AC Adaptor prongs

I have had my current AC adaptor for 11 months. Since the adaptor seems prone to overheat if it remains connected to the power outlet, I disconnect the AC adaptor when it's not in use.
About 2 weeks ago, when I unplugged the adaptor, one of the adaptor prongs came off. I shrugged and put the prong back on the adaptor. About a week ago, when I unplugged the adaptor again, both adaptor prongs remained in the socket when I disconnected the adaptor. I shrugged again, removed the AC prongs from the socket, and reattached them to the AC adaptor.
Is this a) normal, b) at all dangerous to the continuing operation of my iBook, c) something I should attend to before I depart for Japan in the next 10 days.
Thank you for your comments.
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

globophobe, Welcome to the discussion area!
Are you talking about the entire section circled in the picture below?
That part (including the metal plugs) is designed to slide off so that you can attach the longer power cord to the block. Try unplugging it by pulling the charger straight out of the wall plug. You may be sliding it down while you are unplugging it.
The metal prongs by themselves shouldn't come out.

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2 fried power adapters

A while ago, within a one-week period, I had two power adapters get fried while plugged in to a particular outlet in my home. The second time, it was connected through a surge suppressor when it got fried. I've since been avoiding that outlet like the plague, although I had used it for several months without problems before the frying incidents.
Should I be concerned about this outlet? Any ideas? I know this is a bit non-Mac-related, but it is concerning to my PowerBook G4's latest power adapter.

Thomas,
I had the same problem here in Singapore. This was after a lightning storm. The surge protector on my power block blew and shorted the a/c adaptor. I noticed an acrid burnt smell and discovered that the pins were "charred". I duly checked the fuse on the interchangeable plastic bit with the adaptor prongs and found it was blown. I changed the fuse and plugged it in and the fuse blew again.
I eventually traced the problem to the a/c adaptor after replacing fuses on all the plugs and the burnt diode on the power block. Chalk up one "killed" a/c adaptor. But it's the first time it's happened to me.
I'm not sure if the US plugs have a fuse, but here in Singapore, we use the UK standard 3-pin 13-amp plugs. I've had power cords come in from the US with fuses in them, so I'm thinking the a/c adaptor cords are also fused.
If all these fail, then the problem would most likely be the grounding in the wall socket itself. You might want to get an electrician in to check.
I hope this proves helpful to your dilemma.
Regards
Nicholas

