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Mac Mini M1, electric shock when touching it.

I have been experiencing mild electric shock if my hand touches both the top and sides of the device. Mac Mini M1. I assume there is some issue with polarity, however the wall outlet does not produce this issue with any other object, furthermore nor does this occur when things are plugged into a very robust power strip plugged into the wall outlet.


The only effected item is the Mac Mini M1. What should I do?

Mac mini, macOS 11.2

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 1:36 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 4, 2021 10:53 PM

Has an Aluminum case, still.. Mine haven't been

shocking; one from first group, & other, second.


Perhaps if not touched, that would deter shocks?!

Maybe unit needs to visit Apple for repair service.


• Mac mini (M1, 2020) - Technical specifications

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP823


The Mac mini can be divided in four basic groups: first two poly (PowerPC,

Intel Polycarbonate,) second 2; Intel Aluminum, & Apple 'Silicon' Aluminum.


• Apple Mac mini Specs (All Mac mini Technical Specs | everymac

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html



8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2021 10:53 PM in response to Lanny

Has an Aluminum case, still.. Mine haven't been

shocking; one from first group, & other, second.


Perhaps if not touched, that would deter shocks?!

Maybe unit needs to visit Apple for repair service.


• Mac mini (M1, 2020) - Technical specifications

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP823


The Mac mini can be divided in four basic groups: first two poly (PowerPC,

Intel Polycarbonate,) second 2; Intel Aluminum, & Apple 'Silicon' Aluminum.


• Apple Mac mini Specs (All Mac mini Technical Specs | everymac

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html



Apr 5, 2021 12:44 PM in response to Lanny

Call it what you like, the Everymac site tells it correct.


That site also verify exactly my two build model Macs.

For remote viewing the site-link is offered in evidence.


Apple Mac mini Specs (All Mac mini Technical Specs) | everymac

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html

Mac Systems > Apple > Mac mini. "Mac mini was introduced as least

expensive system ever shipped by Apple, packing modest performance

in extremely compact and elegantly simple cases. The Mac mini can be

Divided into four basic groups -- PowerPC /poly); Intel Polycarbonate,

Intel Aluminium, and Apple Silicon Aluminum." (Two basic Materials.)


Own both. A G4 model; sitting in same room, & Late 2012

Mac mini i7 server quad-core dual 1TB HDD (another Last)

and I've been into both; I know from experience, & facts


Late 2005 G4 Mac mini 1.5GHz PPC, last model before

the shift to Intel-mac, has poly case; same as early 2006

Mac mini coreduo. Then the construct changed to metal.


[I'm aware of the difference; have worked in factory with

AU metal; also decades hands-on, metal-smith avocation.]


Own both: a G4 model; sits in same room, & Late 2012

Mac mini i7 server quad-core dual 1TB HDD (also 'Last')

and I've been into both; I know from experience, & facts.


• Identify your Mac mini model - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201894


Last models; milled from solid block of quality aluminum

and electronic isolated from the metal very well inside.


The PPC & first Intel-based Mac mini are "plastic". Open

each to clean and upgrade; be aware of 'plastic vs metal'

materials. Now its metal; clearly in evidence: Machined.


(Anodized, aluminium is not as conductive as you'd think.)


Moot sideline. The M1 within 14-days, could be returned.

And there is suitable warranty path for inspection & repair.



Apr 5, 2021 7:51 AM in response to K Shaffer

Then I call B.S.


Despite how Apple describes it on-line, I own a Late 2104 Mac mini, and if you place the probes of an ohm meter on the case, I have, it is not electrically conductive.


Aluminum is a very good conductor of electricity. Trust me the case may be Aluminum colored, but it is not Aluminum the metal.

Apr 8, 2021 1:07 PM in response to Lanny

An improper grounding on the Neutral wire (of two-wire connector, mac mini aluminum chassis)

has been known to allow a power leakage. To feel static discharge or shock in that instance, is a

likely result. My Late 2012 Mac mini i7 quad-core server (two drives, three macOS) has metal case.


This has been documented, especially where one has poor electrical circuit; or is using 220/240 VAC.

The 'metal bodied' non-poly case, Mac mini as indicated by official spec documentation may see this.


While not recommended, the metal case could be drilled into (but not through the case) and

self-tapping metal screw used; to hold ground strap (premade metal loop on a wire) with this

physically-grounded to electrical panel; or the earth, or indoor plumbing.


If one should have this kind of issue, to self-resolve may include setting up the aluminum Mac mini

where one need seldom touch it; ~ and use 'UPS backup power with automatic power regulation.'


Consider if you are handy with tools, electricity & wires, by creating a ground-wire attachment. This

may be an adapted USB cable; with skill near that of a expert. [Also, try an electric 'choke' or use a

special generic magnet; wrap power cable around this many times; it could reduce shock: radioshack]


• Late 2012 Mac Mini Grounding Issues | MacRumors Forums (metal enclosure)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/l2012-mac-mini-grounding-issues.1542083/


• Audiophile Grounding - mojo audio (pro ideas on How to)

https://www.mojo-audio.com/blog/audiophile-grounding/


• How to ground a Mac | RadioReference Forums

https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/how-to-ground-a-mac.359732/


• USB_Grounding Cable_for Mac Mini (early 'plastic mini' with "Electrical Shock" warning)

http://cappels.org/dproj/USB_Grounding_Cable/USB_Groudning_Cable_For_Mac_Mini.html

[Not for the timid, shown as an outdated example of how to (not) do this unless KSA + trained.]


Mac Mini M1, electric shock when touching it.

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