iPad gives tingly light vibration electrocution when plugged into mains

Hi Itsadoozy,

The Macbook is a 3 pin plug, where the third pin is earthed. In the iPad it's a dummy pin, connected to nothing.

The Macbook comes with a lead attached to an L shaped white box, yes? There is a small plug with a USB socket in it, that fits into the white box to make it a completely square shaped white box. Pull the small plug off the big white box and put the L shaped box down. In your hand now, you need only have the small plug with inbuilt USB socket, which has the 3 pin plug on the other end that goes into the socket on the wall. Ok? Then plug the iPad USB connector into that small plug socket. Now you are running your iPad on an earthed supply and there will be no tingling whatsoever.

Its easier to do than describe. LOL. Anyway, I hope it helps to explain things.

MaryA

Message was edited by: MaryA in the UK

Thanks MaryA,

Made total sense.

I have taken the mains lead from the Macbook power module, and plugged that into the iPad USB power module. It did exactly as you said and no longer can I feel the tingling.

I examined the three pin UK adapter of the iPad and sure enough the slot above the two pin figure of 8 connector has no Earth. Where as the adapter on the end of the Macbook lead does have an Earth.

Problem solved. Now I need to go ask Apple for a replacement as this is just not suitable. Clearly the device needs to be Earthed when plugged into the mains charger.

Thanks again, you shared your experience well, much appreciated.

David

Whilst the included adapter with the iPad here in the UK may not be earthed I'm pretty sure the optional power supply with the longer cable you can buy is earthed. I have that and as far as I can tell it is.

I'll be taking my iPad along with it's power adaptor into the Apple Store in the next few days, to see what they say about this. Will let you know the outcome.

OK, I've been to see a Genius at Apple Store, and initially told this sensation is normal. He went on to say it was static discharging, which I had to correct him on. Static doesn't pass a current, as it is static, not moving. After a debate on what current was vs static electric, he agreed to change the charger, but said it was normal.

I did question why the effect wasn't present when using an Earthed cable, but there wasn't an answer. This is normal for all aluminium devices, and the Macbook does the same. Hey ho!

Just got home, tried the new charger, and low and behold the tingling has gone! Well there is a slight tingle but perfectly usable and not as unpleasant. And the adapter is still not earthed. Only difference is that this charger came from the boxed extension power supply, and the three pin adapter appears deeper than the iPad original. I wasn't given the mains lead from the boxed supply.


I'll put this down to a faulty 10w power cube, and not "normal".

When I went to the Apple Store, once I explained the potential seriousness of the problem, I was given a no quibble opportunity to have a full refund or a Macbook charger. IMHO you have been BS'd. The guy in the GB should be fired. If it isn't earthed it isn't safe. Go back, get an earthed power supply. Take an electronics expert with you if it helps you make your argument. What did it for me, was saying what happens if the primary shorts with the secondary winding in the transformer. It is full mains. I havea heart condition. I would be dead! The GB guy got it, a quiet "Oh s**t" as the penny dropped and that was it. He was falling over himself to be of assistance. Quality service from a really top guy, which was greatly appreciated. Good for MK GB.

MaryA

Hi MaryA,

I know he was talking BS as he didn't have a clue about how electric current works, or what static electricity is. I wasn't going to stand there creating even greater embarrassment so I let it ride. They happily changed the mains adapter, and the problem is now gone, so on that front I am happy.

I do think that Apple need to look at the Earthing issue. The original iPad adapter doesn't even have a fuse in it, whereas the replacement from the boxed one does (thus the extra thickness to the plug size).

Same here, I noticed it from day one. I don't know how much I should be concerned about it.

It is quite pronounced at times so to be honest I'd like to do something about it. I was actually planning to sell it for other reasons but I would not be to happy to sell it as it is. To me having a device that gives noticeable and frequent shocks is kind of not ok, however low they may be. It actually feels like the case is vibrating until you make full contact, it's just as I touch it when I feel it. I assume after that with a good contact the charge is going through me.

And it's not like static. You can lay it down and tap the side and it happens again and again. So there is no static build up over any time, it always feels the same, IMO this case is charged when plugged in.

I was thinking that it is an intentional design feature to stop young children touching this adult equipment 😉 Shock the blighters !!

Joking aside, you need to go take it to the Apple Store and get a replacement charger or whole unit depending on whether it clears or not.

Yes, your description fits my experience exactly, and I came to the same conclusions. The case is live, albeit at very low amps. The Macbook charger resolves it 100%. It IS an issue apple should a dress IMHO. The more people who draw attention to the problem, the better, though it will never be an antenna gate unless someone gets really zapped.

Hi Mary,

I don't have a MBP adapter, but I do have an adapter from my iPhone that is rated at 5V output. Would that be the one you are referring to?

It looks like a standard 3 pin plug, but at its base is a USB connector where one can fit a standard iPhone/iPad sync cable.

What is required is an earthed supply. I have no knowledge of that adapter or power supply. Therefore I cannot answer as to it's suitability although I think 5v is top low to use as a charger.

"Static doesn't pass a current, as it is static, not moving."

"Static" is short for "electrostatic", and is not the same as the "static means it's not moving".
Your description reminded me of an electrical engineering manager at Xerox who was trying to tell someone why "CMOS" was faster than "NMOS". According to him, "CMOS was faster because electrons are faster than holes". To understand the joke, you need to understand the "hole flow theory" that causes electricity to move (including "static" electricity). His comments caused him to be transferred to another state. You can stay where you are.

-- "Static" is short for "electrostatic", and is not the same as the "static means it's not moving". --

Umm, are you sure? Isn't that why electro and static are paired to form electrostatic? To imply stationary or slow moving electricity?

Mongy,
"To imply stationary or slow moving electricity?" Right now, I'm thinking of something else besides electricity that is "stationary or slow-moving". Some replies are so off-the-wall, I don't know if they're serious or not. Your reply fits that category. When referring to electricity, "static" is not the opposite of "dynamic". Electricity flows in the opposite direction of holes - you need to understand the "hole flow theory" to make sense of this.