Electrocuted by iphone

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Level 1

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Electrocuted by iphone

Hi,

I've been using my new iphone for about 1 month.

Just now, while my iphone is connected to my laptop (with about 75% battery left according to FreeMemory apps, after syncing with itunes), i tried to make a call with the phone.

When I put the phone at my face, i get a slightly tingling sensation on my cheeks and ears, like small needles pricking.

I tot it was something on the phone and when i look at it, it was clean and i touched the area that pricked me, it was smooth.

I put it back on my face this time longer, and the tingling sensation become more annoying and painful as i touch it longer on my ear and cheeks.

I find that the tingling sensation came from the metal "rim" that surrounds the main touch screen area.

Is this normal???? Or did i just get electrocuted by my iphone!?!?

regards,
ken

EDIT: When I touch the silver part with my hands, I dont feel anything (no tingling sensation). While the phone is calling, i touch it with my hands, felt nothing on hands neither. Just when I put it on my face. I suspect it only happens when the screen turns off from the proximity sensor?

Message was edited by: magixk

Asus EEE, Windows XP

Posted on Feb 16, 2009 7:13 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 16, 2009 7:20 AM in response to magixk

You may have recieved an electric shock, but you weren't electrocuted. Had you been electrocuted by an electric shock, you would be dead. Electrocution = death.

This is not normal, but the problem likely lies with your computer than with your iPhone.

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Answer 2

magixk Author

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Feb 16, 2009 7:29 AM in response to Allan Sampson

You mean the shock came from the USB port? Now you're scaring me. What if I talked on the phone while it was charging from power socket with the adaptor?

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Answer 3

Feb 16, 2009 7:39 AM in response to magixk

If the same does not occur when your iPhone is not connected to a power source, and if this doesn't occur when connected to the wall charger, the problem lies with your computer.

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Answer 4

magixk Author

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Feb 16, 2009 7:44 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Normal use (when not connected to anything), is fine. I guess it is the USB connection on the laptop. Any cure for this though?

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Answer 5

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Feb 16, 2009 8:38 AM in response to magixk

Most likely it was just a little static electricity like when you scuff your socks on a carpet and then touch something metal.

The USB connection puts out only 5 volts which is not enough to do you any harm.

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Answer 6

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

Feb 16, 2009 8:53 AM in response to Tamara

... assuming his USB was functioning properly, which I don't believe it is. From his description, this is definitely not static electricity but a relatively strong current that he can constantly feel... static is short lived. I believe the problem is probably with the computer since there must be a source for the power, i.e. a 500W power supply. He should get his computer checked out and not use the iphone with it until repaired.

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Answer 7

magixk Author

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Mar 27, 2009 5:18 AM in response to magixk

I still get the stinging sensation if I charge my phone either on my laptop or from the wall socket

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Answer 8

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

Mar 27, 2009 6:39 AM in response to magixk

Contrary to my previous post, this sounds like the problem is with the cable or phone. I'd try another cable and I would also ask someone else to try it and see if they feel the same sensations. Some people are hyper-sensitive to this kind if thing. If others feel it too, I'd take it back to Apple for replacement.

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