Macbook Pro static electricity, is this normal?

[MacR5]

I recently purchased the latest iteration of the MBP 2.2 ghz. When plugged into a wall socket (220v here in HK), if I touch the lid I can feel a light electrical current in my hand - similar to the feeling of electric massagers, a light vibrating feeling. I didn't notice this while plugged in in the States (though I bought the comp here in HK).

It doesn't hurt, but is this normal, or something I should be concerned about?

 

[Anthony8720]

It is normal. You can, however, completely eliminate it very easily. Just use the 3 pronged plug instead of plugging the brick into the wall directly. This will ground the connection, and eliminate the current on your mbp casing.

 

[DA-Steve]

i use the 3 pronged plug and i still have this problem

 

[rychencop]

Have you tried it in a different outlet in a different location? Sounds like your outlet is not grounded properly. Try it at a neighbors house or something. If it still does it then who knows.

 

[anirban]

Make sure that your electrical socket is grounded/earthed properly. Try a different socket if problem persists.

 

[venksandra]

exact same problem

i have the exact same problem as you have described in your below post. how did you solve it ? please suggest.

thanks in advance,
Venky

I recently purchased the latest iteration of the MBP 2.2 ghz. When plugged into a wall socket (220v here in HK), if I touch the lid I can feel a light electrical current in my hand - similar to the feeling of electric massagers, a light vibrating feeling. I didn't notice this while plugged in in the States (though I bought the comp here in HK).

It doesn't hurt, but is this normal, or something I should be concerned about?

 

[fwhh]

Just some days ago:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/561790/

 

[Dreamer2go]

I recently purchased the latest iteration of the MBP 2.2 ghz. When plugged into a wall socket (220v here in HK), if I touch the lid I can feel a light electrical current in my hand - similar to the feeling of electric massagers, a light vibrating feeling. I didn't notice this while plugged in in the States (though I bought the comp here in HK).

It doesn't hurt, but is this normal, or something I should be concerned about?

Hi there =) I'm from HK too!
It happens sometimes. But it's better than having those statics when its gets cold here in the States (I'm in the US for college)

 

[nilk]

I recently started experiencing this problem with my Early-2008 MBP because I switched from the 3-prong to the 2-prong. Switched back to 3-prong and it went away. I am in the U.S. BTW.

 

[xoggyux]

It is normal. You can, however, completely eliminate it very easily. Just use the 3 pronged plug instead of plugging the brick into the wall directly. This will ground the connection, and eliminate the current on your mbp casing.

the 3 should not take it away, since the brick does not have a third connector there is no connection between the ground and the computer.
The easiest way you can diminish the shock or eliminate it completely is by:
touch your computer frequently and at the same time make ground (e.g. touch your computer while not wearing shoes, this way it gets discharged frequently and the shock is less severe) (the alternative is avoid touching the computer without shoes however when you do touch it, its gonna hurt because its going to accumulate.
An alternative to this is to make sure your computer is in contact to a large source of electrons (ground) for a computer that size a whole metal desk would be the best, however i think if you just put it on a metal cooling pad it should go away or at least diminish to near imperceptible.

 

[asimaftab]

Guys Now Listen to me
I am in London, I bought this machine from london.
my brother has got the same new macbook pro "Unibody" but 15"

my experience is I've plugged the same charger, same desk, same power point but my brother's machine has no static problem and I have got.

so my conclusion is:
* its the machine with problem, it has nothing to do with USA, Russia, or any where else..

I would suggest take it back to "Mac genius", I just could't get time to take it but I am planning to go soon. if any one else go before please share your experience

the fact is I love my macbook Pro...

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

Static is not normal imo. I never had any problems with it.

 

[Nitrocide]

Wow, im so surprised thres still this issue, i dont know about the powerbook family but my 1st gen MBP has always had this *quirk* and it is a bit disconcerting!

 

[nick.mackenzie]

Plug in Extension

Use the extension lead rather than just the plug, as it grounds the power adapter. Worked straight away for me.

 

[WinDoz]

Can you explain please?

Use the extension lead rather than just the plug, as it grounds the power adapter. Worked straight away for me.