MacBook Pro Al case electrical tingling using 2-prong adaptor on charger

MacBook Pro Aluminum case electrical tingling when using 2-prong adaptor on charger
This applies to the new (late 2008) MacBook Pro with the aluminum unibody enclosure
I've seen several people report this problem, but also I've seen threads about this problem wrongly conflated with other problems. The other threads include:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=440564
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1757399
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1798538
This thread is specifically about the problem typified as follows:
- This is an electrical tingling. It is not a painful shock or zap. It is most noticeable when brushing against the aluminum surface of the Mac.
- This only occurs when plugged in using the 2-prong adaptor, not when using the 3 prong, not when running on battery (not plugged in).
- It does not always occur. It seems to happen when plugged in with the 2-prong adaptor for an extended period like overnight.
- This is not a physical vibration, and has no audible component.
- I have verified that the outlet is wired properly: correct polarity, effective grounding, correct voltage, neutral does not appear to be floating
Here is my story of trying to get this fixed so far:
1. Call #1 to Apple Support
- They told me they had never heard of this problem before
- They said I should reset the SMC (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411). This strikes me as a simple if-all-else-fails-reboot solution. Not sure how a firmware reset will affect a hardware problem
- They then said they have seen this problem before and it is caused by faulty wiring. (yes, contradicts the first statement). This too seems like a cop out. I'll have to check it out though.
2. Call #2 to Apple Support
- "It says here you are hearing some sort of vibration" (aaaaaarg....no!)
- We recommend using the 3 prong adaptor
- You should bring in the machine to an Apple store to be fixed. Yes this is a known problem and we have a solution. I made an appointment to bring it in.
- I asked for a reference for this known problem and was told "CP 191"
3. Trip to see the "genius" at the Apple Store
- The genius starts out by telling me, " Sure, I've heard of other Macs doing this. I once had an old MacBook that did this."
- He then goes in the back with the machine to "test it"
- He comes out and says he was unable to duplicate the problem. This is not a surprise since it takes hours for it to manifest.
- He then proceeds to tell me that when it is ungrounded (such as using the 3 prong), then this is expected.
I am stunned. Thereafter ensues a long conversation of him trying to convince me that it is not a defect that this laptop, when used with factory supplied 2-prong adaptor, exhibits an electrical charge shocking the user. Some of his arguments:
- it's a complicated piece of power using machinery, like a car. To which I replied that if I had a car that shocked me when I tuned the radio, I would demand it be fixed.
- I asked him for Apple documentation that states that this is the expected behavior. All he could produce was documentation recommending that 3 prong adaptor be used when possible.
- He told me that all laptops are grounded through their cases. I said fine, but a properly functioning laptop would not need to shed excess voltage such that the user can feel it.
- It's just static electricity that builds up on this case
- You can place a shield or protector over the aluminum palm rest.
He told me that since we were past the 14 day window, he could not replace the laptop. I asked if it made a difference that the ticket was opened in the first 14 days and he said no. I asked if I could get just a replacement power brick to see if that made a difference. He replied that they did not have those parts available.
After arguing for over an hour, and it being clear that I was not going to just leave, he finally brought the manager over. She asked what I wanted and I reiterated that all I wanted was for the laptop to be repaired or replaced. She agreed to replace it, but...
- Since it was bought online it would need to be sent back (could not be replaced in the store). It would take 7-10 days
- They would not assist in any way in backing up or transferring the data. We would lose everything n the drive (as it was being replaced). I could not keep the old drive and just send the computer back
- The new one might also exhibit the problem. One of geniuses volunteered that he was sure it would. (IMO, if true, this simply means that the model is defectively designed)
story to be continued.....

Unfortunately, I went through the same thing. I do believe my issue was different, though (vibration).
I received contradictory information from 4 or 5 Apple reps over the phone, the Apple retail store refused to repair/replace the machine, and I was told that I may have to pay for labour if I took it to a reseller (obviously incorrect). In the end, I just returned the **** thing and bought a Macbook in-store. With the money I saved, I'm going to build a desktop PC with twice the power.
In my opinion, the service was much worse than the defective machine. I came very close to not buying another mac...

Power Adaptor-2 vs 3 Prong

Does anyone know why the macbook pro power adaptor has 2 prongs that directly go into it but the extension cord that comes with it has three prongs, an added one for grounding. Why can't the extra cord be 2 prong? It would be so useful because lots of the old outlets in my home only have 2 prong!
2 prong~ fits directly into power brick and fits in all U.S. outlets
3 prong~ extra grounding prong....doesn't fit in all outlets; especially older ones!
Someone please explain WHY!!

Hardware stores sell adapter that have two blades for the wall and an extra loop that is supposed to be secured to the receptable assembly by a metal screw (that make the house ground). On the other side it lookes like a 2-blade_prong.
Or upgrade the wiring in your house. There is a reason electical code went from knob-and-tube in the 20s and pull-block 5 amp fuses but now requires even GFCI within 5 ft of water with 12 gauge wire in the walls instead of the 14 gauge that was allowed 10 years ago.

The Power Adaptor's Prongs

Okay, I just bought the power adaptor you plug into the wall and then use it to power up your iPod (mine is iPod nano 4GB White English). The thing is, the "prongs" you snap out do not snap out all the way-about 45 degrees.
Now, I may be too paranoid, and not pushing hard enough, but I pushed pretty hard, and they stayed put (I do not want to break this expensive thing!).
Any tips, telling me I should just push, et cetera?
Thanks in advance.

Okay, I just bought the power adaptor you plug into
the wall and then use it to power up your iPod (mine
is iPod nano 4GB White English). The thing is, the
"prongs" you snap out do not snap out all the
way-about 45 degrees.
Now, I may be too paranoid, and not pushing hard
enough, but I pushed pretty hard, and they stayed put
(I do not want to break this expensive thing!).
Any tips, telling me I should just push, et cetera?
Thanks in advance.
Never mind, it was paranoia, I found out long ago. Just posting to make sure none of you get all excited.

Does anybody know if it is ok to use a standard travel adaptor with macbook magsafe 85w power supply?

