European Apple chargers are causing power outages and equipment failures in Russia.
Russians are complaining about charging Apple devices from Europe—they're causing their devices to trip fuses and break.
Most often, problems arise when charging iPads and MacBooks purchased from abroad. Many complaints involve European three-prong plugs with an additional adapter, which causes extension cords to burn out. Electricians also say that the power supplies are sensitive to the quality of the electrical network. Older homes often lack proper grounding, which results in improper load distribution and the charger overheating.
The MacBook's powerful power supplies, with their high inrush current, complete the picture. When turned on, they can generate a sharp surge that circuit breakers and cheap extension cords can't handle. This causes the contacts to heat up, the plastic to deform, and a crackling sound and burning smell to appear. Users also suspect manufacturing defects in certain batches and the influence of power surges.
Apple has not yet commented on the situation, and device owners on social media are advising against connecting chargers through dubious extension cords.
