Quick question, when looking at the mains socket of a Mac Mini (M2 specifically), which pin is live and which is neutral? Thanks.
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Mains input, which pin is live and which Neutral?
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The receptacle is reversible; either pin could be live depending on the orientation of the C7 power cable.
I appreciate that, that's why I have measured my cable (after fitting a Type F Schuko plug to replace a Type C plug, as Type Cs often arc), so I know on the plug (both ends) which is which
So to rephrase my question, to those who have seen inside a modern Mac Mini which pin has a brown, black or red wire connected inside, and which pin has a blue wire connected inside?
So to rephrase my question, to those who have seen inside a modern Mac Mini which pin has a brown, black or red wire connected inside, and which pin has a blue wire connected inside?
On the 2024 manual there appears to be a N near the left pin. Neutral? I can only assume that Apple are consistent and that the left pin of the 2023 Mini is Neutral too.
Looking at the female C7, left is neutral. https://www.cweup.com/understanding-pin-layout-in-iec-connectors/
It makes no difference because the rectifier circuit found in the power supply is polarity agnostic. Anything using a C7 connector is polarity agnostic. Give it a hot and a neutral and Bob's your uncle.
Even in more complex rectifier circuitry, the basic premise is the same. Polarity agnostic.
Even in more complex rectifier circuitry, the basic premise is the same. Polarity agnostic.
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Yeah that. It makes no difference.
The diagram is wrong though. Firstly it’s a switcher and the picture is a linear supply. Secondly there’s no ground on the secondary unless it’s through a cable attached to it. It’s floating and there are capacitors (Y class) between the low voltage side and the high voltage which leak a little current on purpose.
This is incidentally why when you run your finger across the top of a MacBook Pro on charge it feels buzzy at around 50/60Hz.
Totally harmless of course.
I’m not sure if I’m more offended by the electrical safety issue or the photo of a screen showing a photo of something.
125v US style receptacle, with the ground below the blade slots -
the taller slot (left) is the identified conductor or neutral.
You can trace the cable with an ohm meter from the larger blade on the plug to the moulded connector.
If the cord is a 'zip' cord, one of the 2 conductors will be distinguished as the identified conductor in some manner. Usually a ridge, or series of ridges to have texture. The most basic means is it will have the printed info on it.
If its a round cord - then the meter is the method to determine.
Polarity is very important for appliances and lamps.
In this case, it is likely supplying the primary winding of the power supply transformer, and it's not an issue.
the taller slot (left) is the identified conductor or neutral.
You can trace the cable with an ohm meter from the larger blade on the plug to the moulded connector.
If the cord is a 'zip' cord, one of the 2 conductors will be distinguished as the identified conductor in some manner. Usually a ridge, or series of ridges to have texture. The most basic means is it will have the printed info on it.
If its a round cord - then the meter is the method to determine.
Polarity is very important for appliances and lamps.
In this case, it is likely supplying the primary winding of the power supply transformer, and it's not an issue.
Since the power connector itself is non-polarized (i.e. reversible), inside the power supply itself is where you would find that information. If it was a polarized connector where each pin had to be a specific input, then one side would be squared off like the post above indicates.