Super hot MagSafe connector on MBA

[Jacobi]

My 2012 MBA is still working ok; I'm planning to replace it but am trying to wait until the first ARM laptop is released (hopefully next couple of months). BUT, the MagSafe connector (silver part that goes into the MBA) is super hot when charging the computer, as in too hot to touch for even 1-2 seconds. The cord near the connector is yellow in color but not frayed.

Questions:
- Is this common?
- Am I risking damaging the computer or the battery if I keep charging it like this anyway for the next couple of months?
- Is there any electrical health hazard to myself to use the laptop while charging in this condition?

Thanks!

 

[Agent47]

Try cleaning the contacts on both the Air and charger connectors. If the resistance of the connection is increased due to foreign objects or dirt that will create heat. If your cord is yellowing it could indicate it’s just time to get a new charger.

 

[Audit13]

It should not get so hot that you can't hold the MagSafe connector for more than a second or two.

Try another charger if possible.

 

[flaubert]

I would say that this is a safety concern. Here's why: you say that you notice this when you're charging the laptop. I would expect the batteries to get a bit warm while they're charging, but the all the batteries are toward the front edge of the laptop; the connector is in the back corner. So that suggests that it is the connector itself that is heating up. That can only happen if there is a current leakage within the connector. Is the power adapter perhaps not an original Apple product? Apple is pretty good about designing safety into their adapters, and I would expect it to shut down if there was an overcurrent condition; third party Chinese adapters probably skimp on that kind of safety feature, and would probably just try and maintain voltage (while supplying both the battery and the current leakage/short in the connector).

I would try @Agent47 's advice first, and if that doesn't cure it, buy a replacement Apple connector.

 

[Jacobi]

I would say that this is a safety concern. Here's why: you say that you notice this when you're charging the laptop. I would expect the batteries to get a bit warm while they're charging, but the all the batteries are toward the front edge of the laptop; the connector is in the back corner. So that suggests that it is the connector itself that is heating up. That can only happen if there is a current leakage within the connector. Is the power adapter perhaps not an original Apple product? Apple is pretty good about designing safety into their adapters, and I would expect it to shut down if there was an overcurrent condition; third party Chinese adapters probably skimp on that kind of safety feature, and would probably just try and maintain voltage (while supplying both the battery and the current leakage/short in the connector).

I would try @Agent47 's advice first, and if that doesn't cure it, buy a replacement Apple connector.

Thanks for your message. I forgot to update my thread: I took the charger and laptop to the Apple Store and they gave me a free replacement. The new charger does not overheat. Both were Apple genuine chargers.