Tingly sensation when touching MBA

[jeznav]

I just got the MBA a few days ago and every time I touch the MBA especially the metal surface, I get this tingling, fine buzzing sensation when it touches my skin. It feels like I am getting shocked even if the lid is closed.

Anyone having this problem? It's annoying especially when I type.

 

[Pressure]

Is it hooked up to the power adapter?

 

[fs454]

My MBP did this when i had it connected to an awful circuit down in my garage. Get a surge protector or something, switch to a different circuit.

 

[foodle]

I just got the MBA a few days ago and every time I touch the MBA especially the metal surface, I get this tingling, fine buzzing sensation when it touches my skin. It feels like I am getting shocked even if the lid is closed.

Anyone having this problem? It's annoying especially when I type.

Uh, I'd think this warrants a return ...

 

[jeznav]

Is it hooked up to the power adapter?

Yes. Its hooked up to the power adapter but as soon as I unplug it, it stops the buzzing. Other members of my family noticed it too, so I know I am not crazy.

I had a similar problem with my MacPro a while back: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/495905/

 

[gloryunited]

This happens to me when I touch the metal surface of my iPod classic while connected to the computer. I thought it is normal...

 

[mattpreston11]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1041777/

 

[gustav531]

Nothing to worry about, fairly normal and happens on alot of aluminium computers.

 

[gloryunited]

Nothing to worry about, fairly normal and happens on alot of aluminium computers.

So does it happen on ALL MBA's and ALL iPods (with aluminium surface) ?

 

[jeznav]

I think I solved it

I just removed the 2-prong attachment from the power brick and replaced it with the 3-pronged extension cable that it came with and it stopped buzzing.

My guess would be that the MBA needed something to be grounded in that case it was me.


mattpreston11, can you confirm this?


EDIT: Now I remember correctly how my MacPro's alum keyboard stop buzzing by removing the two-pronged extension cable attached to the powerbar and attached the powerbar directly to the wall. Stupid me how can I forget this.

 

[gloryunited]

Does it mean there is no earthing/grounding of the iPod via the USB port?
(the computer of which the iPod is connected to has a 3-prong power plug)

 

[deeddawg]

My guess would be that the MBA needed something to be grounded in that case it was me.

I'd strongly suggest getting that outlet checked out by someone familiar with household electrical wiring. Your experience suggests at least that the neutral side of the outlet is well above ground.

This is something that could potentially be dangerous if a poorly designed appliance were used in that outlet.

 

[bowlerman625]

I wouldn't stand in water while you touch it though!

 

[TheMadBrewer]

I get a tingly sensation just looking at a picture of the 11" MBA

 

[hundleton1]

I'd strongly suggest getting that outlet checked out by someone familiar with household electrical wiring. Your experience suggests at least that the neutral side of the outlet is well above ground.

This is something that could potentially be dangerous if a poorly designed appliance were used in that outlet.

im a sparky in thr UK, as has been stated its likely you have a neutral with high current, it should be bonded to earth at substation and 0V, you could have a crossed wired socket or a major short somewhere

 

[HLdan]

I just removed the 2-prong attachment from the power brick and replaced it with the 3-pronged extension cable that it came with and it stopped buzzing.

My guess would be that the MBA needed something to be grounded in that case it was me.


mattpreston11, can you confirm this?


EDIT: Now I remember correctly how my MacPro's alum keyboard stop buzzing by removing the two-pronged extension cable attached to the powerbar and attached the powerbar directly to the wall. Stupid me how can I forget this.

I had this same exact thing happen to me on 2 new Macbook Pros. After I removed the default adaptor and just used the extension plug included I don't get the sensation anymore. Took it to the Apple store twice to find out what's up with the adapter and they couldn't figure it out but all is good now, just use the extension cable.

 

[barefeats]

"Tingly sensation..."

Are you sure you weren't watching a YouTube video of President Obama giving a campaign speech?

 

[wirelessmacuser]

And here I was thinking that I was one of the few, that find these new models, so exciting and fun...

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

Is this a tingly sensation in your nether regions?

Thats normal when buying any iDevice. Give it a few months and that sensation will wane.

 

[pfjellman]

"Tingly sensation..."

Are you sure you weren't watching a YouTube video of President Obama giving a campaign speech?

if by tingling sensation here you mean nausea and dread, then yes. otherwise, no, i've never felt a tingling sensation coming from any Apple product I've owned, including several MBPs and the new MBA.

 

[Billy Hoke]

I get a tingly sensation too. Just not in my fingers.

 

[mattpreston11]

I havent tried it with that mega long thick extension cable, have only used that once.

I have noticed the "Tingly/buzzing/etc" In three different buildings where I've had my MBA on charge, surely they don't all have faults electrics? Or maybe its all of Leeds that has poorly trained electric engineers

 

[happyslayer]

As per another poster, I get the "tingly sensation" when I use the little fold up adapter but not when I use my extension cord adapter. This used to happen with my RevA air and my RevB, but this is a lot more noticeable on this 11.6 - again, if I'm using the little two prong plug.

Maybe it does not ground correctly since it's not 3 prong.

 

[Cerano]

you guys are americans so you guys have the non-grounded 2 pin plug not the 3 pin euro style one however that is not the cause

the electricity u feel is static electricity due to the dry air

 

[deeddawg]

you guys are americans so you guys have the non-grounded 2 pin plug not the 3 pin euro style one however that is not the cause

the electricity u feel is static electricity due to the dry air

Ummm... No, and no.

The non-grounded two blade plug is pretty rare in the parts of the US I've lived. I've only seen them in older buildings. Anything built or renovated in the past forty years has the three prong grounded plug.

The second comment is also completely wrong. Thanks for trying to help though.