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USB ports causing sparks
- Thread starter vpjayant
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Does every device make it spark?
It could also be a problem with a particular device your plugging in. I suggest you take it in and have it checked out.
I think naturally there is a slight spark when you in anything powered. Generally you don't see it because its too bright in the room or your not paying attention.
It could also be a problem with a particular device your plugging in. I suggest you take it in and have it checked out.
I think naturally there is a slight spark when you in anything powered. Generally you don't see it because its too bright in the room or your not paying attention.
There have been a few other threads about this and I have experienced it myself. I haven't had any damaged hardware, though.
Does it make a spark every time? Does it spark if you touch the outside of the USB connector to toe aluminum of your MBP? Are you using the grounded (3-prong) cord to charge your MBP? Are the devices you are plugging in grounded?
Try discharging any static electricity on yourself, your MBP, and your devices. You can do so by touching the screw in the middle of a power outlet, or one of the screws on a light switch, or a water pipe. After you discharge any static you might have, discharge the static on the devices by touching them then touching the ground point. Discharge the static while you are sitting down in front of your computer so you don't build up more charge walking around. If you can't reach a ground point, you can run a single wire, but be careful you don't accidentally put a wire in an outlet or something.
If you use the grounded 3-prong cord for your MBP, it will become a ground point, and you can use the aluminum case to discharge any static on yourself and your devices.
If there are still sparks when you are sure you have eliminated all static, you might have an electrical problem with your devices or the wiring in your house, and it could be unsafe. I doubt that is your problem, though.
Try discharging any static electricity on yourself, your MBP, and your devices. You can do so by touching the screw in the middle of a power outlet, or one of the screws on a light switch, or a water pipe. After you discharge any static you might have, discharge the static on the devices by touching them then touching the ground point. Discharge the static while you are sitting down in front of your computer so you don't build up more charge walking around. If you can't reach a ground point, you can run a single wire, but be careful you don't accidentally put a wire in an outlet or something.
If you use the grounded 3-prong cord for your MBP, it will become a ground point, and you can use the aluminum case to discharge any static on yourself and your devices.
If there are still sparks when you are sure you have eliminated all static, you might have an electrical problem with your devices or the wiring in your house, and it could be unsafe. I doubt that is your problem, though.