Hi
What do you mean use the extension lead? Im using the power adapter to charge my MacBook Pro that came with it. Is that its self the extension lead?
Thanks

 

[coldrock1216]

the brick does have a third connection

the 3 should not take it away, since the brick does not have a third connector there is no connection between the ground and the computer.
The easiest way you can diminish the shock or eliminate it completely is by:
touch your computer frequently and at the same time make ground (e.g. touch your computer while not wearing shoes, this way it gets discharged frequently and the shock is less severe) (the alternative is avoid touching the computer without shoes however when you do touch it, its gonna hurt because its going to accumulate.
An alternative to this is to make sure your computer is in contact to a large source of electrons (ground) for a computer that size a whole metal desk would be the best, however i think if you just put it on a metal cooling pad it should go away or at least diminish to near imperceptible.

the brick does have a third connection, using the metal knob that holds the adapter in place, if you look inside the corded adapter, in the slot, you will see metal contacts inside which is used for proper grounding.

i have this same problem, and i know my house is grounded properly. i am not sure what is causing it though. i always use the 3-prong adapter unless i can't.

 

[Firdauz]

Hi

I had the same problem and yes u should feel concerned about it. If u have static current on a computer it is not safe as it can damage your hard disk and RAM. I am from Singapore and in here we use a 220V output just like HK. When u buy a mac, usually apple give 3 plugs. If i am not wrong 1 of it has a 250V, another would have a 125V and the last one which u should be using will have a 220V. Just look at the plug, it should have voltage values there. I had the static current when i was using the 250V plug but once i changed it there was any problem. It worked for me and i hope it works for all the people who have this problem.

 

[Lennyvalentin]

Hi
What do you mean use the extension lead?

When you bought your computer it came in a box with a few things in it:

1: laptop

2: power adapter, with an attached wall socket plug

3: extension cord for the power adapter, with a grounded wall socket plug

To fix this issue, just remove the attached socket plug from the power adaptor by sliding it sideways, then attach the extension cord instead and plug it into a properly grounded/earthed wall socket.

"Static electricity" (it's not actually static electricity) in the chassis of the MBP is caused by incorrect electrical wiring in your building, but grounding the laptop as described above circumvents the problem.

 

[SackJabbit]

i posted this in the Apple support forums, so i thought if anyone stumbled across looking for a solution, they may find it here as well

i just purchased my MacBook Air 13" 256 GB SSD 2011 today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and i too noticed this so called "vibration/electrostatic sensation" problem when the mains is plugged into the wall socket.

initially, i thought it was a normal feature of Mac's, as this would be my first MacBook i'm owning. however, i thought about my friends MacBooks and they don't have this problem, and all the display demos in the Apple outlets. the feeling is described as vibrations or ever slight eletrostatic discharges when i place either or both hands on the metallic unibody. and i wasn't comfortable with such a feedback. what was worse was, i thought about leaving it charge for awhile without touching it, and when i handled my MBA, i got a severe shock!

i Googled and found many people have this issue. and it has persisted in different countries around the world since 2007. i found it appaling that such an expensive piece of hardware could have a potentially health hazard and/or poor quality control.

many websites/posters blamed it on the a faulty MB or 45W MagSafe Power Adapter, or poor grounding of the outlet/building power supply, which i thought was ridiculous as i've not had any electrical problems with all my other electrical appliances.

i followed different advice, including getting a voltage regulator, moving to different power sockets, or even charging from different building/sites, however, the problem still was there. i even used the grounded 3-pronged head provided instead of the default 2-prong head (in Malaysia, we use the same 3-hole socket types like in the UK/Ireland), but felt that there was a current leakage into my MBA unibody.

SOLVED: until, i found a post by someone who suggested using the AC extension power cord also provided in addition to the MagSage Power Adapter. and it worked! no more vibration or "electrostatic discharge" on the unibody.

and then i wondered, why in the world should there be a difference. i thought perhaps, the MagSage Power Adapter was faulted. and then i looked closer at the Wattage and Current ratings.... what a shock!

