2012 Macbook w/ Retina display charger catches fire

[dr.khole]

My 2012 macbook w/ retina display while it was charging has caught fire. The cord from the charging block to the laptop has caught on fire and damaged my comforter and sheet. This is very scary! Has anyone else experienced a malfunction of the charging block?

I went to the apple store and was given a replacement charger with little hassle, but i have yet to receive any contact from corporate regarding reimbursement for my damaged property. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[chscag]

Contact your home owner's insurance agent to see if that would be covered. As for whether Apple is going to reimburse you or not, that's something you need to pursue with them, not here. Also, a bit of advice (if it applies to you): It's never a good idea to use or charge a portable computer on a bed. Bedclothes restrict the flow of air and can actually contribute to an overheating condition.

 

[pigoo3]

Has anyone else experienced a malfunction of the charging block?

Yes...we have had folks post about this before...but it is very very rare.

Folks that experience this also are not very good about posting if their charger was damaged in some way BEFORE the fire...and of course after the fire it's difficult to know this.

I suspect that in some of these situations...the charger had some damage or could have been abused beforehand.

- Nick

 

[dr.khole]

My charger was in way damaged, but i did have it on my bed....in the future i will never put it on the bed. Regardless, this is concerning, i hope this more of the exception rather than the rule....thanks for the reply.

As for my homeowners the cost is not worth it as my deductible is much higher than the damage....As far as i am concerned Apple should reimburse!

 

[RadDave]

Hi Dr.Khole - welcome to the forum and sorry about your problem - hard to predict 'how' Apple will respond - good luck!

Another related issue that has always bothered me is going away from home for days to a week or more - I no longer travel w/ a laptop (just use my iPad) - usually will shut it down but have left the charger plugged - maybe one should unplug it? I also turn off my other electronics which are attached to UPSs which I do not unplug.

SO, curious about 'what' others may do w/ their household electronics (even cheap kitchen items, like a toaster oven or coffee maker, which I do unplug) when on vacation or out of town on business? Thanks - Dave

 

[pigoo3]

Another related issue that has always bothered me is going away from home for days to a week or more...

- usually will shut it down but have left the charger plugged - maybe one should unplug it?

I have thought about this as well. But heck...this sort of thing could happen even when we are away for a couple hours. What's the solution...who knows??? Unplugging is probably the best answer.

- Nick

 

[chscag]

I agree with Nick especially if you're going to be away for any considerable length of time. It's best to unplug things like the charger or even your iMac from the AC main circuit.

I'm always amused when I watch that "slow cooker" ad on TV where the family goes away to work in the morning and comes home in the evening to find their Pot Roast or whatever ready for supper. Definitely not recommended by the NYFD!