Can I connect the Mac power adapter with a normal computer cable?

i’m in greece and the CA cable of my mac (with three pin plug) can’t be connected to the power socket of the wall (two holes). Impossible to find adapters here. Can I connect the mac power adapter with a normal computer cable?


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Posted on Sep 8, 2024 7:34 AM

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Posted on Sep 8, 2024 7:41 AM

The Mac has a power supply that can adapt to the voltage provided in your location. All you need to have is some way to connect it to the mains. That can be a plug adapter or a different cable.


The power cable supplied in the U.S. is a grounded three-prong plug. That can be adapted to a simple two-prong plug if need be and it will work, though without the safety feature of a grounded connection.


I assume the "normal computer cable" you reference has a two-prong plug for the outlet and will fit the other end directly to the Mac's power adapter. Yes, this will work.


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Sep 8, 2024 7:41 AM in response to Gabrielecazzola

The Mac has a power supply that can adapt to the voltage provided in your location. All you need to have is some way to connect it to the mains. That can be a plug adapter or a different cable.


The power cable supplied in the U.S. is a grounded three-prong plug. That can be adapted to a simple two-prong plug if need be and it will work, though without the safety feature of a grounded connection.


I assume the "normal computer cable" you reference has a two-prong plug for the outlet and will fit the other end directly to the Mac's power adapter. Yes, this will work.


Sep 8, 2024 3:09 PM in response to Gabrielecazzola

First of all, information about plugs and sockets in Greece can be found here:

https://iectest.iec.ch/world-plugs


If it is an Apple power adapter with a duckhead, it is interesting to note that the Continental Europe (EUR) adapter piece in the World Travel Adapter Kit (About the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit - Apple Support) does not provide a ground/earth connection. For this, a separate extension cable (https://www.apple.com/de/shop/product/MK122D/A/power-adapter-netzteil-verlängerungskabel?) would have to replace the short adapter piece.


It is also interesting to note the design inside the duckhead. It is similar to a standard C7 connector. See also the C7/C8 coupler section in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320.


Complete (molded) C7 connector to type C EUR plug power cords are available for double-insulated equipment (for example, portable radios).

Sep 8, 2024 9:01 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

No, cutting off the ground won't work for him. If he's in Greece, then "two-prong" means a standard EU plug, which is very different from a non-grounded North America plug. I'd try buying a EU plug from Amazon and trying to set the delivery address to the location the OP is staying at.


Probably from Amazon's Germany Store: https://www.amazon.de/s?k=apple+power+cord&crid=3E8Y6IGLPR6WV&sprefix=apple+power+cor%2Caps%2C265&ref=nb_sb_noss_2




Sep 8, 2024 12:55 PM in response to Gabrielecazzola

Which MacBook Pro do you have? Is it a recent one that has USB-C / Thunderbolt ports?


If so, you can charge the MacBook Pro from any USB-C power source that supports USB-C Power Delivery and that can provide a reasonable amount of charging power. It might be easier to buy a local USB-C power brick (which has an appropriate plug for Greek wall outlets) and a USB-C cable that supports charging (look for one rated for at least 100 watts) than to wait for delivery of a EU "duck head" adapter for your Mac's USB-C power brick.


Charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support

Sep 8, 2024 7:48 AM in response to D.I. Johnson



DI, the OP would seem to have a MacBook, this being the forum for those. MacBook power adapters don't use standard AC power cords.


If the OP actually has a desktop Mac, then your advice is of course correct.


Regards.

D.I. Johnson wrote:

I assume the "normal computer cable" you reference has a two-prong plug for the outlet and will fit the other end directly to the Mac's power adapter. Yes, this will work.


Sep 8, 2024 7:46 AM in response to Gabrielecazzola

No. The Mac power supply has a proprietary power cord with its own type of connector to the power supply. If you can't find a suitable socket adapter, you probably would not be able to find a compatible power cord either, but you can try. If would be something like this:



but with the AC connectors appropriate for the power sockets used in Greece.


Regards.



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Can I connect the Mac power adapter with a normal computer cable?

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