OBSERVATIONS: i found there were slight different fuse ratings used in all 4 components MagSafe Power Adapter, default 2-prong adapter head, 3-prong adapter head and the AC extension power cord.

MagSafe Power Adapter body: Output 14.5V 3.1A (Voltage/Current supplied to MBA)
2-prong adapter head: Input 125V~ 2.5A (Voltage used in countries like the USA)
3-prong adapter head: Input 100-240V 2.5A (for countries that use 220V like the UK, and for additional grounding for all countries)
AC extension power cord: Input 100-250V 3A (notice the higher fuse rating)

i may be wrong, but the 0.5-06A difference of current from the input to output, may be allowed to leaked into the MBA, and cause vibrations/electrostatic discharges when touched, and i think may damage the components down the road.

the only to see if my theory is correct is to go to the hardware store and obtain a 3.0A fuse and replace that in the 3-prong adapter head and see if it resolves the problem. i will let you guys know.

but in the meantime for people who have that problem, i recommend using the AC extension power cord as well.

good luck!

 

[foldy]

put it on your lap

 

[ckchris]

i posted this in the Apple support forums, so i thought if anyone stumbled across looking for a solution, they may find it here as well

i just purchased my MacBook Air 13" 256 GB SSD 2011 today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and i too noticed this so called "vibration/electrostatic sensation" problem when the mains is plugged into the wall socket.

initially, i thought it was a normal feature of Mac's, as this would be my first MacBook i'm owning. however, i thought about my friends MacBooks and they don't have this problem, and all the display demos in the Apple outlets. the feeling is described as vibrations or ever slight eletrostatic discharges when i place either or both hands on the metallic unibody. and i wasn't comfortable with such a feedback. what was worse was, i thought about leaving it charge for awhile without touching it, and when i handled my MBA, i got a severe shock!

i Googled and found many people have this issue. and it has persisted in different countries around the world since 2007. i found it appaling that such an expensive piece of hardware could have a potentially health hazard and/or poor quality control.

many websites/posters blamed it on the a faulty MB or 45W MagSafe Power Adapter, or poor grounding of the outlet/building power supply, which i thought was ridiculous as i've not had any electrical problems with all my other electrical appliances.

i followed different advice, including getting a voltage regulator, moving to different power sockets, or even charging from different building/sites, however, the problem still was there. i even used the grounded 3-pronged head provided instead of the default 2-prong head (in Malaysia, we use the same 3-hole socket types like in the UK/Ireland), but felt that there was a current leakage into my MBA unibody.

SOLVED: until, i found a post by someone who suggested using the AC extension power cord also provided in addition to the MagSage Power Adapter. and it worked! no more vibration or "electrostatic discharge" on the unibody.

and then i wondered, why in the world should there be a difference. i thought perhaps, the MagSage Power Adapter was faulted. and then i looked closer at the Wattage and Current ratings.... what a shock!

OBSERVATIONS: i found there were slight different fuse ratings used in all 4 components MagSafe Power Adapter, default 2-prong adapter head, 3-prong adapter head and the AC extension power cord.

MagSafe Power Adapter body: Output 14.5V 3.1A (Voltage/Current supplied to MBA)
2-prong adapter head: Input 125V~ 2.5A (Voltage used in countries like the USA)
3-prong adapter head: Input 100-240V 2.5A (for countries that use 220V like the UK, and for additional grounding for all countries)
AC extension power cord: Input 100-250V 3A (notice the higher fuse rating)

i may be wrong, but the 0.5-06A difference of current from the input to output, may be allowed to leaked into the MBA, and cause vibrations/electrostatic discharges when touched, and i think may damage the components down the road.

the only to see if my theory is correct is to go to the hardware store and obtain a 3.0A fuse and replace that in the 3-prong adapter head and see if it resolves the problem. i will let you guys know.

but in the meantime for people who have that problem, i recommend using the AC extension power cord as well.

good luck!

Hi there! is there any updated findings from your side about this issue?
I recently purchased a MBA 13", and I felt the similar mild continuous tingling sensation to my wrists as I rest them on the MBA while using it.

 

[erics7]

Solved!

