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Ask HN: Anyone getting a mild shock from the chassis of their 2018 MacBook Pro?

3 points by cyberferret ↗ HN
I purchased one of the latest MacBook Pros online in November 2018, and noticed a strange problem with it. When it is plugged in to a wall socket, whenever I touch or run my finger along any of the metal casing/chassis, I can feel a slight electrical charge tingling my fingers. It is a bit like those toy prank guns etc. that send a little jolt up your hand when you press the trigger, or what you get when you touch one of those electric fly swats - only a lot milder.

The problem goes completely away when it is running on battery. As I don't know anyone else who has one locally, I can't verify it by checking someone else's MBP. I also live thousands of miles from an Apple Store and cannot go in to get it checked.

Is this a common thing with the new MBPs, or do I have a faulty unit (or faulty power pack)?

5 comments

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pinewurst
They've been like that for years, not just the newest ones. It's a grounding thing - if you can use the three prong plug instead of the two prong, it should be better.
tlb
There's probably a fault in your power adapter. You should replace it before it really zaps you.
crispinb
I used to get this from my 2013 MBP when I used it without the extension cord (which at least in Australia is earthed). For some reason the extensionless plug didn't have a connection to the power supply's earth. It was a bit disconcerting, but never caused me an actual problem.
the_arun
Also depends - in which country you are using it. If you are using this in India/240V this has been there for ages.