Sparks when plugging powered usb items into macbook

KrooKedUK · 15 Oct 2009 at 16:32

I have just noticed recently that when I plug a powered usb item like an external hard-drive or printer into my unibody macbook that it sparks. Nothing has been damaged so far, but ideally I would like to figure out the problem before it kills the mac.

Has anyone else had the problem and been able to fix it?

MacRS4 · 15 Oct 2009 at 18:33

I've always noticed this on the unibody units - I don't think it's that unusual.

Make sure your plug is properly earthed. I don't think it actually causes a problem as such, voltage on USB and the like isn't much anyways.

PardonTheWait · 15 Oct 2009 at 18:46

Are you using the full length power lead? Or the stumpy bit? The stumpy one's not a proper earth connection.

KrooKedUK · 15 Oct 2009 at 21:10

Yeah it's the full length power lead I am using so it should be earthed fine. It happens regardless of the macbook being plugged in.

It just broke the signal to the external monitor I have plugged in there now when I connected the external hdd.

Caged · 15 Oct 2009 at 21:39

PardonTheWait said:
Are you using the full length power lead? Or the stumpy bit? The stumpy one's not a proper earth connection.

It doesn't make a difference. There is no connection between the earth on the power adaptor and the Magsafe connector.

Sounds like a fault with the laptop, I assume it's still in warranty?

KrooKedUK · 15 Oct 2009 at 22:36

Yeah it's still in warranty, only a month old. You think I should take it in and see what they say?