Tingling / Sting Feeling When Charging

Question

Level 1

9 points

Tingling / Sting Feeling When Charging

Hi there,

I recently brought a 2019 MacBook Air and have realised when charging I can feel some sort of tingling or buzz (doesn't make a noise) from the aluminium body, my iPhone does this sometimes too and also my 2007 iPod nano used to do this, my iPad does aswell.

literally almost anything that has a metal chassis, does anyone else have this happening to them, on any device?

I am in the uk so It should be grounded, right?

Thanks,

Harvey

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 15, 2020 3:02 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

69,200 points

Feb 15, 2020 11:23 AM in response to madogharvey

It means you the electrical wiring in your house has an issue with improper grounding. The best thing to do is have an electrician sort out the home wiring so it is properly grounded. In the mean time you can use a grounded AC cord with your charger.

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MK122B/A/power-adapter-extension-cable

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Answer 2

MrHoffman

Level 10

146,101 points

Feb 15, 2020 11:41 AM in response to madogharvey

madogharvey wrote:

Alright thanks, I will ring up my local apple store and sort it out,

Seems rather possibly caused by bad socket wiring. There are socket-testing devices available inexpensively.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JIRFYU/ref=dp_cerb_1

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Answer 3

Feb 15, 2020 7:33 AM in response to madogharvey

It's improper grounding. Try a different outlet. However, it's harmless.

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Answer 4

sapper

Level 4

1,768 points

Feb 15, 2020 5:54 AM in response to madogharvey

Hi, I am also in the UK and typing this reply on a MacBook Air with aluminium chassis, with the power cable inserted. I am not experiencing any static discharge.

There is the possibility that you are particularly susceptible to static discharges whenever you touch anything with an electric charge. Some people are naturally susceptible to this phenomenon, but I would suggest that you take your MacBook to an accredited Apple dealer to have it tested for a possible short circuit.

Before handling your laptop, try discharging any static electricity by touching something metal, e.g a metal part of your computer desk, or your oven chassis. It's also possible to become statically charged walking barefoot on a nylon carpet.

If you transfer static discharge through any of your devices, it is possible to damage the components inside the device.

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Answer 5

madogharvey Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 15, 2020 6:42 AM in response to sapper

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply, is this something that should be covered under my warranty (only brought this laptop a few months ago) and do you mean taking it to the apple store, I'm not particularly worried about it hurting me as it really isn't painful

Thanks again

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Answer 6

madogharvey Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 15, 2020 8:45 AM in response to sapper

Alright thanks, I will ring up my local apple store and sort it out,

thanks

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Answer 7

sapper

Level 4

1,768 points

Feb 15, 2020 7:09 AM in response to madogharvey

Given the age of your MBA, it should be covered by your warranty provided that you show the shop your receipt.

All Apple products carry at least a 12 month warranty subject to certain conditions, something you would be advised to read up on....if you have time.

The tingling sensation is not something you should be worried about, but if the static discharge damages the logic board, it could do serious damage to your bank balance if it is not detected in good time.

All the best for a remedy to your static discharge problem.

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