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.

Similar Messages

Overheating and slight static electric shocks

Hi
I first want to say that I am in no way technical!!
I bought a Macbook Pro 15" late last year, so it is about 6 months old at this stage. I am concerned with 2 things. Firstly the heat that the machine is generating - I am not a gamer nor do I use many applications at the same time - usually all I have open are Finder, Firefox (maybe 3 tabs) and Skype. I did the iStat Nano app and the CPU is running at between 58 and 62 C. The heat is located on the top right side of the macbook (say from the bottom of the keyboard say the letter 'V' up and to the left edge of the machine). The rest of the device is about 10C cooler.
Is this normal? Can it be reduced? I can't even hear the fans but the iStat says that they are going at just under 2000 rpm.
The second issue is that on the edges of the computer I am getting mild (static) electric shocks. Is this normal(??)? I am not really generating much static myself so I assume it is coming from the device.
I would appreciate your views.
Regards
Adam

Hi adam, and a warm welcome to the forums.
A temperature of 58 to 62º for the CPU is really not all that high for an MBP (or any notebook running on a Core2Duo chip. It is the sort of temperature that usually occurs with moderate CPU use.The maximum operating temperature for these processors is around 100ºC. The fans usually start to kick up a little in speed when the temps reach around 70ºC, but won't reach full speed until it is significantly hotter than this.
Many people think that web browsers like Firefox or Safari are "low CPU" usage applications, but , depending on what sort of sites you are visiting, they can actually impose a substantial load. If you visit any sites that use Flash, for example, you will find that CPU usage by Firefox or Safari skyrocket.
Open up "Activity Monitor" (in your utilities folder) and keep an eye on Firefox's CPU usage while you visit various websites.
Head to http://www.cnn.com/video/ in Firefox and play the "lead" video , for example, and you will usually see CPU usage in Firefox increase to somewhere in the 60 to 80% range. Many, many sites use Flash for one purpose or another these days.
(Skype usually doesn't use much CPU, unless you fire up its video mode, in which case it too can become a heavy load)
So I wouldn't be worried about the temperatures you mention.
The "mild shock" matter that you mention is a longstanding issue with notebook computers of many brands. I first experienced it myself when using a PB12 in a remote part of Queensland a few years ago. The power supply of the unit that I was staying in was not properly earthed (and may have even had the "neutral" and "active" wiring reversed). I received noticeable shocks from the body of the computer.
Many people have also reported this issue when using the two pin "duckhead adaptor" in their MBPs, instead of the earthed three pin cord. It is also a common occurrence when using unearthed "two pin" power adaptors in a variety of PC notebooks.
It also happens with Dells - see http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49295100,00.htm and, it would seem, reading the comments HERE to HPs , Compaqs, Sonys, Thinkpads etc etc. Seems , in fact to be a common feature of Notebook computers when using 2 pin power adaptors, though the amount of metal that is directly contactable may affect the extent which people noticing it! http://forums.reghardware.co.uk/forum/1/2008/01/18/dellm1530_electicshock/ provides more examples from a wide variety of makers.
You will find further discussion of the matter with respect to MBPs at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=11031457#11031457
As long as the place where you are using your computer has a proper earth you should be able to overcome the problem altogether by using the power cord with the three pin , earthed, plug, rather than the two pin plug that lets you connect the power block itself directly into a powerpoint.
In summary, I wouldn't be unduly worried about either of your issues, though the "shock" issue can be unpleasant and annoying. I avoid it myself by always using the power cord with the earthed three pin plug, which resolves it completely as long as the wiring in your building is properly hooked up!
Cheers
Rod
Message was edited by: Rod Hagen

Why is it every time i plug my itouch 5 in our desktop pc i get electric shocks when i touch the back of it or the camera?

Every time i plug it into our desktop pc i get electric shocks when i hold the back of it or the camera or the loop holder. But its okay when i plug it into my laptop. I

Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store. Bring the cable too.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

Static Electricity feeling when touching Macbook Pro 13

Ive been experiencing a weird static electricity when I touch the laptop whilst its charging and im touching something else metallic connected to a power supply. if I slide my hand along the palm rest it feels like a vibration.

Been there.
Are you using a properly grounded outlet with all of your gear? If not, try that first.
If you are properly grounded, you may find that you have a problem at your physical location with respect to grounding/earthing/bonding and it should be checked out by a qualified electrician as it could be indicative of a dangerous situation.
In my house the problem was a poor earth-neutral bond, and once corrected by my electrician the shocks went away.

Does the macbook pro gives a slight electrical shock when charging?

