Be Wary of Your MagSafe’d MacBooks
As reported by ArsTechnica, there has been a second case of a melting MagSafe connector. Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro models both use a new charging interface called MagSafe. Consisting of 5 magnetically attached pins (only 4 provide power), MagSafe safely disconnects from the MacBook if the cord is tugged or tripped on. However, one MacBook Pro user reported that his cable started melting while he was using it. The moral of the story? Don’t let your MacBook Pro charge unattended. There are no reported cases of this happening on any MacBooks, which use a 60 Watt power adapter where as the MacBook Pros use an 85 Watt adapter. I almost had a MagSafe mishap when a stray USB connector found its way to my MagSafe port and adhered to it. Luckily enough I was able to separate them before it made full contact.
The MagSafe connector is in the back.
I don’t exactly want to sit and watch my MBP charge for a couple hours. I think I’ll take my chances.
A possible cause for the melting could have been that the user reported he was on his bed when it happened - perhaps the MagSafe connector twisted a bit and shorted.
I think that these are isolated incidents. Though coincidental, I do not think it’s a defect. I haven’t seen anything like this on my Macbook or others on the web. If the user was on his bed, that is not a ‘normal’ place to charge your laptop — as you said Paul, it could’ve twisted. When I think of my portable, I think of unplugging it from my desk and walking around with it and plugging it back into my desk when I’m done or it needs a charge. I don’t carry my power adapter with me, and certainly don’t run cords through my bed.
Do you mean ‘wary’? I’ve never felt tired around my MacBook. :D
Anyway, I haven’t noticed anything especially dangerous going on around there although I don’t think some kind of damage is too far fetched as the hottest part of my macbook is around the port.
I’m curious whether the USB accidentally connecting to the magsafe port could actually do any damage. Maybe it could short out the USB-connected device? Dunno.
Magnetic pins? Ugh, that sounds like such a bad idea.
All I can say is my cord melted and it is out of warranty. I really don’t want to throw down $100.00 bucks for a new one. The magsafe thingy was plugged in properly as the lap top needed charging. The melt is near the plug that connects with the computer. Off to the Apple store.
Forgot to mention - my laptop is a ProMac with the 85W A/C.
I realize this is an old post now, but I thought I’d report that this same thing happened to me a couple months ago when my MB was just over a year old. It was sitting on my desk, and the wire casing just below the MagSafe connector split on its own, leaving the silver wires sticking out. I came along and found it like this and unplugged it immediately - it was still piping hot. The warranty had just expired about a week ago at that point, and when I diplomatically explained things when talking to Apple on the phone they did send me a replacement free of charge. Unfortunately my new power cable is, although perhaps more sturdy, not nearly as nice as the original. It feels very “tight” all the time and has a tendency to get badly twisted up like a yo-yo string, if that makes sense. So I don’t like it as well but I guess it’s supposed to be more durable, and I do look after my stuff properly so hopefully this one lasts.