I'm experiencing tingling or electric shock like on MacBook Pro

Hello,

The issue is most likely the 2 pin AC adapter. Even I had the same issue with my MacBook Pro 16inch 2019 even when I just unboxed it and was brand new. I had the 3-pin extension cable that apple used to provide with the older MacBook Pros and connected that and it was perfectly alright. So, its a grounding issue and it needs to have a 3-Pin AC cable.

If the current comes even when using a 3-Pin cable the AC power socket is problematic and the grounding wire needs to checked and connected properly.

The solution is using an 3-Pin AC adapter.

Hope this helps you and resolves this issue.

Cheers!

The power adapter extension cable to test the idea

of a factory solution, which I've used more than a

decade. Have several these; fits Apple AC adapters:

• Power Adapter Extension Cable - Apple ($19)

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK122LL/A/power-adapter-extension-cable

• Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable White MK122LL/A - Best Buy ($19)

(*) Apple Service Part: 1.8 Meter (72") Apple Genuine AC Power Cable -

Good/Excellent Condition, 'Unused, Bulk Packaged' - OWC *only $5.75 (US)

Mfr P/N: APLPWRCBLMSAB | OWC SKU: APLPWRCBLMSAB

• Apple Power Cables from Macsales | OWC

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/accessories/cables/apple-power-cables

OWC affiliates: https://www.owcdigital.com/reseller/resellers

The power adapter has only two conductors to the MacBook.

At least the US version of the "duck-head" adapter does not enforce "which way around" for the two input leads. (US standard wall plug is two parallel flat blades of approximately the same size.) You could plug it in either way.

If you are interested in more experiments, I would love to hear the result of reversing the leads by plugging the duck-head version in the "other way around". ¿Are you still getting 50 Volts AC, or does it quiet down to something reasonable?

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

¿ But what happens when you flip it over and thereby reverse Hot and Neutral?

Exactly! Great simple test.

If the duckhead adapter has the issue, then the wiring at the location is problematic (maybe even the power/surge strip). The duckhead adapter should work fine if the building wiring and any power/surge strips are properly wired and functioning.

Of course if you are connecting other powered devices to this laptop, then are those devices connected to the same electrical circuit? If not, then that may be the source of the problem. Either one of those devices has a ground or other electrical issue, or it is the difference between two different electrical circuits of the building's wiring.

I detest the duckhead adapters as I find they are easily damaged, wear out and are bent too easily which can cause arcing or burning at the pivot point plus the weight of the charger tends to cause the charger to pull loose from the electrical outlet especially on a power strip. I always opt for the AC cord as it also gives extra length to the charger from the electrical outlet.

Specifications from the Apple 61W (USB-C) to 87W power adapter

and other Apple adapters all show an official Output in DC voltage.

You need to consider replacement of the power supply because

that may be a knock-off; and have your MacBook taken in and

troubleshooted & tested which could explain the odd voltage

and excessive power leakage.

Those are supposed to be auto-switching; and in normal usage

not have reason to Output 50V AC ever. The specs are published.

Here's example of spec sheet; adapter outputs are DC accordingly.

A slightly older 85W MacBook Pro charger explains how they auto-

switch 'transformer output.' This aspect has not changed all that much:

http://www.righto.com/2015/11/macbook-charger-teardown-surprising.html

The appropriate way to deal with YOUR power adapter is to make an appointment for an In-person check at an Apple Store, if available in your area, or to send it in for repair at a depot.

If checked properly, in person, rather than "that sounds fine" -- that defective power adapter would be replaced. If your MacBook is still under warranty, it would be replaced for free.

Whether there are NO others like yours or up to 20 million like yours has no bearing on whether yours is defective.

Yours would certainly NOT pass UL or CE standards, even if 50 Volts AC may be considered "not life threatening".

Use a grounded adapter/charging brick/chord.

The US$20 accessory grounded power cord conducts Earth/Ground all the way through to the power adapter:

.

Roomboom wrote:

Yes sure, this is what I did using an old 3 pin adapter cable.

so I fixed my issue myself.

But Apple has an issue that is not fixed....

I think the issue is more likely a building grounding issue.

But if you think it is an Apple issue:

Product Feedback - Apple

The laptop and the adapter are fine at the time of manufacturer. As long as the home wiring is correct and up to code you should not experience any problems. If the home wiring is not correct, then you will get this type of problem with any electrical device (some you may notice more than others). Of course the home wiring may be Ok, but the surge strip may be defective. Keep in mind if the home wiring has issues, then all of your two wire devices in the home are at the exact same risk. Plus all your devices and appliances may at risk of damage even when using a grounded cord.

It is up to the homeowner to make sure the home wiring is Ok. You can try checking the home wiring with a simple tool such as this one, but if you suspect an electrical issue having a certified electrician examine the home electrical wiring is highly recommended because an improperly wired house can be dangerous.

https://www.amazon.com/Receptacle-Tester-Klein-Tools-RT210/dp/B01AKX8L0M

Of course there is always a chance your laptop or charger actually has the problem. In that case you need to have Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider examine the laptop for you and repair it if they determine the laptop or charger is at fault.

Roomboom wrote:

thanks but have you ever heard of customer experience ?

I DID contact apple support sent them the video - that sound "appropriate" to me. You know their answer. Why should I take the main of going to an apple store ? to get the same reply ? Apple already very formally explained to me that they just don't care about this.

I do not mean to make the work instead of apple and to lose any more time, just notifying and warning people around that this AC adaptor and computer design has a safety issue. 50 V AC is the threshold of electrical danger, and the red light on my meter lights up as you see in the video.

There are millions of Macs in use across the globe. If this was a systemic safety issue Apple or the countries involved would have issued a safety recall. You, and yes some others, are experiencing a local issue due to a power brick failure or building grounding issue. Stop using your Mac and take it to an authorized service center for inspection to rule out a computer/power adapter problem. This sounds like a simple troubleshooting step that needs to be performed before accusing Apple of selling a systemically unsafe product. If millions or even thousands or hundreds of people were experiencing your issue news outlets across the world would be covering the story. Perform the simple action of getting the computer inspected if you are having this issue.

Take your computer to an authorized service center for inspection.

If I was a guessing person I would guess that you wave a wiring issue, improper ground, with the outlet where this occurs.