Feeling electric current on MacBook Pro M1 with charger plugged in

It's NOT a design defect, or they would ALL do that. As I wrote earlier:

<< My M1 MacBook Pro 16-in does not do that, and it uses essentially the same design as MacBooks have used for DECADES.

There are only two wires in the MagSafe cables, a central insulated conductor and the dense braid around it is the second conductor. There in no thru-ground in a USB cable. It works for almost all users, unless it is broken, like yours. In that case some end up here and we try to tell them that is not how it is supposed to work, but you can compensate by using the [extra-cost] grounded cord, or you can ask Apple to exchange (inside 14 days) or if outside 14 days, to Repair.

If you asked Sales Associates at the store, they are not qualified to opine on issues such as whether specific sample of users computer is electrically adequate. Only the Genius Bar technicians are authorized to declare your Mac and/or power adapter not-working, and only after you make a face-to-face Genius Bar appointment, because they are booked up. >>

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I recommend you ask Apple to Repair/Replace your Power Adapter block. The only way to accomplish that is at an in-person inspection.

If you are too far from an Apple Authorized Service Provider to do that, call Apple Support and arrange to send them your computer and power adapter.

In every case, you MUST make absolutely clear what you see as the problem. If they just get it and test it without knowing what your complaint is, it will pass -- and they will return to you unmodified.

For once, I'm located in Malta and we have the UK system here. Every single wall socket must be grounded and all electric appliances require grounding (3-core wire). Some suppliers/manufacturers cheap out on this requirement...

As I pointed out in my comments, it is the original Apple short plug that is not grounded (see images). When I use the long original Apple extension cable (which is grounded), the problem disappears.

So this is not related to the electric installation of the buildings I'm working in (notice the plural).

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cjt-dev wrote:

• I am also experiencing this issue with a newly purchased M2 MacBook.

I feel the electrical sensation when trying the following:

<snip>

Is this really safe? What if someone has a heart condition, or pacemaker?

Is electrical issue normal/expected?

No it is not normal nor safe.

Take the computer to an authorized service center for inspection to eliminate computer issues.

You should watch the video before answering. The Apple service provider will tell you that this is how Apple is selling the product. If you don't like it, get the extension cable.

THIS IS NO DAMAGE OR PRODUCT FAULT, IT IS VERY POOR DESIGN.

What Apple should do for their high end products is to change the design of the short plug and give every customer of the current MacBooks having this badly designed charger a free upgrade!!!!!

My M1 MacBook Pro 16-in does not do that, and it uses essentially the same design as MacBooks have used for DECADES.

There are only two wires in the MagSafe cables, a central insulated conductor and the dense braid around it is the second conductor. There in no thru-ground in a USB cable. It works for almost all users, unless it is broken, like yours. In that case some end up here and we try to tell them that is not how it is supposed to work, but you can compensate by using the [extra-cost] grounded cord, or you can ask Apple to exchange (inside 14 days) or if outside 14 days, to Repair.

If you asked Sales Associates at the store, they are not qualified to opine on issues such as whether specific sample of users computer is electrically adequate. Only the Genius Bar technicians are authorized to declare your Mac and/or power adapter not-working, and only after you make a face-to-face Genius Bar appointment, because they are booked up.

<< There are three wires in a MagSafe 2/3 cable. >>

Are you quite sure of that? Have you ever taken the cord apart? in every MagSafe cable I have ever cut apart, there were exactly two conductors. The inner conductor was power, the outer braid around is its Return. The electronics in the Magsafe head turns on and off the LEDs and may do other tricks, such as supply ID information, but that that control information does not have a discrete wire down the cable to the Power Adapter body.

[in my opinion] the reason a grounded cable corrects the tingling is that the malfunctioning power generator circuitry in the power adapter body can be referenced to Earth-Ground, and then it behaves itself and stops producing the small AC voltage that causes tingling. It does NOT connect a thru-ground, as there is no additional conductor to carry it to the computer.

