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

Similar Messages

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

How come most people think it's an isolated Alu iMac issues?

My old PC couldn't do what I needed it to do anymore so I desperately needed a new computer for my project. I was going to go Apple's London store and move a new Alu iMac home immediately, but before I did that I came to this forum ... And that's how thing started to become very complicated.
At first, I was shocked by the number of people complaining about this 'new iMac issues' - the faulty display and the freezing problem ... mostly, the freezing issue. Quite a few people believed it was caused by the 1.1 update and the ATI card. After a few days of my intense reading on this iMac forum, Apple issued a statement acknowledging the freezing issue.
I knew it would only be sensible if I waited until Apple solve the problem. The thing is: I just cannot afford to wait - I have to finish my project.
I stared looking at other options: Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mini .... and ... what I have found on this Apple forum, based on what other Mac owner's posts, none of these models is clear of the same problem - unexpected, continuios freezing problem!
Based on what I have read so far, the freezing problem is not exclusive of the
1: new Alu iMAc - some white iMAc, MacPro, MBP, Mini owners have reported the same issue.
2: Macs with ATI graphic card.
3: Macs have been updated to OS X 1.1
4: Macs have games installed
It's a large, wide spread issue than some people would believe, isn't it? To be honest, I have started looking at Dell desk top these two days ... but I just cannot imagine to spend any money for another PC - it should be my last solution.
I desperately needed an Mac for my project - it's a very important one. I am depressed by the situation I am facing now and don't really know what to do. Can anyone kindly offer me some advice?
Some of you might say: get a grip - it's only a computer ... and the freezing issue is not that serious ...
However, if you rely on the computer to get your work done, would you really go ahead and buy an iMac regardless what is going on. Otherwise, what else can I do? If I buy an iMac and only work under bootcam with Windows until Apple fix the freezing problem - will it be a solution?
If you were me, what would you do?
I will appreciate any input!

David,
I posted the same thing and was taken to task by some posters for stating it also. The truth is that gamers were the first to report this issue and did so in far larger numbers than other users. In fact, those who are or were reporting issues with Aperture or iTunes or other applications really didn't start posting in significant numbers about the issue until a few days after it surfaced.
I think many people didn't get a chance to read some of the first posts on the subject as many of them were removed, for cause, and some of them are a few pages back now and forgotten.
I too have had the problem but in my case I was able to solve it by removing the game that was causing it all the time, reformatting the drive, reinstalling, and then updating. That was a week ago and I have not had any freezes since, but I have had video artifacts a couple of times. When it does that I just save my work and restart. I have even managed to get through some iPhoto sessions without issue.
*To the Original poster:*
No one can tell you what you should or should not do but if you want a Mac, buy one. This problem is not as widespread as some would have you believe. If you base your opinion on what you read here you would come to the conclusion that everyone's iMac is sick, but that is not true. In my case of the three Intel iMacs that I have, only my 24" has the problem, the other two are just fine.
Even if 30% of them were/are bad, which is an absurdly high figure, you would still have a 70% chance of getting one with no issues!!
I also trust that Apple will find and solve the problem. After dealing with them for 20+ years that is what I have come to expect based on my past experiences with them.
Message was edited by: Al Van Malsen
Message was edited by: Al Van Malsen

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..

Electric "shocks" revisited

hola a todos,
after reading a couple of posts related to the "case electric shock" problem, i would like to add my own experiences and questions related to that.
to begin with, i have just switched to my first mac and am so far quite amazed with this machine. however, i've also been experiencing this electric shock/tingling sensation that other people have described. since i'm new to the macbook/powerbook etc world i would like to know if this is a) normal (have read posts of other people saying that all alu-case laptops had similar issues) or b) faulty machine or c) related to my house's wirings.
i have made these observations:
- the tingling sensation is most noticable when touching the edges of the macbook with my forearms while writing (like now).
- it only occurs when my feet touch the ground (a bit weird, but reckon it makes sense if it's a grounding issue)
- it also occurs on battery power only as long as there is any plugged-in external device (printer/external hd..) connected to either FW or USB
- my macbook is plugged in with the so-called three-prong cable, and all external devices are also connected with grounded power plugs
i hope anybody can give a few useful hints or other experiences with this.
thanks a lot
macbook pro, 2 ghz, 1024 mb ram Mac OS X (10.4.6)

What your feeling is a result of the electric potential between your machine and another source of power flow through your body (such as through your shoes on the ground, etc) -- This is not normal, and I recommend that you find the source of the problem before you hurt yourself or damage your equipment.
Try to unplug all of the other equipment connected in that area, and see if you still have the issue. If you don't, turn on one device at a time until you've located the offending equipment. You may notice that the position you're in, including the type of shoes (don't take them off while you're investigating this issue!) you are wearing may have an effect.
The best (and safest) way to resolve this issue is to ask an electrician. You may have unproperly grounded outlets, faulty electronic devices, and its not something to mess around with.
Golan.

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.

Alu iMac electric shock

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