MagSafe power adapter

[asp30deuce]

Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have?

 

[GGJstudios]

Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have?

It does, on the extension cord that comes with it. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1630

 

[iPhone1]

It does if you use the extension. Other than that, Apple must think the power output doesn't warrant an extra prong.

 

[deeddawg]

Dumb question, but how come the MBP MageSafe power adapter doesn't have a ground prong like all other laptop power adapters have?

Lenovo's don't. Nor do some Compaq/HP.

I prefer this for travel adaptors since the two-wire cables pack smaller.

 

[asp30deuce]

Is it any less safe without the ground prong? I would think it should be there in the event of a power surge.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Is it any less safe without the ground prong? I would think it should be there in the event of a power surge.

eh...just don't use the two prong during a thunderstorm (or your Mb, for that matter). The duckhead (2 prong adapter) wouldn't be as portable if they had to jimmy a ground plug onto it, though I would pick one up if available.

 

[jlc1978]

Is it any less safe without the ground prong? I would think it should be there in the event of a power surge.

The ground plug doesn't really protect from surges as much as from faulty wiring resulting in a hot case and subsequent shock. A three prong plug connects a metal case to ground to avoid it become hazardous in the event of an internal short.

 

[Fubar1977]

I find that if I use my power supply (UK) without the extension I get a "tingle" of electricity through the body of the MBP.

 

[deeddawg]

I find that if I use my power supply (UK) without the extension I get a "tingle" of electricity through the body of the MBP.

I know very little about UK wiring, but in the US that's a sign of a problem with the neutral side of the outlet. Smart (safe) thing to do is to have the wiring checked out by a qualified electrician.

 

[croooow]

Lenovo's don't. Nor do some Compaq/HP.

I prefer this for travel adaptors since the two-wire cables pack smaller.

We have a lot of Dell laptops at work and many of them did not come with a grounded power supply, but not all.

 

[Fubar1977]

I know very little about UK wiring, but in the US that's a sign of a problem with the neutral side of the outlet. Smart (safe) thing to do is to have the wiring checked out by a qualified electrician.

It does not matter which outlet I use, even in a different building or with a different magsafe.
I`ve heard of this "issue" numerous times with the MBP.
It also occurs if the MBP is not plugged into the mains itself but is connected to, say, a mains powered USB hard drive. MRoogle it...

 

[vincenz]

I find that if I use my power supply (UK) without the extension I get a "tingle" of electricity through the body of the MBP.

That can't be good for the innards of the MBP...

 

[Reddmanz]

I find that if I use my power supply (UK) without the extension I get a "tingle" of electricity through the body of the MBP.

I know just what you mean. If you stroke your fingers across the body its like a weird vibration?

I get this is some (not all) plug sockets in my house. Never noticed any negetive effects on my Mac so Im not worried. Plus it feels kinda cool