Problem solved with the advice given below. Thanks a bunch!

i posted this in the Apple support forums, so i thought if anyone stumbled across looking for a solution, they may find it here as well

i just purchased my MacBook Air 13" 256 GB SSD 2011 today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and i too noticed this so called "vibration/electrostatic sensation" problem when the mains is plugged into the wall socket.

initially, i thought it was a normal feature of Mac's, as this would be my first MacBook i'm owning. however, i thought about my friends MacBooks and they don't have this problem, and all the display demos in the Apple outlets. the feeling is described as vibrations or ever slight eletrostatic discharges when i place either or both hands on the metallic unibody. and i wasn't comfortable with such a feedback. what was worse was, i thought about leaving it charge for awhile without touching it, and when i handled my MBA, i got a severe shock!

i Googled and found many people have this issue. and it has persisted in different countries around the world since 2007. i found it appaling that such an expensive piece of hardware could have a potentially health hazard and/or poor quality control.

many websites/posters blamed it on the a faulty MB or 45W MagSafe Power Adapter, or poor grounding of the outlet/building power supply, which i thought was ridiculous as i've not had any electrical problems with all my other electrical appliances.

i followed different advice, including getting a voltage regulator, moving to different power sockets, or even charging from different building/sites, however, the problem still was there. i even used the grounded 3-pronged head provided instead of the default 2-prong head (in Malaysia, we use the same 3-hole socket types like in the UK/Ireland), but felt that there was a current leakage into my MBA unibody.

SOLVED: until, i found a post by someone who suggested using the AC extension power cord also provided in addition to the MagSage Power Adapter. and it worked! no more vibration or "electrostatic discharge" on the unibody.

and then i wondered, why in the world should there be a difference. i thought perhaps, the MagSage Power Adapter was faulted. and then i looked closer at the Wattage and Current ratings.... what a shock!

OBSERVATIONS: i found there were slight different fuse ratings used in all 4 components MagSafe Power Adapter, default 2-prong adapter head, 3-prong adapter head and the AC extension power cord.

MagSafe Power Adapter body: Output 14.5V 3.1A (Voltage/Current supplied to MBA)
2-prong adapter head: Input 125V~ 2.5A (Voltage used in countries like the USA)
3-prong adapter head: Input 100-240V 2.5A (for countries that use 220V like the UK, and for additional grounding for all countries)
AC extension power cord: Input 100-250V 3A (notice the higher fuse rating)

i may be wrong, but the 0.5-06A difference of current from the input to output, may be allowed to leaked into the MBA, and cause vibrations/electrostatic discharges when touched, and i think may damage the components down the road.

the only to see if my theory is correct is to go to the hardware store and obtain a 3.0A fuse and replace that in the 3-prong adapter head and see if it resolves the problem. i will let you guys know.

but in the meantime for people who have that problem, i recommend using the AC extension power cord as well.

good luck!

 

[hamtaro135]

My static issue solved!

I came to this forum to look for solutions to my problem as well. I am in Australia and kept getting static electricity when i was working on my macbook pro while it was plugged into the wall socket. At times i felt small electrical shocks and it was more of irritating and annoying rather than feeling it was dangerous. I looked into the box and did not find any other adaptor of different voltage as was suggested earlier. I also thought of wearing a grounding strap but in which era am I in now?! In the end I managed to find the source of the problem.

I merely changed my adaptor from the 2-pin to wall socket to the 3-pin (with grounding pin) and I no longer get the static electricity. ))

Basically, as long as the AC gets grounded, you should not get any shocks. Even if you are only provided with a 2-pin MAC adaptor, you can still use a 3-pin international adaptor to act as a medium to the wall socket.

 

[.macbookpro.]

im getting it without it being plugged in. I use the extension lead and am still getting it

 

[the read]

I have the same problem with continually recieving electric shocks on the Mac book pro retina. I've just added it to the long list of other complaints I have about this poorly designed, constructed and conceptualized computer.

I really regret buy this computer. apple have really lost their way in the computer market. The mac book pro retina is a disaster of a computer. On paper it looks exciting. When forced to use this machine every day it has proven to be the worst computer I've ver owned.

I'm a really unhappy customer.