Plug Sparks

I have the same "problem" but I've had it with all apple adaptors of this shape.

I don't think it's a malfunction, simply because Apple says it's normal behavior and will refuse to give you a new one.

Read this and scroll down to the end.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302461

But it sure is NOT the best engineering I've seen.

oh if it shocks you that's definitely not normal - or at least it's a legal liability for Apple that they'd rather not deal with - so they might give you a replacement.

However, I think the replacement will also spark anyway...

A shock is not normal. But are you certain that your extension cord is in good shape? I've found that extensions tend to be pretty worn. They lay around on the floor, get stepped on and no one replaces them until they're dangerously worn out.

Not sure what country you're in, but in the US the main power cable for the Macbook is a really thick, high-quality cord that looks like it has a huge amount of insulation and protective rubberized casing. Hard to see how that could give you a shock unless you can actually see damage to the cord.

Hey Scott,

Sparking happens, and is highly dependent on your home outlet. In my house, I never get a spark. But when I plug it in in Latin America or Europe, it sparks like crazy. I even get an arch. This has to do with the adaptor's amazing ability to withstand shorts and adjut to different voltages. I've run my PB in Inida where the lights go dim and very bright all the time, and haven't had a problem. (Of course, you should normally have a surge protector just in case.)

2 days ago, looking at my magsafe "plug" I noticed a black smoke stain. Looking closely, I could see that one of the pins was starting to corode from an electric arc. I have taken some pictures, I wish I could post them here. On the computer side, there is no damage at all, no sign of sparks, or heat. For that reason, I suspect that the problem happened while the computer was not plugged in. The pins of the adapter may have come in contact with a metal object and an electric arc may have resulted. Fortunately, a local MAC repair shop replaced the adapter which was still under waranty. I suspect that other much more serious problems may have started the same way: The magsafe plug arcs when coming in contact with a metalic object, the pins are corroded, and no longer make a clean contact when pgged into the computer = sparks = heat = serious melting problems.

Apple state that you should only experience sparks between ac adapter and wall, if you experience a spark between the notebook and power cord then definately speak to an AASP.

if it still happens, then ask them to either replace the computer or fix it



telling them that you got shocked by it might get them to baby you till you are a happy puppy

Sparks are bad. Something is wrong if you are seeing sparks.

Call Apple.

(44) 0870 876 0753