Hi guys, I'm really concerned about this:
Is this normal?
When I plug my brand new iMac 2011 to the house power outlet it produces an spark? I am worried because the AC plug blades are becoming a little fried (some little black marks and dents after every spark as if it's being chopped off by the electricity). Is this normal?
Note: I'm on 220V
Thanks for your advice,
Peter
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2), Safari 5.1.1
Try using a surge protector between the wall outlet and your iMac. Don't plug the iMac directly into the wall outlet.
It's not abnormal. Happens if you plug/unplug at the back of the machine, too. It's been that way for a long time.
Reason - even when the machine is turned off, it draws a small amount of current to maintain the PRAM and clock chips (the battery is used only when live power is not available). Thus, there is a live circuit being connected, much the same as when you plug in a lamp whose switch was left in the 'on' position, although the current draw by the 'off' Mac is considerably less than the 'on' lamp would draw.
If you are concerned about that, you can interpose a power strip (plug the strip into the wall and the Mac into the strip). You can then use the switch on the power strip to cut the power before unplugging the Mac's power cord. The power strip can also incorporate a surge suppressor function, as Eric suggests.
Dear Mr. Archibald,
Thanks for your reply, it is very helpful. However, i am still worried:
Those sparks are going to damage my iMac?
Is it worth it to get a new power cable? or should i ignore the small dents on the plug's ac blades?
Thanks for your help!
Peter
Outlet spark while plugging iMac?
