My MacBook Pro Gives Me Electric Shocks

by on Monday, June 16, 2008
I've owned a MacBook Pro for 17 months and on and off when touching it there is this strange bumpy feeling.....Okay so I should probably point out while I do spend a lot of time on computers, its not that much time. On top of the odd bumpy sensation, the edges of the laptop would sometimes shock me too.

Up until today, I had no explanation for it. Until I found this. Apparently the 2-prong connector for the charger causes the laptop to have no earth, resulting in the build up of current in the casing, and it's transfer out through my fleshy body giving that strange bumpy feeling, and the odd shock for fun.

From now on I'll use the three-prong connector and see if that makes a difference, but it still makes me concerned and skeptical. Tomorrow I'll be phoning Apple regarding the issue to rule out it being a known malfunction or known flaw in the MacBook Pro I own. Hopefully they'll either be able to fix my laptop, or can replace it. Giving my body electric shocks is not something I purchased the laptop for.

Update 1: When visiting the Apple Store for something else, I spoke to a Genuis at the Genuis Bar about it, and they confirm the laptop should definitely not be discharging any current at anytime, regardless of whether it's earthed or not.

Update 2: Turns out there is nothing wrong with the laptop, in my case anyway and provided me with the following explanation. I'm in Australia, and we have a separate earthing pin on our power plugs. If the laptop isn't using a power connector that has an earthing pin, then current will discharge into the case, and into my fingers as they sweep over the case, and sometimes into my arms as "pleasent" electric shocks when resting on the side. The solution was easy, use the long cable that has the earthing pin on it. But I must say I'm concerned that Apple would even sell the product in Australia with the non-earthed connector if their products requires being earthed that much. I'm not leaving this issue entirely happy, but I'll live.

Update 3: People are still having the issue with the 3-pin connector, which would suggest this issue may be a symptom of multiple issues. I recommend anyone having the issue to take their MacBook Pro into Apple and find out what's going on.
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24 comments:

  1. Hey Leigh,

    I get the same bumby feeling on my MacBook Pro. Always thought it was kind of weird...

    Don't get the all out shocks though.

    ~ Liam
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  2. According to that wiki there are multiple problems that can be caused by it, so I'm going to investigate it to find out problem it is in my case.
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  3. hey guy,

    go to the apple store and have them replace the emi shields on your topcase

    basically the dvi port on the board is making contact with the topcase transfering voltage.

    that should do it


    former macgenius DBT
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  4. I have gotten shocked for 2 months since buying 15" MBP. Spoke to Apple yesterday and they disavowed any problem but told me to take MBP to an Apple store. Since I am in europe until mid September, I will have to wait. They acted like they cared.
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  5. When visiting the Apple Store for something else, I spoke to a Genuis at the Genuis Bar about it, and they confirm the laptop should definitely not be discharging any current at anytime, regardless of whether it's earthed or not.

    So I'll be taking it into the store to get it looked at.
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  6. A while ago I finally took it into the store... Turns out there is nothing wrong with the laptop, in my case anyway and provided me with the following explanation.

    I'm in Australia, and we have a separate earthing pin on our power plugs. If the laptop isn't using a power connector that has an earthing pin, then current will discharge into the case, and into my fingers as they sweep over the case, and sometimes into my arms as "pleasent" electric shocks when resting on the side.

    The solution was easy, use the long cable that has the earthing pin on it. But I must say I'm concerned that Apple would even sell the product in Australia with the non-earthed connector if their products requires being earthed that much. I'm not leaving this issue entirely happy, but I'll live.
    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm using the long cable with good earthing. Still no luck.
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  8. If you're using an earthed cable, or are in a region where you don't have or need earthing wires on appliances, then I strongly recommend speaking Apple about it. As there are other things that can cause it.
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  9. Well....I have had the same problem. I was imperceptibly getting electrocuted by my mac book pro. In my case it has resulted in nerve damage. It's been confirmed by a well know neurologist. I am now trying to get an objective reading from the machine. Anyone know a tech or device to capture this information? I am certain the physical problem is connected to the computer. At one point I used a rubber electrical insulation pad and the problem was seemingly illuminated. Thanks for any info any of you may have.
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  10. This problem is due to the switching power supply (power module) used by apple and all other laptops. Those modules with a two prong plug are not grounded and will cause a shock to appear on any exposed metal parts and also some will leak into the emi shielding of the plastic parts. The problems is most noticeable when run on 220 volts (like Australia, Europe, India). The switching power module generates a pseudo ground at approx 1/2 the input voltage. So 220v gives you a 90-100 volt shock. It is harder to feel the shock from 120v since the shocking voltage becomes only 45 to 50 volts. The impedance is high so not much current will flow into your body but the voltage is high enough to make itself felt.
    FIX: I've done this on two computers and it has worked -- but if you do it, you are on your own risk. BE CAREFUL -- consult a genius or electrician! Connect a wire from your house ground (ie. the 3rd ground pin) to a metal part on your laptop, like a dvi port or similar. BE SURE IT IS GROUND and not power or neutral.
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  11. Ridiculous! I'm getting shocked as well. And it's not static. I can feel a current running thru my hands. Crazy that i could be required to 'ground' my MBP with wire... MAC needs to find a solution to this! This problem is real. There are comments on this all across Mac forums online!

