MacBook Air M5 - Max Power Draw from Outlet (Excluding Battery Charging)

I understand what you are seeking, and details will be difficult to obtain since Apple does not publish them for the conditions you describe. To cite an example though, if you were to choose Apple's 140W USB-C Power Adapter I happen to know that one is rated for 100 - 240 VAC and 2A.

The theoretical maximum power will be a function of the power adapter, not the Mac, and you may use any power adapter that can supply 70W or more. Apple's 70W USC-C Power Adapter's nameplate is similar to the 140W model and is rated for 1.8A.

Apple's power adapter efficiencies are all very approximately 87%. If it matters to you, you won't approach anything near 400 W. It will be closer to 100 W. I don't believe battery fully charged vs. charging will account for an appreciable difference.

If it does make a difference to you though, I will make an effort to measure and report what mine draws. Let me know. Of course I don't expect to see, nor will I probably be able to simulate anything near the maximum possible power draw.

That's not correct. If a 70W power adapter is 86% efficient it means that the input power will be 81.4W and the output power will be 86% of that - i.e. 70W. The 16W difference between input and output is heat - which is why adapters get warm.

The 70W example you cite is max power. Apple devices manage the power they draw from the PSU. For fast battery charging the initial power consumption might well be 70W but the overall average will be lower.

Even the 70W model is only required for "fast" charging — a need that is likely to be seldom: Fast charge your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro - Apple Support. Again, more than adequate.

Higher capacity power adapters be used also, but they won't charge any faster. Conversely, lower capacity adapters can be used, but they won't charge your Mac as quickly. The only advantage of a lower capacity power adapter is they are smaller and slightly less expensive.

It's obviously a good idea to have more than just one power adapter.

I've been following this discussion and I have to ask what the issue really is and why the concern? Mac power adapters are designed to work and do so without problem. From the original post and the level of concern, I have to wonder why the OP is so concerned about the power adapter rather than being concerned about only 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. FWIW, I would not buy a computer today with less than 32GB RAM and at least 1TB storage.

Zurarczurx is correct. Apple isn't trying to pull one over on us. Their 70W power adapter will really, really deliver 70W. Non-Apple power adapters, who knows, but suffice it to say don't use them. Knockoff adapters are extremely common, and take design shortcuts that can literally be lethal.

I take smaller adapters along on trips. Bulkier, heavier ones remain in offices or wherever the Macs are likely to stay put for a while.

I've been following this discussion and I have to ask what the issue really is and why the concern?

I was thinking perhaps concerns regarding portable power sources — RVs, campers, solar power sources etc.

@Bob: OP says size and weight, but I sort of agree with you about the power adapter. Apple gives enough info about fast charging times to allow the OP to trade off power and size/weight. I could live with the RAM for my usage but I agree with you about the HD; 512GB isn't much and even 1TB is starting to look small these days.

John Galt wrote:

I've been following this discussion and I have to ask what the issue really is and why the concern?

I was thinking perhaps concerns regarding portable power sources — RVs, campers, solar power sources etc.

Could be. That never even crossed my mind. But even if this was the case, is it worth worrying about? I've used my Mac in many environments worldwide with and without external power and I've never thought about what is being discussed here. Am I overlooking something and should I be concerned about this next time I buy a Mac?

Oh heck yes. More than enough.

Hahaha no. I was prepared for a challenging question. This one wasn't that.