Macbook Charger Fire

Question

Macbook Charger Fire

Hi guys. Thanks in advance for your help. The other night I was on my Macbook (purchased 1 and a half years ago) and the end part of the charger that is connected into the macbook itself started sparking, then burnt my leg, and then smoke started pouring out. I tossed the laptop off me and pulled out the cable. If I hadn't have been there my bed would have without doubt caught fire. I rang Mac Support today and told them about the incident. I explained to the lady on the phone what happened and she told me they would be charging me full price for a charger. Needless to say I was shocked. I replied to her "Can I not get a free one since it burnt me and would have caused a fire had I not been there?". She put me on hold for 2 minutes then informed me that no I wouldn't be receiving a free one. I ordered a new one on the phone but I expect to be reimbursed by Apple. I am furious about this and my opinion on Apple has completely changed. I'm not being dramatic but seriously I am lucky that my bedroom didn't catch on fire. Does anyone know who I can write to for reimbursement? (I'm in Dublin, Ireland).

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Mar 6, 2008 9:41 AM

Reply

Answer 1

A.E.S.

Level 2

485 points

Mar 6, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Adampaulflynn

I don't know what the procedures are in your area/country, but in the U.S. if the same thing happened, you would probably get a new power adapter for free. Is this the Apple Support that you called or a reseller? Try calling again and see if you have the same response from them. If you want call 1800APLCARE (US number) and see what they have to say about this.

Reply

Answer 2

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,522 points

Mar 6, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Adampaulflynn

There have been several reports of the cable failing due to "cable strain". The condition has prompted this article from Apple:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306446
It IS lucky that you were home and not asleep and that you were not hurt nor was your property damaged. BUT....do you really expect Apple to warranty your MagSafe charger when it's well past it's warranty? I would be kicking myself for not buying AppleCare and extending my warranty. That said you should try Apple support again. Be firm but polite and if you don't get satisfaction from the first person you speak to ask for their superior. Keep working your way up until hopefully you get satisfaction. Good luck.

Reply