.

Electricity wants to get to the ground, and it will take the shortest path possible. If your not touching the ground, or are insultated against it (ie rubber shoes, chair etc), then it will pass through you either continously (from book to you to desk), or not at all.

It's like why a bird on a live telephone wire isn't electrocuted even if the wire is exposed.
 
electric shocks

I am having the same problem. my macbook pro is electrocuting me and it really hurts! it's more than just tingling...it is a proper shock on my wrists and if i do it with the lights off you can actually see the shock. is it really dangerous? i'm quite worried! it happens when it is connected to any power source...the charger or my printer. I'm not sure what to do. should i take the computer to an apple shop to get it looked at?
 
I have noticed that this tingling stops when I use the included Apple extension cord with metal inserts that contact with the metal connector on the power pack. Notice there isn't any metal contacts on the default power brick / 3/2 pin duck head setup.

With the three pin duck head, there is no earthing...seems very silly to me considering the extension cord has earthing.
 
Solution!!!

I am getting the same problem from my MBP 17' 2011
I get the shock all the time. It doesn't matter if I use the long cable or not. I am in Thailand and there is no earthing in the building, so I put one in and it still didn't work!!! :mad: So I puchased transparent sticky plastic from my local stationary store and cut a piece to stick on to the flat surface area around the mouse and sides...... yes and it worked! :)


:)


harrisondavies said:
I have noticed that this tingling stops when I use the included Apple extension cord with metal inserts that contact with the metal connector on the power pack. Notice there isn't any metal contacts on the default power brick / 3/2 pin duck head setup.

With the three pin duck head, there is no earthing...seems very silly to me considering the extension cord has earthing.
Click to expand...
 
BaptistGeek said:
I've been getting the same tingling sensation from my 2008 MBP. Here's what I've figured out...

When the MBP is plugged in using the ungrounded 2-prong plug, or if I'm just running on the battery, the MBP is has a "floating ground". In other words, earth ground=0 volts, but when not attached to earth ground, the MBP chassis is floating at a higher voltage compared to earth ground.

Electricity will always seek the path of least resistance to earth ground (or the closest thing to it). If you are using your grounded plug, then that ground line (the outside two gold pins on the magsafe connector are ground) will be the easiest path for the electricity to travel. The pins on my magsafe connector to the ground pin on the plug has around 1 ohm of resistance. The average human body has around 500 ohms of resistance. If you are using the ungrounded 2-prong plug, then you become the path of least resistance, hence the tingling sensation.

SOLUTIONS

1. Apple redesigns the MBP and eliminates this by "double insulating" it. Hmm... am I dreaming?
2. Use the grounded plug (keep in mind that this may not work if your outlet is not really grounded--that happens a lot.) An electrician should be able to help you with that one.

If you can't get connected to a good ground...

3. Wear rubber soled shoes when using your MBP (easiest solution.)
4. Keep your feet off of the floor. (You have to be sitting on something non-conductive to ground)
5. Keep a part of your body in contact with the MBP at all times... a grounding wrist strap connected to the MBP would work here, but that would be incredibly annoying. Additionally, you would still have that micro current going through you; but at least you won't notice it as much.:)

With all that said, has anyone experienced this phenomenon with the brand new MB and MBP?
Click to expand...
I did strange enough but when I putted the plug in another plugging it worked ;o so no more annoying ZAPZZZ
 
I had a similar feeling with my macbook when I traveled to Italy and Greece. The problem didn't occur while in the US, but when I plugged it in overseas, it felt like there was a current running through the casing. It's a very weird feeling..

Not sure how to fix it but maybe it's just the difference in voltage in the European plugs? I have no idea.. just a shot in the dark haha
 
Eccentric drive causing static?

I've experienced the annoying current discharge through my wrists on two generations of Macbook Pros now.

I have my suspicions that spinning internal components may be generating a certain amount of static.

It makes me wonder whether users of Macbook Air computers have a similar problem. By my reckoning the Air's SSD and the lack of optical drive should mean there's less spinning components to generate that irritating charge.

While I'm sure this problem may well occur on fresh-out-of-the-box Macbooks, in my experience the issue becomes more apparent on slightly older devices. Perhaps as we've lugged them around in a backpack a few times the occasional bump causes hard drives to spin very slightly eccentrically?

One last observation: When my hard drive's busy I can feel a very slight vibration in the MBP if I hold my elbows off the desk and gently swipe the soft pad of my hand across the wrist rest.

It makes me think perhaps this is the price I pay for a metal-clad machine built to such demanding tolerances.

(I'm a UK user with a three pin plug. The Earth pin being the conductive type, not plastic)
 
MacBook Pro Electric Shock Problem

I am based in Hyderabad, India and recently bought a Mac-pro which came with a 2-pin adapter. And facing the same tingling sensation with my mac. I have noticed that this threat is indeed quite old and Apple did not learn (or not care about?) anything from the inconvenience caused to it's Mac customers (what kinda company it is and how it becomes the most valued company?)

I took my Mac to 2 local Apple care centers (in Hyderabad there are 3 such centers) and most funny thing is that, all their Floors are wooden/Plywooded, so there at their places you wont feel anything!! Therefore they concluded everything is okay with the Mac and insisted that there might be some problem in my place. However I consulted with local Electrician on the wiring of my flat and he said wiring is completely okay. Even I took my Mac to another city (Calcutta, some 1,500km away from Hyderabad) and there also I experienced same problem with my Mac.

Having said all these, isn's Apple cheating people? Atleast I never saw anything in their official website and/or their official user-guide on such problem. If I was aware of that problem before buying this Mac, I would never go with that. I must admit that, I have wasted entirely my Rs.1L.

Seeing all the related discussions in this (and other) forum, it seems that this is the systematic problem with Mac and Apple does not have any solution for that and they just cheating with people while hiding that. To the prospective Mac buyers I would suggest not to go with any Apple product or atleast be 200% sure that Apple is not delivering something scrap like that in your hand, just pretending like their products are hi-fi! Their products may look nice, but those are quite dangerous I think.

Can other Indian Mac-pro users share their experience?

Thanks and regards,
 
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