Apple's plugs for power supply units: Problems with bending continue
Power supply units for MacBook & Co. are considered expensive but good. But the replaceable “Duckhead” plugs had a bending problem for years. There's no remedy.
Defective "Duckhead" from Apple power supply: Makes 22 Euro 61.
(Image: Mac & i)
Funny name, serious problem: The so-called “duckheads” still cause problems with power supply units from the manufacturer Apple when it comes to models for the European Union (and some other countries that use the Euro plug or its offshoots). This is because if the pins are simply removed, they can become bent and therefore unusable. Although Apple once launched an exchange program, it no longer applies to the current Duckheads.
Clever with a small flaw
Apple's power supplies, which the company also pays dearly for, are actually cleverly designed: They have the option of adapting the plug to the respective market in which they are used. To achieve this, you simply swap the aforementioned duckhead for the one you need. Depending on the region, a suitable one is supplied, and Apple also sells a “world” package as a travel plug, which contains all available Duckheads.
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Of course, Apple's duckheads are not indestructible – that is technically impossible. However, the bending problems can also occur if you take the power supply unit out of a socket in the normal way and minimally miss the correct angle. The pressure build-up is then so great that the pins twist in a certain direction. At least the pins do not break (anymore) – or at least rarely –: This was the reason for a multi-year replacement program of earlier Duckheads, which initially affected EU plugs and their variants from other regions such as Korea and Brazil, plus later plugs for the UK.
Duckhead is a wearing part
If you end up with a duckhead with a bent plug, you should never continue to use it. In the worst case, the plugs can break off and cause electric shocks. However, due to the lack of a current replacement program, Apple does not have a real remedy: when we asked support, they said that an EU Duckhead out of warranty costs exactly 22.61 euros including shipping – so it is more worthwhile buying the above-mentioned “World” package, which is available in stores from 30 euros. In addition to the EU Duckhead, it contains all other available products.
Even if the Mac to which the power supply belongs is still under warranty (up to two years after purchase), Apple wants to take a closer look at the defective plug. You must therefore schedule an appointment with the store or an authorized service provider, as it is a “wearing part”. Apple customers can only be advised to take care when removing the power supply and always pull it straight out of the socket – This applies in particular to wall sockets, which have no play whatsoever. In the Mac & i editorial office, however, a Duckhead has already been damaged by simply lifting it out of a multiple socket.
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