27" iMac electrical shock

I'm getting an electrical shock on the outside aluminum case of my iMac- it is extremely strange and dangerous. This iMac
is a refurbrished one less than a year old. The mac is plugged into a grounded outlet as well. The current is also translating to
any usb device so when I made a move to unplug the hard drive it got shocked as well. How is it that the current is getting translated
to the thunderbolt port and/or any USB device attached. How can the case become electrified??

If it's still under warrany contact Apple immediately and take it back. I'm sure they will replace it. That's not to be messed with.
OT

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Alu iMac electric shock

My first Alu iMac died within a week. I got a replacement from Apple. This new one gives electric shocks when I touch the keyboard or computer. Not all the time, every other few minutes. So I called Apple again. Btw, my first Alu iMac didn't give shocks, it just died completely.
Apple didn't want to replace it (they claim the 2 period is over and they are not willing to be flexible). They advised me to go to a service provider. They also advised using a grounded contact (our house doesn't have grounded contacts everywhere so that is difficult). I said that the first iMac didn't give shocks, so that 'grounded contact' story is not true. Before we have had more (i)Mac's without problems. The guy from the helpdesk was not very helpful, sticking to his procedures.
Are there more users with the same kind of problems who can advise me?
I can probably block my Visa card and have them give my money back. Then it is not my problem anymore, but Apple's.
Thx,
Jan

Apple didn't want to replace it (they claim the 2 period is over and they are not willing to be flexible)
The "2 week limit" applies only to returns of non-defective merchandise. If the product is "Dead On Arrival," you can demand a NEW replacement -- IF you notify AppleCare of the defect within *30 days*. Follow the link below for details:
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html
Of course, if the only "defect" is improper grounding, that's your problem -- not Apple's.
Looby

USB sends electric shock to sound card and speakers. "Boom" anytime it starts/stops/reboot

Since I installed Mountain Lion (july 2012) on my 2009 iMac, my usb ports send an electric shock to my external sound card anytime it starts/stops/reboot.
So my speakers make a sound like "boom" and I'm afraid they will be ruined..how do I control this shocks?
It NEVER happend with Snow Leopard and Lion. iOS always purchased on Mac App Store.

Thank you for the quick reply. Sadly it did not work . I can only choose between 44100 and 48000 hz but with both situations, the problem is still there.
It's most like an USB problem I think, it happens wherever I connect the cable (in any of the 4 ports). I think the Mac sends an electric signal (you can listen the speakers or see the leds in the sound card) to all ports while stopping/starting/waking/rebooting. Actually while starting it happens more than one time.
I would send a video, but I don't know why but my "Insert Video" button is unactive..

Macbook pro electric shocks

Have had my Macbook Pro for just over 12 months and since day 1 - if i use the 3 pin plug i get electric shocks from my Aluminium Unibody, its the same if i fit a European type plug but NOT if i use the long flex lead - i think this is because it has an earth...
So - why is my Mac giving me shocks, and does anyone else have the same issue?
I know its not just my Macbook Pro - i bought my daughter an iMac 21" last month and i was trying to plug a USB printer in to it in the dark and as the USB connector made contact with the aluminium body there were sparks...
anyone else find this?

Its got nothing to do with the electrical outlets.
as an electrical engineer i can catagorically state that there is a fault on all metal bodied Mac's where there is a "Short to Ground" - a electrical leak to the case which is the earth/ground
this doesnt happen when using the long power lead with your DC Converter because the Mac is then earthed.
when you use the short connector or a travel connector (the small clip on power plugs - any region) the moulding is all plastic - there is no earth pin connection (in the long lead the "shoe" to use a photography term - hace a metal sleave to make the connection to earth)
if this was a washing machine or toaster it would have been recalled and you would have got your money back..
the most expensive computers on gods green earth and they will give you a shock at best and at worst - motor nueron disease
and still no comment from Apple.

Static electric shock when hooked up to TV via VGA

I have a 2007 MacBook Pro and have been hooking it up to a new Samsung HDTV via the display output to VGA, as well as the audio out port. I have been streaming video off of Hulu or Netflix and after about 20 minutes of me sitting on the couch away from the computer and TV, I get up to cue the next TV show or change something with the computer and I get an electric shock when I touch the computer.
Any thoughts on what may be causing this? Its not the biggest deal but I don't look forward to it every time that is for sure.
Thanks in advance.

C Rob 44 wrote:
So is the solution just to wait till the seasons change?
Not sure if either one of us would call that a solution, but if it is static, the problem should get less and less as winter wanes and humidity rises (depending on what climate you're in, of course). I can't recall seeing any in the recent past, but there used to be products available claiming to lower static in households. I've never looked into them. I do try to be careful and touch something else grounded before touching my MBP as electronics and stray electrical charges are not a particularly good combination.

HT3939 Hi there I've got an iPhone 5 starting to get electric shocks of fone when I leave it on charge! Can you help me in this matter! Fone is constantly over heating the shock I got off phone really hurt! So please can u get intouch on

Hi there I've got an iPhone 5 starting to get electric shocks of fone when I leave it on charge! Can you help me in this matter! Fone is constantly over heating the shock I got off phone really hurt! So please can u get intouch on
<Edited By Host>

This is a user forum and is not Apple. I would definitely recommend that you stop using your iPhone and take it to be checked.

