Weird static vibration when charging

[leanda]

New MacBook Pro has just arrived. Just wondering if it's normal to feel a strong static/vibrations when it's charging? I only feel it if I run my hands across the device when it's plugged in, but it's really horrible when your hands are resting at the side of the trackpad.

Do they all do it? Never felt an Apple laptop do that before.

 

[SteveJUAE]

New MacBook Pro has just arrived. Just wondering if it's normal to feel a strong static/vibrations when it's charging? I only feel it if I run my hands across the device when it's plugged in, but it's really horrible when your hands are resting at the side of the trackpad.

Do they all do it? Never felt an Apple laptop do that before.

Normal, do not worry

else

You need the 3 pin extension cord so the device is earth to avoid this

 

[leanda]

You need the 3 pin extension cord so the device is earth to avoid this

Thanks that's good to hear, I'll pick an extension sometime.

 

[Tusskan]

I've noticed this too yesterday, I thought I was going to get shocked at some point of usage of this computer, someone else answer if this is right or something wrong with the machine? to the OP what color the machine you got?

 

[SteveJUAE]

Thanks that's good to hear, I'll pick an extension sometime.

It's very common with devices that are only using 2 pins and have conducting surfaces

It's worse when you are only just brushing the surface and do not have shoes on LOL

 

[iMacDragon]

Yep, nothing new here, metal cased macbooks have done this since they were called powerbooks.

 

[leanda]

I've noticed this too yesterday, I thought I was going to get shocked at some point of usage of this computer, someone else answer if this is right or something wrong with the machine? to the OP what color the machine you got?

It’s a space grey. It is really odd, i’ve had 4-5 Apple laptops that have been plugged into the same outlet and never experienced that before. Doesn’t feel very nice on the wrists if you are typing.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It’s a space grey. It is really odd, i’ve had 4-5 Apple laptops that have been plugged into the same outlet and never experienced that before. Doesn’t feel very nice on the wrists if you are typing.

Bet your old mbp you used the extension as it came in the box, but not anymore

 

[Tusskan]

Bet your old mbp you used the extension as it came in the box, but not anymore

I use the one that came in the box too, I'm not sure if there is any new replacement for these extensions where I live.
anyway, how bad this issue, is this going to cause hardware failure in the future?

 

[SteveJUAE]

I use the one that came in the box too, I'm not sure if there is any new replacement for these extensions where I live.
anyway, how bad this issue, is this going to cause hardware failure in the future?

It's not an issue

The only bad thing is keep writing about it

BTW I was referring to previous MBP when you got the extra cable in the box free

 

[leanda]

It's not an issue

The only bad thing is keep writing about it

BTW I was referring to previous MBP when you got the extra cable in the box free

Might see if my old one does it without the extension.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Use the extension from the old one, problem solved.

You might notice that iPhones do this as well depending on the plug.

 

[deeddawg]

It's also suggestive of a potential problem with the electrical system where you've plugged into.

The neutral side should have minimal voltage difference from ground, but it can happen that the neutral side of the circuit ends up with measurable voltage. If you're feeling something, that means there's voltage on the neutral wire in the outlet which is going through you to get to ground. While most instances are likely "harmless", it's probably a good idea to get the outlet checked out.

In the interim it's cheap enough to get an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable

 

[kohlson]

Mine have always done this - 10+ years. But my current 2013 15-MBP, does this only when I'm in bare feet.

 

[CreeptoLoser]

It’s physics.

And sometimes the source of the static is you.

 

[jpn]

although many posters seem to think this is normal, and although it may well be so, in fact, what is more helpful to say is that this problem can be eliminated or reduced enough so that in fact there is no vibration being felt by most people.
in that sense, to have to continue to endure this sensation is very definitely not normal.

i had this problem when i used a MacBook Air in China.
until i figured out that the square prong plug designated for China doesn't have any holes in the ends of the prongs.
i switched the plug over to the China type and the problem was solved.

so the posters who are proposing solutions such as switching over to the 3 pronged -earthed- cord are very helpful.

i dont have immediate access to the socket/plug that comes standard on the USA apple bought power bricks (not the long cord, but the removable switchable plug on the charger itself).
question: does this plug have one of the prongs longer than the other?

 

[Mac-key]

my 2011 MBP did this, but my 2015 doesn't... I'm using the same electrical outlet, but different cord of course

 

[SteveJUAE]

Might see if my old one does it without the extension.

Worth a try

But the reason we are saying the old extension (as it not included free now) as that has the better plug with a earth

Another tip is not to use the palm rests whilst typing as you are brushing the surface, they are actually a rest for in between typing but many have the habit of resting and typing which in most cases is a very bad posture for your wrists

If your bending your wrists to type this is not good or taking the weight of your upper body or limbs on to your palm/wrists whilst typing is not good

 

[msp3]

I notice this both on my MacBook Air (2018) and my iPad Pro 9.7...

 

[tCC_]

Same on my 2018 Air and 2019 16's

 

[ge0ff]

hello,
l have a 2020 mac air.
l power it off after each session.
l connect the cable without opening the lid for charging.
lt was a hassle to have to log in to see the
battery%.
Then l noticed that the case tingled
when fully charged.
l thought this was a subtle ,built in feature, but it doesn't always happen.
The forum comments helped me find an explanation.
lf you put it on a plastic tray when fully charged and connected, the fingertips of one hand tingle, if you touch with two hands, the tingle is gone.
The surface l normally use to charge the mac is not grounded, so l can tell if it's fully charged because of the tingle.
Geoff.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Might see if my old one does it without the extension"

As mentioned above, if you have an older charger that has the extension with the 3-pin plug on it, just swap that over to the NEW charger.

Then, plug it in and you'll know in a few seconds if that was the issue...