    I'm using my 3 prong long cable. The most reasonable explanation I've found relates to voltage (thanks anonymous). I'm in the Philippines with 220V instead of 110V back in Canada. I don't notice the problem in Canada. But certainly here. Very uncomfortable and is freaking me out.

    My temporary, ridiculous solution, is to place kleenex under my wrists when I use my laptop. It's working. BUT C'MON!

    MAC - get on this!
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  12. I have this problem too. One common thread seems to be people taking their macbooks abroad, particularly 120v regions to 220v regions. Also if you have a grounder, but plugged into converter without one, that may render it useless.
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  13. Thanks for making such an in depth post. I travel to SE Asia regularly and my crew has two macbook air laptops a 15 macbook pro and 2 iphones. All of which give that pleasant (yet unnerving) electrical discharge through the palm rest (the area below the keyboard on either side of the track pad). They do it grounded or not. They just have to be on 220 to make you feel sparky. I'm not sure what to do about it. We have all just learned to live with it. I'd love to know how to avoid it.
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  14. my theory was that the little hairs on the bottom of my forearms get caught in the casing while i type and then when i slide my arms away, they get pulled out giving the 'shock' sensation.

    just throwing that out there.

    cheers
    :)
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  15. This is hilarious! My MacBook shocks me almost every time i touch it!! i thought it was because of the big jacket i was wearing (cold winter weather) and built up static electricity from me walking around. Going to the store to get it checked out now.
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  16. iam too getting similar shocks ....specially from the edges ..
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  17. I get shocks and I am not plugged into the mains so its definitely a macbook problem..
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  18. Pointless using three prong plugs as the transformer itself is only two pin input (Ac Side) and effectively your neutral is an earth as macs "should be" double insulated. It should also make no difference weather its 110v ac or 230v ac input (Except Dodgy asian countries and there half arsed wiring and and shocking supply regulations) as the magsafe end of the transformer is only 16.5v DC output no where near enough to harm you but enough for you to feel. I have just recently started to get little shocks from my macbook pro but only when i am touching it, and holding my iphone 4, obviously a potential voltage difference between the too will look into it in next couple of days and let you know the results.
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  19. Thanks Anonymous. Please post here if you find anything!
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  20. I am experiencing something similar with a pre-unibody MBPro 15, but the sensation is like a tiny pin-prick sensation midway between my hand and elbow, and it seems to be generated just at the front lef and right corner of the bottom case. I can also feel a slight vibration if I run my finger tips very lightly across the area below the keypad to the left and right of the track pad. It does not happen if I disconnect the MagSafe connect and run on battery only.
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  21. So is it going to eventually cause the mac some damage? It's making me use better ergonomics--not resting my wrists on the laptop, but that's ridiculous, and it's only getting worse. I live in Africa. I noticed the problem in Europe, but not as badly as here, and it's only been a week...
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  22. I live in India...I have the same problem...I redid the earthing for the main line...still the problem continues...I get electric shock...and sometime the line just cuts off
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  23. I am getting this same problem. I live in the USA and my MacBook Pro gives me the "fuzzy" feeling whenever I touch it and it is plugged in. This past summer I developed a lump in my thumb and that had shooting pain and now I have a large mass in the pad of my thumb and numbness. The hand doctor wants to do a biopsy, he does not know what it is.
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  24. Woah anonymous. Gotta let us know how it turns out and if it's related.
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