Electric shocks in iPhone 4 and Macbook Pro

Hi
When I first started using my white 32GB iphone 4 a month ago, I felt very slight electric shocks and static-like feeling and a kind of pins and needles feeling in my hands. I soon either forgot about it or got used to it.
Then 2 weeks ago, I got a new 15" 2011 macbook pro (from Smart Deals on Amazon). When I was using the trackpad, I felt even more electric shocks and pins and needles in my hands and my hair has even started standing on end. When I used the laptop on my lap, it got boiling hot and the pins and needles, electric shocks and static in my body got even worse. Now, when I use my old macbook on my lap I'm even getting the same problem.
I have a carpeted 2nd floor flat and lots of electric devices. As far as I know all of my plug sockets are earthed.
I'm now not sure if the problem is psychological. My cousin held the phone outdoors and agreed that it was giving him shocks.
Could I have developed a static sensitivity since using the phone and the macbook pro?
Maybe I need an electrician to come to the flat or see a doctor.
But seriously, is there likely to be a fault with the macbook pro as this is by far the worst of the causes of the shocks and probably what started all of this? I need to get to the bottom of this quickly so I can decide whether to take back my macbook pro and/or iphone.
Thanks
Steve

Steve,
Someone suggested carpal tunnel syndrome to me as well. But I was able to see an orthopedic surgeon a few weeks ago who ruled that out. I'll see my regular doctor in a week for a yearly checkup. It may be worth getting yourself checked out.
When you went to the Apple store, were you able to test other phones to see whether they would give you shocks? That is one of my next steps. I've entertained the idea that it is mainly me--acute sensitivity to electricity but a recenlty acquired sensitivity. It did not begin until I started using the iphone in June. Before that electronic devices did not give me shocks, and I did not feel pinpricks or burning. My habits have not changed. Someone joked that regular yoga may be making my less blocked nerves more sensitive. That I take with a big grain of salt.
I'll call the nearest store to see if they will let me test other phones out.
Thanks and I'll keep you posted,
Tom

Get Electric Shock While I Touch My PowerBook

I always get electric shock while I touched my powerbook.
Although it is a minor shocks, but it happens frequently.
I go crazy about that.
My parents touch me while I am using it,
they can feel that there is current flow into my body.
They tell me that it is harmful to me.
I bought it with applecare, and it is still under warranty.
I need some expertise advise on how should I deal with my PowerBook.

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
I've found this is most common a problem if you don't use the grounding outlet that came with your power cord. That means you need to use a three prong connector to the wall, instead of a two.
The next most common issue is if you walk across a carpet or wet floor, you will pick up static electricity. It is a good idea to discharge your static electricity before touching the computer by touching a desk or other object connected to the floor.
One time I walked across a wet carpet because of a flood, touched a computer keyboard, and fried the computer with my static electricity.
Message was edited by: a brody

ELeCtrIc SHOCK!!! from connecting my ipod to tv

I bought my Ipod-5th generation (80Gb)about 6 months ago and didn't buy the AV connection kit until a month ago. Just recently, I found that everytime I plug in the AV cable to my TV, there is an elEcTriC SHOCK whenever I touch the back (metal) cover of my Ipod (I hold my ipod on one hand while plugging in the cable). I immediately unplug the cable just in case it will damage my Ipod. However, I didn't give up and I tried a couple of times, ended up having the same problem (getting shocked a couple of times too).
I wonder what's wrong with my Ipod or is it a problem of the AV cable? Should I keep trying until I get immuned by the current shock.
Is anyone having the same problem or knowing what the problem or solution is?
Help is much appreciated.
Thanks
Let me know if there is any further information required.

It's not the iPod and it's not the cable. It's your TV.
In Malaysia, does your AC mains power plug fit in the receptacle one and only one way? If it fits only one way, then the problem that I'm thinking of can not happen. However, *IF you are able to rotate the plug* and insert it differently, try that and see if it helps.
If it's not the power plug, your TV has a serious problem.
+*By the way, DON'T try to use your iPod with the TV until this is resolved!*+
Message was edited by: PhillyPhan

Electric shocks from macbook pro

I have had my MacBook Pro since november and at first wondered, why my fingers would sometimes tingle, when using the touchpad or just resting them on the area besides the touchpad. I though there might be cooling fans underneath this area, and it was vibrations i was feeling.
But after setting up my working space next to a radiator, i get small but painful electric charges, when some part of my arm touches the radiator while using the macbook. That is probably because the radiator is grounded and the tingling from the macbook pro has all along been electric discharges.
I don't know how strong these electric shocks are, as i have very little grounds for comparison - i don't go around experimenting with electricity and pain.
But is there any danger to myself or the computer or is it just harmless static electricity like what occurs when wearing the wrong shoes with the wrong carpet? If this cannot be answered from my description, then how do i gather more information?

