Is It safe to charge my MacBook in 20 Volt. with a Chrome USB-C power adapter

I know MacBook can be charged by any USB-C power adapter which follow USB specification.

But I am still worry will 20 Volt. will damage my MacBook if I use it for long time.

Will high voltage charge (likes 20Volt. from Chrome USB-C power adapter) cause heat to broken for shorten life of My Macbook?

MacBook

Posted on Oct 25, 2016 10:17 PM

15 replies

Apr 5, 2017 9:09 AM in response to mikebhm

Just to be completely clear, my discussion with Apple Support was about using the Apple MacBook Pro 87W adapter with the 12" MacBook......not about the Chrome one asked about in the OP, and the thread title.


Both are 20V adapters (which is how I found this thread) but I don't know anything about the Chrome one, e.g. is it USB-PD compliant like the Apple 87W and 29W chargers are?


I have a USB-C 20W third party charger which does not say it is USB-PD compliant and the MacBook will not charge from it all. Nothing happens. This supports what I have read that Apple devices have some built-in protection against against incorrect specs chargers.


Since Apple say that third party chargers which are USB-PD compliant can be used I would expect the Chrome charger to be OK if it is USB-PD compliant, and not to work at all if it is not. But obviously more of a risk than using Apple ones.

Apr 5, 2017 6:43 AM in response to kenofstephen

Sorry to come in this thread late. I have just found it after buying a 87W charger as a spare for use with my 12" MacBook. I didn't get the 29W charger because I see a 15" MBP in my future and thought I would have more versatility.


I have also seen the links Using USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and adapters on your Mac notebook - Apple Support and Find the right power adapter and cord for your Mac notebook - Apple Support where Apple say:


"Power adapters for Mac notebooks are available in 29W, 45W, 60W, 61W, 85W, and 87W varieties. You should use the appropriate wattage power adapter for your Mac notebook. You can use a compatible higher wattage adapter without issue, but it won't make your computer charge faster or operate differently. Lower wattage adapters don't provide enough power."

and

"Your Mac will charge from USB-C power adapters not manufactured by Apple if they adhere to the USB Power Delivery specification".


Both the Apple 87W and 29W are labelled as USB-PD.


As mentioned in one of the KBs I am using the correct 29W cable labelled "C4Mxxxxxxxxx"


The whole flavour of the Apple KB articles implies that using an Apple 87W USB-C charger with a MacBook is OK.


But...I have a Satechi USB-C power meter (http://www.satechi.net/index.php/satechi-type-c-power-meter) and the 87W adapter charges at 19.2V and 1.2A equals 26.9W, and the 29W adapter charges with 15.2V 1.9A equals 29.5W.


This makes me a little nervous, even though the wattage is less and the Apple KBs imply it will be OK.

Nov 3, 2016 10:55 PM in response to kenofstephen

Yes, I wonder why the Apple new 61W USB-C power adapter only provides 5V, 9V and 20V. I haven't seen 14.5V on it. It's strange. It should be have a 14.5V for charging MacBook.

Oct 26, 2016 12:27 AM in response to Community User

Not disagreeing with the principle, Raymond, but I've always tried to use the right items with Apple products.

There is a paragraph at the end of your link which seems to me to be an excuse for Apple to void a warranty.

"Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability."


I guess it all boils down to who is interpreting it for what purpose.

Apr 5, 2017 8:27 AM in response to Csound1

No, it is not a USB device it is a USB-C (PD) device. PD =Power Delivery as used by the latest MacBooks and MacBook Pros. BTW I didn't make it clear that the 87W charger I mentioned is the Apple charger for the 2016 MacBook Pro.


USB standard is indeed 5V, but USB-C (PD) supports up to 100W (20V 5A)


Here is one article about USB-C and Power Delivery:


http://www.st.com/content/ccc/resource/sales_and_marketing/presentation/product_ presentation/group0/5a/b1/8e/6c/2b/0d/46…

Oct 25, 2016 11:50 PM in response to seventy one

Since Apple says "Your MacBook will charge from USB-C power adapters not manufactured by Apple if they adhere to the USB Power Delivery specification." on support website "Using the USB-C port and adapters on your MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) and later - Apple Support" so I thought using non Apple charger which adhere to the USB Power Delivery specification to charge my MacBook won't cause to void the warranty. I don't think to charge faster. I have these 2 adapters and would like to use them one at home and the other one at office. If it is not recommended to use adapter from other manufacturer, then I'd go buying a extra 29W USB-C adapter.

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Is It safe to charge my MacBook in 20 Volt. with a Chrome USB-C power adapter

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