These devices do not have to be Earth-Grounded like a washing machine, because the rules say everything involved should be Low Voltage.

I had a look on the Apple Store (UK) and it's £19 for the extension cable. Are you having to buy a PSU as well?

flexier wrote:

I can quickly answer that. I have the same issue at work. Actually with a second second/spare power supply as I'm to lazy to carry the power supply with me on a daily basis. Besides, if the issue would be the building, using the grounded extension wire wouldn't make a difference.

The fact that people don't complain, doesn't mean I'm wrong. Many might actually pay the money for the extension and thereby don't have a problem at all. Also, only the UK and Malta would be effected as all other countries as far as I know have the building grounded on neutral (e.g. US). So in the US and many EU countries phase and neutral is all you need.

So your argument is pretty weak.

I'm not arguing I'm trying to help you troubleshoot. Troubleshooting is a process of elimination of possible causes. It appears you are experiencing symptoms not experienced by millions of computer users. I suggest you have your computer, and adapter, examined by an authorized service center.

Not everyone who owns these units is seeing the issues you are seeing. This is a possible fault in your sample of the product. You should contact official Apple Support or visit an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for help.

Readers here are other Users like you. Even if we all agreed with your point of view [which in my option is not accurate] All we can do about it from here is offer you advice.

My advice is, "Contact Apple."

Called Apple several times, transferred several times. Having said that everyone I talked to was polite. However on the last call I was disconnected after lengthy period of time (no call back).

The process so far has been a process of discovery.

This electrical OOTB feature is not advertised when buying the MAC and it is unclear if this is a safety issue when using the MAC with the provided 2 prong adapter (especially for those who have heart conditions, pacemakers?).

When calling Apple Support (including technical support) some staff seem mildly aware of the issue. Some staff acknowledged that this issue was present on their MAC's to some degree.

No one wants to confirm the MAC as safe to use and now I am in a MAC return/replacement loop.

With all due respect to your opinion, neither the computer nor anything else is broken. The power supply as delivered is not grounded. And depending on circumstances this can cause the MacBook's aluminum body to produce an ESD. It is no rocket science, every electrician can tell you that.

Get a refund/Replace your macbook

The best solution to this is to literally just go to a store. Provide them with evidence such as the picture and I'm sure they will be more than happy replace your MacBook for a newer one. Make sure to bring your receipt to your local Apple Store.

It's just a faulty laptop. I apologize for your experience. I've never heard of this before, I'm sure they will be more than willing to refund you after they see the same thing. Also, make sure you save that image and even bring that little tester that you used in the image for proof if possible. Don't forget your receipt so that they can refund you/replace the laptop.

The Apple device is "double insulated". That's enough for wirings that meet modern code requirements and most "old world" requirements.

My comment on the actual situation stands. Ungrounded is ungrounded regardless of world location.

mwille64 wrote:

We got the message. Still it is revolting to pay $20 for a cable when apple could just provide a properly grounded charger in the first place. Zero cost for apple, and a happy customer who is spending $3000 for an already luxury priced macbook.

Apple provides a power source and cable that is line isolated on both hot and neutral wires. That is, NEITHER lead from the power source to the device is connected to ground. This is far safer than one that connects the building ground through the power source to the end device, because any mis-wiring in the building, the power cord or the cable from the power source to the end device could put full line voltage on the device; 120 V in the US, 240 V in most of the rest of the world.

Any electricity that you feel touching the device is from parasitic currents picked up from the air. The highest voltage in the wire from the power adapter to your device is 9 volts, which you cannot feel. As a test, try touching the two connectors on a 9 volt battery such as the ones used in smoke detectors.

To provide a true ground to the device would require a 3 wire power cord and plug from the wall to the power adapter, 3 wire connection in the power source, and an addition HEAVY wire in the power source to end device, like the power cord on a 3 wire power tool or kitchen appliance. And even if the entire line-power source-cable-device were grounded this way, you could still have parasitic currents in the device that you could feel.