As an addendum to this phenomena it has been noticed (on laptops with metal casing) that small electrical shocks and/or tingling can be felt if using the laptop on battery power with mains powered periferal equipment ie external hard drive, plugged into the usb or firewire ports. This is caused by insufficient grounding on the manins powered device and can be rectified by using the laptop with the three-pronged mains lead.
MacBook Pro 15" Mac OS X (10.4.9) 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo

IPod Touch electric shock.

I have an iPod Touch 4G. When I connect the usb to my computer and the 30-pin to my iTouch, it gives me electric shocks. As it is, the iPod Touch 4G has a metal back, and it really conducts the current. Fortunately, i have a rubber case for the back, so it won't hurt me. I removed thee 30-pin and the charge is at the two sides and the top of the pin. Ok, I tried to lick it, there is still the current. But there is no current when I connect the cable to the USB Wall Adapter. Does anyone know why there is so much current?

Since no problem with a wall charger that suggests a problem with the USB port on your computer.

I'm getting faint electric shocks thro my forearms from my mac book pro. Is this normal as its very uncomfortable and tedius?

I'm getting faint electric shocks thro my forearms from my mac book pro. Is this normal as its very uncomfortable and tedius?

Sounds like something is shorting out inside your machine or electricity is coming up through your ground wire.
Do you have a proper ground in your location? Don't open or touch anything with a live current insdie, it can kill you
The ground is that third plug in the socket, there should be a wire attached to that, perhaps green, that follows to the electrical panel and from the electrical panel to a thick cable that goes outside to a rod driven deep into the ground or attached to metal sewer plumbing (although I think this isn't legal anymore)
Some people plug their three prong computer power bricks into two pronged (no ground) extension cords, this is very improper and offers no safety protection.
Sometimes if you have a electrical problem elsewhere in the location, electricity flows back up the ground wire and you feel a slight pain when using your machine with a metal case. This also could be a improperly grounded system. There are ground fault interupters for this you can buy, doesn't let electricty flow backwards, audio people use them to prevent noise coming into their equipment.
The current level the MacBook Pro's use is very low DC current, you shouldn't be feeling anything but it's possible.
Have your electrical system checked out by a electrician, also take the MacBook Pro to a more newer location with power and see if it continues.
If it occurs while on battery, no power attached, then it looks like a MacBook Pro specific issue. Perhaps your battery is swelling.

Satellite Z830-10 - electric shock while charging

I've recently bought a Toshiba Satellite Z830-10 from PC World UK. I'm experience constant electric shock when my wrist touch the laptop body while charging with the adaptor. No problem when it is on battery.
Does anyone having similar problem?
After some research on the internet, there are some report about laptop with metallic casing when the manufacturer supply with 2 pin plug which does not have earthing.
Other company have replaced their problematic laptop with 3 pin plugs for all their customer. My adaptor is indeed with 2 pin plug.
Could the shock by lack of earthing in this case similar to Dell problem?

Hi
I would really recommend contacting the Toshiba authorized service partner in your country to check the parts and to fix this issue.
A friend of mine is an Z830 owner but as far as I know he did not experience any similar issue.

IPhone 4 getting electric shock while charging

Hi I am getting electric shock while charging my iPhone 4

You may have a short in the USB cable or charger, try a different cable if you can. I shocked myself on a frayed iPhone cable and switching it obviously fixed the problem

Current leakage/electric shock while charging

I just own the Macbook Pro Retina Display for a few days and everytime I'm trying to charge it with the supplied charger, the metal casing has feel of electrical shock! I encountered this at all location regardless of power sources, from various countries in hotel and at home.
If I use the power plug adapter that has 3 pins adapter with extension cable, it will eliminate the problem as it has ground contact on the adapter. However, the 3 pins or 2 pins adapter that direct attach to the power adapter without extension cable does not come with ground contact. I would not want to bring the extension cable everywhere.
I approached Genius Bar but was told that it is normal. I couldn't accept the answer as this "normal" condition is greatly impacting Apple product user experience! I'm ok if Apple could replace my 3 pins adapter with a grounded pin and stay with the problem with 2 pins but not asking me to accept the fact that "it is like that, we can't do anything" or a defective product.

Hi Casper-Tech
I am also the owner of the new retina display macbook pro and just few days after the purchase, i realised that it passes me electricity shock whenever I glide my fingers on the aluminium chasis body, especially the metal next to where we plug in out power (below the screen).
This happens when I use the 3 pin plug directly to the magsafe 2 whilts this problem is gone when I use the extension cable.
I have contacted Apple Care and they also said that this EXTREMELY WEIRD phenomenon is normal with the 3 pin plug as there is no grounding on the plug while the extension cable does have it.
I also realised that there is a difference between the 3 pin plug and extension cable, the latter has 0.5 A less fuse compared to the extension cable. Maybe this has caused the leakage of the electric current.
Meanwhile, I just intend to bring the machine and the plug to Apple Service Centre to have it look at and check whether there is a damage on my macbook pro.
If you feel unsatisfied/uncomfortable with this issue, you can get yourself a 3 pin plug with higher fuse rating or you can ask for a refund. That was what the Genius Bar suggested me.
Cheers. I bet there are many people with this problem but they just don't realise it yet.

27" iMac electrical shock

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