I am moving to New Zealand and want to take my macbook pro with me.
I have a Magsafe 85w power supply.
I am aware of the apple travel kit.
Do i need to purchase this, or is a standard travel adaptor safe?
Do i need a lower watt magsafe power supply?
Should i get a grounded 3 prong adaptor rather than the ungrounded 2 prong adaptor that comes with the apple travel kit? Particularly with long term use.
Thank you all!

The item that is crucial is the connector to the AC outlet. The power adapter will work from 100 to 240 volts.
Ciao.
A grounded plug is always preferable.
Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

Travel adaptor for Macbook with magsafe connector?

Has anyone found anyone that sells a aircraft travel adaptor for the Macbook?
Kensington do one for the old iBook but a magsafe connector version has not appeared.
Hopefully this is not becasue Apple have patented the design of the magsafe connector and are not letting anyone else produce them.
If this is indeed the case, and Apple don't produce their own travel adapter, I will be quite cross as the whole point of having a laptop is so you can take it with you when you are travelling.
If the voltages for the iBook are the same as the Macbook how about producing an iBook to Magsafe adapter so we can use the 3rd party travel adapters?

I just checked and the prongs on my MB adapter are exactly the same as the ones on my iPod power adapter. They should work just fine.
From a manufacturing standpoint, it makes no sense to have two different products for the same exact job.

New Macbook 3 pronged ac power cord

I just had my ac adaptor replaced under warranty. They sent me a 3 pronged power cord. Is this correct and they are just using a grounded cable now?

As far as I know, Apple includes 3-prong extension cables as well as the standard two-prong snap-in module in the box with all their new laptops. I got a 3-prong cable with my circa 2005 iBook G4 1.42, and I believe the ground pin connects to the metal "button" on the power supply.
Back in 2002, my iBook G3 600 shipped with a 2-prong extension cable. The "button" that the module snapped into was plastic.

'Three Prong' (Earthed) UK Mag Safe Adapter Query

Hey guys and gals,
I recently purchased a MacBook Pro and was quick to find out that when using the MagSafe adapter with the UK adapter (the one that fits directly into the 'brick', not the one that has a cable that fits into the 'brick'.) it causes static build up - I understand this is because the cable is earthed by featuring metallic contacts on the groove that slides over the pin on the power block.
However, I often don't require the long cable and was wondering if there are any third party adapters that are simply the plug but do feature this extra contact for earthing?

This has been a "characteristic" of Apple notebooks since at least the first Alu Powerbooks, gerkers. I ran into it myself while working , with the "three prong" cord attached to a PB12" 867MHz model, while staying in some units in outback Queensland that clearly had faulty earth wiring, and I've also experienced it using the two prong "duck head" adaptor. I've even noticed it on a polycarbonate "iBook" when touching a screw that went into its metal chassis. So it has been around for many , many years, and I've yet to hear of anyone being genuinely injured by it. I've always wondered myself, as you do, though, why Apple don't simply provide a three prong earthed duckhead adaptor , rather than the two pronged one. At least in places with no earth problems it would prevent any concern or discomfort.
You will find a thread about it containing an extensive discussion of the likely causes at http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10640713#10640713
Cheers
Rod

RECALL- iPhone 3g adaptor

Apple announced the Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange program because of the following:
"Apple has determined that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter's metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating a risk of electric shock. We have received reports of detached blades involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported."
For all the information go to http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/
This includes iPhone 3Gs sold in the U.S. You can exchange your adaptor at an Apple retail store or via the web starting Oct 10. Shipping may take 3 weeks, so just take a trip to the mall.
For all the info straight from the source go to
http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/
Thanks again Apple. For wasting our time.

How does this waste your time? Go on the internet, fill out the information they will send you a new one, you send yours back. How long can it take?
This was actually sort of a blast from the past for me, when I grew up prongs being left in the socket occurred pretty frequently hence you spent a significant amount of time replacing cords on lamps, televisions, etc.
So I'm assuming if you had a MacBook Pro you reacted the same way regarding the battery?

