Am I being electrocuted or vibrated?

[dogtanian]

OK, here's my random story. I bought a 'Genuine' Powerbrick of eBay for my 12" Powerbook. Turns out its an amazing fake (ie, the only way I could tell was the cheap plastic nubbin on the cable and the fact that the sticky plastic cover left residue all over it ).

I really don't mind its fake as its a bloody good fake. Randomly though, sometimes when i put my fingers over the wrist rest area, i can feel a very mild current going through me. At first I thought it was a vibration but then I touched my other half with my other hand and he felt it too. Its a little strange but I wanted to check I'm not in any danger

Plus now if I run my fingertips over my new MBP's lid, it gives me the same sensation.

Am I crazy?

 

[lexus]

Its a small current and it even happens with Apple original power bricks, I heard it could be an internal wire which is in contact with the aluminum causing a current.

 

[joedub]

I was told at my local genius bar that the slight current is "normal" when you are using the two-pronged plug. I swapped the two-pronged plug for the three-pronged one and haven't had any problems since.

 

[dogtanian]

Ahh thank you guys. I am not crazy, believe me its a great relieve to hear that.

 

[majidf]

I have always used 3-prong plug and always had that electric current on every (6) MBP SR I had.

 

[dogtanian]

You've had a few then...

 

[Super Macho Man]

I'm not sure what UK power plugs look like, but try flipping it 180 degrees if it fits that way (prong A -> slot B, prong B -> slot A) - something to do with polarity or something. Worked for me & my TiBook a long time ago.

 

[dogtanian]

UK plugs are very different and have three large prongs, not reversable though (ie you can't turn them upside down).

I believe US plugs are similar to European plugs...

 

[dotcomlarry]

This is a common occurrence when using a non-grounded plug.

 

[beige matchbox]

And grounded plugs too

both my G4 Powerbook, and my dads MBP give the ripple on the case, i've also had the same thing on many other metal cased mains powered devices.

My dad (electronics engineer since the 60s) tried to explain whats going on, but i've forgotten it all now, but the gist was it's nothing to worry about


Also, the UK mains plug is 3 pin only. Well, shaver plugs in bathrooms are 2 pin, but thats a special case