When the Macbook Pro is charging, I can feel a little electricity in my fingertips. Unfotunately, I don't have a three prong outlet, just two. Either way, I think this was not supposed to be. Anyone can share some answers?
Thanks,
Muriel

You need to use a proper ground plug (third one), if there is a electrical short the metal case can conduct deadly electricity right into your body.
However the Mac uses low voltage DC current and the deadly stuff is all behind the power brick, but the deadly stuff can come from another means with other equipement.
What your likely feeling is the equalization of electrons between your body and the metal case, something your doing is reducing your bodyy's electrons and your MBP has spare ones so they transfer and you can feel this sometimes.
If the difference is built up enough, then you get a nice zap, that's how lightning works.

IPhone gives me an electric shock when charging

Hey All,
Maybe someone can help me with this. Just recently I noticed my iPhone shocks my ear if I use it while its charging. I think it's been happening for a while but I assumed my ear was catching on the screen guard. However last night I got a really big zap that stung pretty bad so I knew it was iPhone. I think something happens because my usb wall charge adapter no longer works and the mic in my headset died all at the same time that I started noticing the pain in my ear when I use it. I don't use the phone while charging any more but what should I do? My phone is integrated heavily into my business so I can't go a day without having it. Anyone know if something I could do so I'm not without the phone and its not shocking me anymore.
Seems like always my luck with my apple gear. Last time my powerbook wall charger shocked me and caught on fire.
Thanks,
Pete

There may be a short in the wall adapter. If it does not have a green dot on the bottom you have one that was recalled for a similar problem. If you reverse the plug in the wall you won't get the shock. but you should really replace the adapter.
It's also possible that your outlet is miswired. You should have an electrician check it. or get an outlet polarity tester at Radio Shack.

Macbook Pro electrical shock when you touch iPhone

Can anyone else confirm this:
If you touch the iPhone ( I have a first gen) that's charging through the outlet and touch the body of the MacBook Pro (charging or on battery power), you receive a very uncomfortable tingle. I really don't want to try different ways to make this happen for obvious reasons. Anyone else have this happen to them?
Here is my hardware:
Macbook pro (unibody late 2008)
iPhone (first gen)
It's pretty annoying since I charge my phone on my desk near my Macbook pro.
Anything I can do besides the useless answers such as:
- move it farther away
- use the iphone dock
- etc.
I should be allowed to use my hardware however I wish. Meaning I shouldn't be punished for having my phone in arms reach. I feel like I'm undergoing electroshock therapy.

As mentioned, it is an earthing issue. If you are using 3-prong connectors on all devices and they are plugged into the same UPS or power strip and you still get shocked this could indicate a potentially serious life-threatening problem with the wiring in your house or apartment.
If this is the case, you should have an electrician check thing out.
Luck-
-DP

Screen goes black when hooking up to TV via mini-DVI to video adapter...

Hello,
Ever since I upgraded my PB12" to 10.5.x (now running 10.5.5, but this issue has been there since upgrading to 10.5.1), when I hook up the mini-DVI to video adapter (different adapter than for hooking up to an external display as the mini-DVI to video adapter has composite and sVideo out) to my TV, the PB screen goes black. It's set up to mirror the PB on the TV, and the PB continues to run, picture works on the TV, but I loose picture on the PB. Only way to get it back is to reboot the PB (with the mini-DVI to video adapter unplugged). So, basically, if I try and use the mini-DVI to video adapter, I loose picture on the PB. This never happened under 10.4.x — only since upgrading to 10.5.x.
Anyone have this issue? Know of a fix?
Thanks,
Kristin.

If you connect the MacBook using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter you will probably need to use external speakers or a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs connected to a stereo sound system if your TV doesn't have separate RCA input plugs or a 3.5mm stereo input plug for audio with the HDMI plug. The Mini DisplayPort to HDMI doesn't carry audio unless you have the Mid 2010 model 7,1 and there're no audio plugs on most TVs to work with HDMI since it's expecting audio with the HDMI.
If you have the Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody or Late 2009 model 6,1 White Unibody with the Mini DisplayPort rather than the Mini-DVI there is an adapter that can combine video and audio to HDMI.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802 &p_id=5969&seq=1&format=2

Can static electricity from a carrying case "blow out" a hard drive?

Can static electricity from a carrying case "blow out" a hard drive?
My one-month old MacBook Pro's hard drive died today. The Apple store employee said a number of things could cause it (like dropping it), but I have taken good care of it (never dropped it). The only thing I can think of is that when I take it out of the sleeve I have for it, sometimes I get a static electricity shock. Could this have blown the hard drive? If so, where can I get a nonstatic electricity case? (I got a new computer today.) Thanks!

It's quite unlikely that static electricity would affect the HDD. You may just have had a defective drive or there was some other event that damaged the drive such as leaving the computer running while in your carrying case or doing an abnormal shutdown or an electrical surge when it was connected to the AC adaptor, for example.

