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I have a new 16 inch MacBook Pro which tingles to the touch of my fingers when the battery charger is plugged in. Is this normal? Is this dangerous? I think it is causing the keyboard to short out.
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.6
it is not normal, but we have seen it reported here before.
It is not dangerous.
NB>> If your keyboard is also malfunctioning, that is NOT likely to be the same issue at all.
if there is a modest fault, it is likely in the power adapter, because voltages higher than 20 volts DC are, by design, NOT transferred across the interface. The tingling you feel is not at dangerous levels.
If you wish, you can present your computer and power adapter and all cords at an appointment at the genius bar at an Apple-owned store, and they will evaluate all. if you only have access to Apple-Authorized Service providers, they are free to charge you an "evaluation fee" (to keep you from using up their expensive technician-time for frivolous issues.) You can sometimes demand a refund if anyone (you or Apple-warranty) pays for a Repair that might cover the technician-time.
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As a work-around, you can very often switch to using a Grounded/Earthed three-pronged input on your power adapter to obtain relief. That additional Ground dumps the excess charge to Ground and everything operates as usual, but without the tingling. Apple sells a three-prong extension cord that can be used for this purpose, about US$20.
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it is not normal, but we have seen it reported here before.
It is not dangerous.
NB>> If your keyboard is also malfunctioning, that is NOT likely to be the same issue at all.
if there is a modest fault, it is likely in the power adapter, because voltages higher than 20 volts DC are, by design, NOT transferred across the interface. The tingling you feel is not at dangerous levels.
If you wish, you can present your computer and power adapter and all cords at an appointment at the genius bar at an Apple-owned store, and they will evaluate all. if you only have access to Apple-Authorized Service providers, they are free to charge you an "evaluation fee" (to keep you from using up their expensive technician-time for frivolous issues.) You can sometimes demand a refund if anyone (you or Apple-warranty) pays for a Repair that might cover the technician-time.
-------
As a work-around, you can very often switch to using a Grounded/Earthed three-pronged input on your power adapter to obtain relief. That additional Ground dumps the excess charge to Ground and everything operates as usual, but without the tingling. Apple sells a three-prong extension cord that can be used for this purpose, about US$20.
...
Dear Grant,
thank you so much for your most helpful reply!
Fortunately, I still had the charger from my previous MacBook Pro with a 3 pin plug and cord on it, so I swapped out the 2 pin plug that came with my new one and the tingling seems to have vanished. Likewise, I tried my previous MacBook (2015 15" pro) with the two pin plug and the problem appeared for the first time on that MacBook! Unbelievable!
The question now is why did Apple ship me a refurbished MacBook Pro M1 with the wrong plug?, or maybe even charger for my country? (New Zealand). Do you know what country they are refurbished in?
One thing I have decided is I will never purchase an Apple refurbished product again. To save a few hundred dollars it has't been worth the stress/grief.
I have already spent 4 hours on the phone being passed around by Apple Support about the keyboard issue. Terrible way to spend a Friday afternoon. However, I have updated the M1 to Sonoma over the weekend as advised and as I am typing this message to you my typing is much improved. In fact, except for when I first sat down, it's been perfect, so I am feeling confident enough with this machine to log into work again.
Thanks again Grant!, it was really decent of you to take the time to help me out with this problem. Really had me down!
Best wishes,
Carlos
No one deliberately set you the 'wrong' charger. If one developed the Tingling issue, it is a small failure inside the power adapter. If that computer is still under warranty, you can ask for a replacement under warranty.
The power adapter warranty travels with the computer warranty -- Apple does not track serial numbers of power adapters separately. You must present ALL your computer items, computer, power adapter, and charging cables at a service appointment. If you have an Apple store available, your appointment is free.
I have a new 16 inch MacBook Pro which tingles to the touch of my fingertips when the battery charger is plugged in.
