My surge protector already has 4 plugs in it and one spare which I use for the MacBook when it needs charging. Every time I plug in the macBook it gives a brief spark. Just wanted to know if theres something wrong with the surge protector, the electrics or if its the MacBook itself???!
2007-10-26 02:33:13 · 6 answers · asked by KW 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Nothing wrong ! the spark is called ( for those who missed it in AC theory at Tech school ) "BACK EMF " It even happens in a ordinary light switch if you look when it is dark !!
Most on off switches like in your Tv have a capacitor across the contacts to suppress the spark which helps preserve the contacts from burning !!!
Cheers Pete
2007-10-27 12:27:54 · answer #1 · answered by Realist 2006 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the Macbook supply has a big capacitor in it. This can cause a 10 or 20 ampere surge for several milliseconds and a little spark at the plug.
It is possible that the sparking generates enough ozone that you can smell it. Although burning is a different smell, which is definitely a problem. If you don't smell burning or feel hot spots then you should be OK.
You could consider leaving the supply plugged in, and then plug the supply into the Macbook when needed.
2007-10-26 08:37:11 · answer #2 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Duuuu... 4 other things plugged in ...and TURNED ON??? What is the current capacity of your power strip? Try shutting the other stuff off and then plug it in and see if it still sparks.
2007-10-26 03:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by Dusty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I'd get another surge protector. It sounds like yours is damaged.
2007-10-26 03:38:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine started doing that, i ignored it at first, but then i started to smell burning.
So i threw it out fearing for my laptops safety!
2007-10-26 02:37:43 · answer #5 · answered by Clare 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
uuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmm
yes!!!
2007-10-26 02:43:40 · answer #6 · answered by mummymoomoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