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.

Similar Messages

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    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.
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    Any tips, telling me I should just push, et cetera?
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    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.

  • 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.
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    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).
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    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.
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  • 65W  Portable Power Adaptor problem

    The plug-in that has the electrical prong on my 65W Portable Power Adaptor is shorting out and nonfunctioning. When I tried to find that prong replacement I was told I had to buy an entirely new 65W PPA for $79. Does anyone know where I can purchase JUST the electral prong plug-in for the 65W PPA?

    Reset the PMU (power management unit) and re-calibrate the Battery - if that has no effect call Apple about a replacement.

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    PCB Lot Code: 0000
    Firmware Version: 0110
    Hardware Revision: 0500
    Cell Revision: 0200
    Charge Information:
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    Fully charged: No
    Charging: Yes
    Full charge capacity (mAh): 4876
    Health Information:
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    Condition: Normal
    Battery Installed: Yes
    Amperage (mA): 285
    Voltage (mV): 12603
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    Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
    Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 0
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    Wake On AC Change: No
    Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
    Wake On LAN: No
    Current Power Source: Yes
    Display Sleep Uses Dim: No
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    Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
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    Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
    Reduce Brightness: Yes
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    ID: 0x0100
    Wattage (W): 85
    Revision: 0x0000
    Family: 0x00ba
    Serial Number: 0x00527d2c
    Charging: Yes

    Try an SMC reset.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
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  • Problems with new Mac Book Pro 13'' +power adaptor

    Hi there,
    I'm new here and first of all I'd like to appologize from my lack of technical language, since my only interesst in computers is that they don't give me problems so I can keep not knowing too much about them.
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    Take it to an Apple retailer and have the computer repaired.  It is still in warranty.

  • Multiple power adaptor failures

    I'm posting on here partly out of frustration, and partly in the hope that someone may be able to help.
    I have a late 2011 MacBook Pro 13 inch, that up until July of this year (2013), I was very happy with.
    However, in July my power adaptor failed. I had a dimly lit LED and when clicking the battery icon, I was told "Battery is not charging", "Power source: Power Adaptor".
    I took my MacBook to the local Premium Reseller (on apples advice) and they replaced the adaptor.
    The problem re-occured only a month later. Same problem, same advice, same replacement. This happened THREE times, each time about a month since the previous occasion.
    These adaptors were treated well. Rarely used in a different location, and kept free of kinks or stresses.
    This month, the problem repeated, AGAIN. I took it to my local service centre and this time they diagnosed a logic board failure, and replaced the part under applecare. They also provided ANOTHER new adaptor.
    I picked up my MacBook yesterday. The problem repeated itself today.
    I am starting to go slightly mad at this point. The most apple will help over the phone is to tell me to visit the repair centre again and hope for the best, but I'm at my wits end now.
    If anyone has any idea what the problem could be, please let me know, because I'm really getting nowhere at the moment with applecare.

    That a UPS unit would have prevented your logic board failures. Properly designed power supplies do not need a UPS unit in this country. In some third world countries where the power is unreliable on a daily basis with large power swings, they are a must have.
    In my opinion, the G5 iMac's were a poor design with inadequate heat dissipation, weak power supplies and logic boards. Most of them ran for years, but an inordinate number of them had multiple failures. The new aluminum models are a much better design with most of the high heat components located at the top of the machine.
    I had no hardware problems with my eight year old Dell...but I'm still sticking with Apple because of their superior software performance.
    Good luck with what ever you decide...virg

  • I have a 1st Gen, MacBook Pro from 2006. For the last few years I've had to us my power adaptor as my battery no longer works. Now my power adaptor looks like it's coming to an end. Even though it's securely fitted, it often switches off.

    I have a 1st Gen, MacBook Pro from 2006. For the last few years I've had to us my power adaptor as my battery no longer works, and shuts down after 30 seconds it. Now my power adaptor looks like it's coming to an end. Even though it's securely fitted, it often switches off.
    I am planning on buying a new MacBook Pro later this year, but for the meantime I'm not sure if I should buy a new power adaptor, or if this is a problem with my MacBook Pro. Also does anyone know where I can buy a battery in the UK for 1st Gen MacBook Pro.

    OWC has batteries for 1,1 generation MacBook Pros and they ship internationally - http://eshop.macsales.com/.
    Your best bet for a power adapter is to get one from Apple. Third-party adapters just don't seem to be reliable (or safe). You can also buy a replacement battery directly from Apple, of course, but they're a bit more expensive.
    Good luck,
    Clinton

  • Charging in Europe w/ Belkin power adaptor.  Do I need a voltage converter

    Hi. I am taking my nano 3 to Italy and England and hope to charge it with the Belkin rotating power adaptor that allows me to charge by plugging into the house power here in the States. I know that I need to get adaptors for the outlets, but do I also need to get a converter? The Belkin Power Adapter does have 100-240V Input and 50-60HZ AC. I'm getting conflicting info.
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    Tim

    but do I also need to get a converter?
    No.
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  • Power adaptor and battery HOT!

    This is the message I sent to Apple a few minutes ago. Maybe some of you can have some answers as well. Thanks!
    "Dear Apple,
    First of all, I would like to kindly express my apologies for using the feedback form to send you some thoughts about my MAC. I did not know who else to address to.
    I have bought my MAC in September 2009, through the Apple Store online. It has been delivered in Norway, where I am living in the present.
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    Best regards,
    Cristina Moldovan"

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