A quick question.

Today I'm at work with my 3g iPod. Because the battery is next to useless on this thing, I've got it charging whilst I listen to it at my desk. I noticed something when I first started doing this (which was in fact today), that when the iPod is charging, a mild electrical current runs through the metal backing (and sides). It's not enough to sting but it is certaintly noticable when you rub your fingers on it.

It's of course no harm to me as is, but is there a potential that this could possibly get worse, and hurt me? Or is this just another normal iPod quirk?

You shouldnt feel anything on the exterior case when the iPod is charging. Call Apple on this one, even if the unit is out of warranty as this is a possible "safety issue"

On your advise I gave them a call. They think that firewire cable is slightly damaged and relaying a small arc onto the metal backing, and suggested I try another one. As my 3g iPod is out of warranty by a couple months they weren't interested in taking the iPod and having a look unless I pay $300 (which is $100 shy of a brand spanking new 4g iPod).

They we're very friendly and they took me seriously, but still, I'm a bit disappointed. I'm skeptical about it being the cable, though I will test their theory.

Maybe I should sell it on eBay as a special electrocution edition iPod!

that used to happen to me when i would travel with the ipod out of the country and use an adaptor with it. I never really thought much of it though.

I'm guessing this is happening because the international adapter (and my Australian adapter) has no connection for earth and is therefore earthing through whatever comes it contact with the metal plate (which must clearly be in contact with an electrical component).

I'm not worried about the amount of electricity going through the metal backing now (though the sensation is not pleasant), I'm worried that it may suddenly get worse and cause harm to myself or someone else.

ouch. That is not good. You're correct in assuming it's because it's not getting grounded, that is exactly why it's doing that. Prolongued grounding this way will short the ipod itself.

Yeah, my ipod adapter doesn't have an earth point either.

However, i haven't noticed the electrical current getting me tho?

You could call apple and tell them to replace it or else you will go to your local Occupational Hazard Authorities

They wanted $300 to work on it!!! They might as well should of said: we won't work on it. Thats the feeling I get, anyway.

Kind of reminds me of the time my iPaq's screen busted. I had it for less then a month, and it broke while in my pocket. I called up HP support and they said I could send it to them. So i did, and they didn't want to fix the screen for free, they wanted $180. I was like: forget that! The unit only cost $240 (after student discount). I told them the device was defective because it was called a PocketPC, so it should be able to survive in ones pocket. After a week of going back and forth with them, they finally replaced the screen for free.

Hehe..i still carry the thing around in my pocket. Its been a year and 6+ months since I got the replacement, and have had no problems.

But in your situation: they probably wouldn't see it as a "safety risk" even if it is a safety risk for you. They judge safety risks by how many people are affected. If you do get hurt you can always sue.

i don't think you have anything to worry about.
I've looked at my iPod power adapter, and it says it has a 12V output. combining the voltage of the iPod itself, which i think is about 3.7V like on a cell phone, the maximum voltage you could feel on the back panel is less than 16V. it shouldn't be dangerous AFAIK.

That's a really good explanation - thank you. I'm still not overly impressed that my iPod is zapping me but it's reassuring to know that there is no possible way that this problem could get worse to the point of it being dangerous.

Here's a simple answer.

Yes.

I work at a well known technology retailer in Sydney, and about six months ago I did a return/exchange on a brand-new Microsoft Wireless Desktop. The mouse had melted around the top and bottom (we realised that it was the customers fault for putting the batterys in the wrong way), however she said that she "hurt her hand badly".

If a Microsoft IntelliMouse can melt and hurt someone, then I wonder what the iPod could do.

Btw, I use a Microsoft Wireless Desktop and it's never harmed me. lol

put your finger in the socket, short the house out, and then blame it on the ipod... sue for millions... and your a happy bunny

POwerbooks do this aswell if you use the wrong type of adaptor

Do that.

Read the post directly under the post you quoted. I did.