Static electricity from mc700 new brand using 3 prong power cord

hi all ,
since 12 days i brought my macbook pro mc700 unibody , problem i've noticed that while i'm touching the laptop on the edge while the magsafe green and fully charged a static shock for me and for whom else touch it , i'm using my 3 prong power cord and the same thing in diffrent location , home,office and in dealer branch , that's my first time using macbook moving from windows and i'm shocked from first impression regarding MBP.

i went to the dealer in our country and tried the macbook but still the same shocked me and the tech. there ,when i tried to change the magsafe with spare one there it's works without any problem and without electric shock ,i'm thinking about changing the magsafe OR to buy the moshi sticker someone told me it's prevent the static electric shock.

Ipod 4 giving me electric shocks

When my ipod touch gen4 is plugged into the wall charger it gives me an electric shock. I have been to apple and swapped my ipod for a new one and that ipod is doing exactly the same, i also tried a different wall adaptor, usb cord and different powerpoint and the ipod is still giving me a shock. This shock has also gotten stronger when i downloaded iso6 to my ipod. Has anyone else had the same problem?

Ungrounded wallsockets should not be fatal for a MacBook Pro as long as there aren't too many surges and spikes in the powergrid where you live. If you don't have a choice in using ungrounded sockets, or if you're getting static electricity shocks even when you are using a grounded wallsocket, you could look towards solutions like these:
http://www.amazon.com/b?node=1069150
Alternatively, you could get a surge protector http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keyw ords=Surge+Protection&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3ASurge+Protection

Shock when plugged in- satellite BT4G22

hi all
i have a TOSHIBA satellite P750-BT4G22 laptop. i bought it from US and i m using it in India presently. The problems is that i am getting mild electric shocks when i plug in the charger. I m gettin shocks from the VGA port and the speaker cover above the keyboard. why is this happening? could this bring any damage to my system? My charger plug is not having the earth pin. how can i get rid of this.please help.

I get shocked from my Satellite P875 with the ac adapter plugged in.
Sent in laptop for repair while still under warranty. They replaced the motherboard, hard drive & ac adapter, but I still have the same problem. Can you imagine what that would have cost, if I would had to pay for this repair, I could have bought a new laptop for that.
I own two older Satellite laptops, but the Satellite P875 is my first with a aluminum case.
If the laptop would have a separate ground connection, the laptop would still be leaking current to ground but I would not feel it.
Right now I am using a rubber mat under my feet which stops the mild shock, when I am using the laptop somewhere on a ground floor concrete or tile floor.
I would be very concerned if I would be a person with a heart pace maker.

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.

Electric shock fom iPod touch....

Hi
Okay so I plugged my iPod into the wall to charge whilst doing so I went on to the Internet to check something out. Then I received a massive electric shock when I locked my iPod. Is there anything I can do to prevent this as it has happened lots before???
Many thanks,
Anna.

Could be a problem with the charger or iPod. Does it happen with another wall charger
With your computer?
If it is the iiPod, then I would make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.

What Should Be Done About Electric Shocks from MacBook?

I very recently purchased a MacBook. I had not been using it long before I realized that it is not uncommon to get an electric shock when I touch areas other than the keyboard. Now via Google and this Discussion Board I find that the shocks are a known issue and that Dell also has this problem with some of its aluminum constructed laptops and that MacBook Pro users also receive shocks. Assurances are given that the shocks do not hurt the computer, but what about the user?
I find it very disturbing to think that the shocks will be ongoing. I would not have purchased the computer had I known about this problem. I admit that it may be more disturbing to some people than others, but it is of considerable importance to me. I feel it should be mentioned to customers before a purchase decision is made. Can/should the computer be returned?

PatMatts wrote:
I very recently purchased a MacBook. I had not been using it long before I realized that it is not uncommon to get an electric shock when I touch areas other than the keyboard. Now via Google and this Discussion Board I find that the shocks are a known issue and that Dell also has this problem with some of its aluminum constructed laptops and that MacBook Pro users also receive shocks. Assurances are given that the shocks do not hurt the computer, but what about the user?
I find it very disturbing to think that the shocks will be ongoing. I would not have purchased the computer had I known about this problem. I admit that it may be more disturbing to some people than others, but it is of considerable importance to me. I feel it should be mentioned to customers before a purchase decision is made. Can/should the computer be returned?
That must be a strong electric current to cause a plastic-based laptop to cause electric shock. As the previous poster above me stated, as long as the system is grounded, there shouldn't be a problem for aluminium based laptops.

Static electric shock when hooked up to TV via VGA

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for