Perhaps a stupid question about power adapters

[puma1552]

I bought a MBA here in Japan and noticed that, as is consistent with Japanese standard, the magsafe adapter is only two prong (no three prong outlets in Japan). I then realized I didn't remember seeing a third grounding prong on the magsafe adapter for my Uni MBP which was purchased in America from the American online store and shipped to me by my sister, so I pulled it out and sure enough, it also only has two prongs, and no third grounding prong.

How is Apple able to not ground the products?

 

[miles01110]

How is Apple able to not ground the products?

Ground is not a necessary element of a plug (obviously). As far as "why," there's no good reason I can think of not to ground a plug.

 

[puma1552]

So basically our computers are at and will continue to be at greater risk than every other computer when we are not near a surge protector...interesting.

 

[GGJstudios]

Every MagSafe ships with a 3-prong cord that you can use if you need the ground.

 

[puma1552]

Right but should you not always ground a $2500 machine?

If Apple chose form over function for THIS just to be able to have flip-shut outlet prongs on the adapter, that's really sad.

 

[GGJstudios]

Right but should you not always ground a $2500 machine?

If Apple chose form over function for THIS just to be able to have flip-shut outlet prongs on the adapter, that's really sad.

There's no need to ground if you're using a surge protector (which you should, if you care about your "$2500 machine").

 

[mlts22]

The power adapter is grounded. What is being fed your machine is 12VDC current, where grounding is nice, but not needed as it is with high voltage AC. In fact, with DC current, grounding does little unless a circuit is designed to use the ground as part of the active travel path like how most cars use the exterior rather than worrying about return wires.