Im going in europe , can i use my canadian ipad with an adaptor for the 220

i'm going to Spain tonight
i bought an adaptor to the 220
can i use my ipad on it
my ipad is on 110 volts

Electrically there is no problem at all. If you can read the printing on the charger (good luck!), you'll see that it works with 100-240V, 50/60Hz. However, you will probably need a mechanical adapter so that the prongs fit into the receptacle.Apple has a travel kit that's ideal but there may also be less expensive solutions.

Do both of Apple Store's iPod power adaptors work with the new Touch 2G?

Hi,
Many thanks in advance for your attention.
Looking to to get an Apple USB power adaptor for the iPod Touch 2G.
In the Apple Store, two are listed, one smaller (and newer) than the other. In the newer one, the prongs are not retractable; in the larger (older) one, they are.
1. Does anyone know if the larger (and older) power adaptor works with the iPod Touch 2G USB-only interface?
2. I know that many power adaptors and speakers and car adaptor sets, etc. in the past had a combo Firewire/ USB power interface. That is why the new iPod Touch 2G (or iPhone 3G) does not charge up or power up with these speakers and chargers, etc. (Speakers such as the original Bose Sound Dock).
3. Is it true that the older (larger) power adaptor works better in all kinds of power situations (different outlets, etc. in different countries); that the older (larger) power adaptor is more travel-versatile? The Apple store perhaps notes a difference, noting that the newer power adaptor works only with USA-style outlets. I see no such note with the older adaptor.
4. Finally, does anyone know of a USB-only interface that would work with the iPod Touch 2G that is not Apple's (and perhaps not as insanely priced)?

Many thanks for further clarifying.
I don't know 100% for sure that the Apple USB cable for the iPod Touch is different than the Apple USB cable for the iPod Touch 2G.
But:
I have read (somewhere) that the tiny pin connectors are different. That is why an iPod Touch 1G could be charged by (for example) a Logitech mm50 Speaker set and an iPod Touch 2G cannot.
An iPod Touch 2G can still connect to the Logitech mm50 Speaker set. It will still play and you will hear music. But it is no longer charging. And I have read of iPod Touch 2Gs getting very hot in these cradles. That can't be good for the poor iPod in the long run.
So for the Apple USB power adaptors to work, (which both came out before the iPod Touch 2G), they must have some override or blocked pin if they can work with both generations of iPod Touches.

Do I need an AC Adaptor for USB Hub

I have a new iMac 21.5 "with USB 3.0 ports
1. Do I need an AC Adaptor for USB Hub I read that this desktop may not have enough power for bigger items I want to attach 1-2 printers dbl prong DVD drive and some thumb drives
2. do I need usb hub with support for MAC
3. will a USB 2.0 Hub work with a the USB 3.0 port
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

1. It depends on whether the devices have their own power supply or get power through the USB bus, as well as how much power they require.
2. See your earlier thread.
3. See your earlier thread.
(119722)

Possible to buy another three pronged extension w/o buying a new powerbloc?

is it possible to buy another three pronged extension for the power block w/o buying a whole new power block?
i ask because i have my powerblock set up in my room and it would be much more convenient to have an extra three pronged extention so that i can just slide off the block and move it to the other room instead of having to reach behind my desk to remove it from the outlet

Apple only sells it as a set with the adaptor. I don't know about other stores. I found that one by googling "macbook power cord", so if you do some more searching you might find more.

Magsafe Adaptor parts

I recently bought the entry level MBP in England. As you know it comes with a Magsafe portable power adaptor. I've been using it with the extension cable plugged into an international plug as I am travelling in the US. The AC plug it came with in the box is a three pronged English plug that I assume connects to the adaptor ( so it can go directly into the plug socket ) but I'm having difficulty connecting it to the two prongs in the white box ( I don't want to force it ) Also when looking at them online they show the adaptor comes with a two pronged AC plug. Is it possible to buy the US AC plug part on its own ? Has anyone else had difficulties attaching the plug to the box ?

Welcome to the Forums!
It does take a firm push to seat the plug into the power brick (and a firm pull to remove it). It loosens up a little bit (but not much) over time.
You cannot purchase the US plug insert on it's own, only as part of the World Travel Adapter Kit. Alternatively, any simple plug converter from a travel store, etc., will work since the power brick accepts from 100-240 V and 50/60 Hz. Not as pretty a solution, but much cheaper!
Hope this helps...

AC Adaptor prongs

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