Leaving charger plugged in-good or bad idea?

Question

Leaving charger plugged in-good or bad idea?

While the MagSafe connector is really nice, it leads me to ask whether it's wise (or safe) to leave the charger plugged in continuously, as it does get warm. I've looked but cannot find any information on power draw when charger is connected vs unconnected to the MacBook.

Does anyone know the recommendation for leaving plugged or unplugging a charger by a knowledgable source who knows how these devices are engineered?

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2GB Apple RAM

Posted on Jan 7, 2007 6:36 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 7, 2007 7:09 AM in response to Alton Brantley

There is a note--somewhere in the Apple Support site--that says something like "To prolong life of your battery, it is recommended that you disconnect the plug once the battery is fully charged"

Not sure where this is, but I believe there is a basic Battery Life page describing all this.

Search for it. Good luck.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2007 7:28 AM in response to George Fox1

Thanks for your reply. I know that the battery should not be continuously being charged. That was not my question.

After I charge the battery, and then disconnect the MagSafe connector, should I remove the power adapter from the wall?

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Answer 3

Jan 7, 2007 7:10 PM in response to Alton Brantley

I now have further information.

After charging, the power adapter is warm to hot.

After running with power connected, the power adapter is warm to hot.

After disconnecting the MagSafe connector (and letting time pass), the power adapter(while still plugged into the wall) is cool to the touch.

I am therefore concluding that there is some active circuitry in the power adapter that senses (or responds to) the MagSafe connector being engaged, and that reduces the power draw and heat deterioration of the power adapter.

As always, an answer from an authoritative source would be nice.

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2GB Apple RAM

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