Got electrocuted by my phone!

Question

Got electrocuted by my phone!

Hello and good day!

Two days ago I was charging my iPhone XS MAX and I got electrocuted by it! I was using an original Apple charger connected to an extension chord. My phone has a very thick plastic case and a screen protector. I picked up my phone to answer a text and while i was not touching the phone in itself but just the case and the screen protector, it was fine. I answered my texts without any issue. Then, I decided to turn on silent mode (the volume switch is one of the only parts not covered by the case) and when I touched the metal switch, I felt electricity go all the way up to my shoulder! I instantly dropped my phone and disconnected it. Thank God nothing happened, but it was a big scare.

So far, nothing else has happened but I am afraid to use it while charging or that it might electrocute me again.

Please help.

iPhone XS Max, iOS 13

Posted on Mar 18, 2020 10:56 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 18, 2020 4:56 PM in response to Victoriamunozdom

I seriously doubt that you were using an original Apple USB power source. Apple adapters have 100% line isolation. Many ripoffs look identical, but don’t isolate the output from the input. See these two videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_exfmbsPqEI

Apple iPod chargers - fake versus genuine - YouTube

Also, see this about cables:

Why Counterfeit Lightning Cables Kill iPhones - Motherboard

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Answer 2

Mar 18, 2020 1:58 PM in response to deggie

Hello, thank you for answering. Yes, my phone still works perfectly.

I thought so too, but I was not touching the extension cord and my charger was well connected to it. I just grabbed my phone and didnt touch any cables.

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Answer 3

Mar 18, 2020 2:06 PM in response to deggie

Hmm, I doubt it as I've experienced static discharges before and its normally just gone in a split of a second. This sensation was very different and it was persistent until I let my phone go and much more strong than any static discharge I've ever experienced (and I loved to "charge up" by rubbing my feet against a rug when I was little). I felt like electrical waves all the way up to my shoulder and I didnt drop my phone the second I felt the charge, I held on for over a second and the sensation persisted. I really doubt it was so, honestly as it was too strong of sensation. Thank you again for taking the time!

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Answer 4

Mar 19, 2020 7:23 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Hello! I appreciate your input and the useful link, but I was using an original charger. My phone is fairly new, I bought it in October, and I'm using the charger that came in the box. I couldn't have been using an identical rip off as I don't own one. Thank you for the useful information tho!

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Answer 5

rose_10

Community Specialist

Mar 21, 2020 7:33 AM in response to Victoriamunozdom

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

I want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your iPhone. I recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: https://getsupport.apple.com

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