New Macbook pro 2020 Electric, tingling, vibration, power adapter, grounding

I recently bought a Macbook pro 13in for my 15yrs old daughter. She quickly noticed a vibration on the laptop case only when it was plugged to the power outlet. I confirmed immediately and tried unplugging and the vibration disappeared. That led me to think it was an electric leakage on the metal case... I then read the articles on this issue and was quite surprised that this is a very old and known issue in Macbooks for years!!!

So after research and taking the laptop back to the genius bar for a check, it turns out the only way to solve this potentially deadly problem (check the post by ex-forensic firefighter) is to buy an extra super expensive power adapter!

My question is why this power adapter is not provided with the laptop?? It's only adding a little piece of metal to serve as grounding!

I cannot describe my disappointment honestly as i considered so far Apple as the Ferrari of the electronics... for the price I paid, I expected a flawless experience!

Posted on Jul 10, 2020 10:08 PM

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Posted on Jul 11, 2020 7:41 AM

You do not need a different Power adapter.


Just buy the 6 foot AC extension cord for your power adapter, which provides a ground to the Power adapter body. Under US$20.



The "short" plug slides off to the side, and the extension cord-end takes its place. If you examine the photo above closely, you can see the metal inside the slot, which make contact with the raised chromed lug on the power adapter body to complete the grounding.

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Jul 11, 2020 7:41 AM in response to Cherif77

You do not need a different Power adapter.


Just buy the 6 foot AC extension cord for your power adapter, which provides a ground to the Power adapter body. Under US$20.



The "short" plug slides off to the side, and the extension cord-end takes its place. If you examine the photo above closely, you can see the metal inside the slot, which make contact with the raised chromed lug on the power adapter body to complete the grounding.

Jul 11, 2020 8:19 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thank you for your reply @BobTheFisherman actually the exact same issue happen at the Apple store on different Macbooks! I was quite amazed at the lack of knowledge about it by most of the Apple guys out there, except one gentlemen who apparently know about the issue and pointed at the adapter with grounding! He also showed the difference between the boxed adapter and the outlet one... So again, why can't Apple just put that grounded one in the box??


Jul 11, 2020 8:23 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you Grant, this is exactly what is needed. Can you please advise it's name or a reference to look for it. I'm located in the UAE and hopefully will find one with the correct wall plug.

** again, I'm sorry to be so stubborn, but why Apple does not integrate this in the box! I really feel that for the price I paid, they should take care of this! ...

Thanks again !

Jul 11, 2020 7:14 AM in response to Cherif77

The issue is likely you have a grounding fault with your outlet or house wiring. As an "ex-foresnsic firefighter" maybe your focus should be there instead of on a grounded cable and criticizing Apple. Does the same thing happen at other locations such as at libraries, school, coffee shops, etc?


Normally I would recommend taking it to an authorized service center for evaluation but you said you already did that.

Jul 11, 2020 8:50 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Ok, it seems you did not understand the problem. Once again, I did test the device "inside the Apple store" and the same happened with 3 sales guys witnessing... You would mean that the actual Apple store is not properly wired?

I expect that if someone sells their product in a specific location, they need to adapt to the location standards... hence, in UAE, the standard is to ground all electric devices, appliances... I mean this is Apple!!!

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New Macbook pro 2020 Electric, tingling, vibration, power adapter, grounding

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