You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Electrostatic sensations from the case of new MacBookPro with new MagSafe

Just opened a new MacBookPro 15". When the MagSafe power adapter is plugged in, I feel electrostatic sensations (like static electricity) as my hand glides over the surface. These sensations are pronounced, but disappear when:

1. My other hand simply touches the Mac anywhere and simultaneously, and/or

2. The power adapter is removed to pulled from the AC or

3. The original style MacSafe power adapter is used.

It's not polarity nor the AC of my residence, as I've tried this in other environments.

Those of you with the mid-2012 MacBookPro with HiRes Display please plug in your MagSafe adapter so the battery is charging and try this: With only one hand (preferably the side of your hand near your baby finger), rub over the top surface anywhere. Then try the same thing with the MagSafe removed. Then put the MagSafe back in so the charging light appears, and rub the surface again using only one hand. If you feel the static-like sensations, continue doing that but simultaneously touch the computer with your other hand.

Do you experience the issue described above ? Unclear if it's my Mac and/or the MagSafe.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3821358?answerId=18097872022#18097872022

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 7, 2012 12:03 PM

33 replies

Feb 20, 2014 9:40 AM in response to joaofribeiro

It is indeed annoying. For whatever the reason(s), these electrostatic sensations in my MacBookPro has reduced since purchase.

ammoun

Level 1

26 points

Aug 9, 2016 11:46 PM in response to MacPcConsultant

Well, it is now mid-2016 and I was suffering from this static issue until 25 minutes ago. People will always get to this problem, regardless of time

If I am barefoot I feel the static, if I wear my Crocks (or anything completely insulating) I feel nothing; which means an electric earthing problem.

Do not be fooled by the output voltage of an inverter (charger), all electric appliances need earthing. Small chargers usually do not because we will not feel the small static, but it will be there.

I replaced the small "UK-converter-head" I had attached to the MagSafe which is supposed to be 3-prongs but is actually a two-pronged connector, I am not sure if it came in the box or I got it from somewhere else and it does not allow for the earth connection that exists on the MagSafe, look at the edge of the sliding guide on the MagSafe you will see the earth connector, i replaced that with the original real 3-pronged cable / MagSafe connector which allows earthing of the MagSafe and all is good now.

It is a simple earthing issue.

By the way the US and AUS "converter-heads" also do not provide earthing either.

This is an oversight of Apple, all the plastic converter-heads should be real 3-progned (Hot/Neutral/Earth) and pass through the earthing.

Safe computing everyone ;-)

Mar 17, 2017 12:07 PM in response to MacPcConsultant

Thank you

Electrostatic sensations from the case of new MacBookPro with new MagSafe