MacBook Pro electric shock when charging

[dazcox5181]

I have a macbok pro 13" 2020 and whenever it's charging (using the 65w adaptor and usb c cable) I seem to receive some sort of current through the body of the laptop.

I don't always notice it, but if I then touch a metal radiator near where I sit I sure feel it, and my wife gave me a cuddle earlier and could feel it tingle through my skin, unplugging the charger stops it though.

No damage to cables, and this also happened on a MacBook Pro 16" I had from work.

Anyone know if this is 'normal'?

 

[Fishrrman]

Are you in Europe?

How many "pins" on the plug that you plug into the wall outlet?

 

[dazcox5181]

Sorry - Yes UK, 3 pin plug (the best of all plug designs ) so should be grounded (or at least I'd hope the apple 61w adaptor is correctly grounded)

 

[dumastudetto]

That definitely doesn't sound normal to me.

I presume you've tried a different power port outlet?

 

[dazcox5181]

Yep, multiple power outlets all same. Also tried the 4 usb c ports and same on each (I don't recall if there's a 'recommended' one to use for charging?)

 

[jerryk]

Have you tried different places? Your home may have issues with grounding. What you are feeling is a float ground issue and is usually not present in sockets with a proper ground.

Also, If you have an older MacBook charger with the 2-meter extension power cable you might try that with the charger and see if it has an impact.

 

[Mike Slayer]

Sometimes my 2020 MBP 13" will do the same thing. I will touch the back of the laptop and feel a tingle like electrical current is passing through my fingers. I bought mine brand new not long after it was released. It has done that since I bought it so I just ignore it and haven't had any issues.

 

[laz232]

I have a macbok pro 13" 2020 and whenever it's charging (using the 65w adaptor and usb c cable) I seem to receive some sort of current through the body of the laptop.

I don't always notice it, but if I then touch a metal radiator near where I sit I sure feel it, and my wife gave me a cuddle earlier and could feel it tingle through my skin, unplugging the charger stops it though.

No damage to cables, and this also happened on a MacBook Pro 16" I had from work.

Anyone know if this is 'normal'?

It's normal - it's harmless and caused by a high impedance leakage current to ground (e.g. your radiator).

The AC adapter provides isolation from the mains, so there is no dangerous current than can flow.

It's similar in "harmlessness" as a static shock. Uncomfortable, but no worries.

L
bona fides: Senior Member IEEE

 

[jerryk]

errant post

 

[Fishrrman]

In the USA, one can buy a small device that indicates if the wall outlets are properly wired and grounded.

Don't know if such things are available in the UK.
If they are, I'd get one and try the outlets...

 

[macagain]

Doesn't happen for me when I'm in the US, but whenever I'm travelling in 220V countries, e.g. UK, Singapore, etc. I do notice it, regardless of whether I'm using a 3 prong or 2 prong plug.