hello gang -
Anyone get little “sparks” on the 16" M1 MBP when plugging in a USB C drive or a HDMI cable? I get them nearly every time. Tried it with laptop open, closed, plugged in, not plugged in. Doesn’t seem to matter.
Guess it’s time for a dock
kc
I’ve got a 14” and haven’t had any issues with any cables. I use it with multiple docks, drives, and multiple HDMI setups. May be worth checking it at an apple store.
perhaps you can check your power socket earthing to see whether it is intact and in good conducitivity to ground, may need a sparky (electrician)
Yeah, accept it happens on bus powered drives using battery power. I do have the monitor plugged into a battery backup/surge protector, But I will double check the ground.
Why does “Little Static Sparks” sound like David’s hip-hop alter ego? 
To the OP’s point, it sounds to me like something isn’t properly grounded - or there’s static in the room somehow. I wouldn’t necessarily expect a dock to fix the problem, unless the laptop is always connected to the dock.
Also noting that you can absolutely have an improper ground in a battery-powered or bus-powered device.
I’ve definitely had this, and also on my OWC docks. When the conductive sleeve of a USB-A plug contacts the metal body of the computer/dock it can spark. I’ve not paid attention to the specifics of what does it and what doesn’t, it’s just something I’ve seen multiple times.
Not a random one, though. One who understands Macs. Like a MacSparky.
Seriously, though, I agree.
It’s possible that the socket may not be seated correctly. I’d take it to an Apple store.
Yeah. I’ll make an appointment to have it checked out.
Thanks everyone.