Power Cord Problem Developing

[Keyboard Hound]

The power cord which plugs directly into my laptop has a black rubbery covering which has broken in two. I'm afraid the wire itself will soon break. Is there any way to repair it or can the end on the cord be replaced if it does break completely?

Right now, electricity is going through the cord just fine, but I carry the computer around a lot, so I'm very apt to finish breaking the wire and lose electricity to the computer. It's the part of the cord that has the power box attached.

Does anyone know about repairing these cords and if it can be done?

Thanks.

Keyboard Hound

[WriteKnight]

YOu could try taping over the crack in the insulation to reinforce it - that might work depending on how bad it is.

Far simpler to replace the power adapter. I bought one on Ebay for 14 dollars. I bought a different brand, that has multiple 'adapters' for different types of notebooks at an Electronic Outlet store for 45 dollars. Just do a search, make sure the new one is the proper voltage, amperage, and the polarity/size of the plug is correct.

[Williebee]

I'm guessing, from your description, that the wire that is breaking is hard wired to the AC adaptor brick, not just a plug in at both the adaptor and laptop ends.

Please, replace this. Meanwhile don't plug it in if you don't have to, and don't use it (or move it around) while it is charging.

If that thing shorts out, it might very well take the motherboard of your laptop with it. After which, you will have a very expensive paper weight.

E-bay, the manufacturer, or do a websearch for the model number and "replacement AC Adaptor" and you'll most likely find a source.

Good Luck.

[Keyboard Hound]

I'm guessing, from your description, that the wire that is breaking is hard wired to the AC adaptor brick, not just a plug in at both the adaptor and laptop ends.

Please, replace this. Meanwhile don't plug it in if you don't have to, and don't use it (or move it around) while it is charging.

If that thing shorts out, it might very well take the motherboard of your laptop with it. After which, you will have a very expensive paper weight.

E-bay, the manufacturer, or do a websearch for the model number and "replacement AC Adaptor" and you'll most likely find a source.

Good Luck.

It's not hard wired. It plugs in at both ends. It's the end going into the computer where the insulation is broken. It's not broken all the way through but close. Would that make any difference in the chance of it destroying the motherboard? And what are the chances that taping would bring more harm? The comupter is a Compaq, just over a year old. I already have one such paperweight. that one died the week the warranty ran out.

Thanks so much.

Keyboard

[Williebee]

Good news is, you MIGHT be able to just buy the piece of the puzzle that you need, instead of the whole adapter. Taping it isn't going to hurt, unless it was shorted when you taped it. If it hasn't shorted yet, odds are it's not shorted when you tape it.

And it will provide some added resistance until you can get it replaced.

Good Luck!

[Keyboard Hound]

Good news is, you MIGHT be able to just buy the piece of the puzzle that you need, instead of the whole adapter. Taping it isn't going to hurt, unless it was shorted when you taped it. If it hasn't shorted yet, odds are it's not shorted when you tape it.

And it will provide some added resistance until you can get it replaced.

Good Luck!

Thanks!! That makes me feel better.

[groovyville]

Yeah we had this yorkie who had a thing for wires and got to my dad's laptop cord and did a pretty bad job on it. you can see little glimpses of copper here and there (lol), but the thing still works fine and it's been almost a year since it happened.

Yeah, tape it up to protect it and you should be alright.

[blacbird]

Tape it good with standard black electrical tape.

AND get a second power adapter cord. Shouldn't be too expensive, and having a backup is good for the angst. Once you've done that, use the new one, and keep the damaged one for an emergency.

caw

[Keyboard Hound]

Thanks, groovy and blacbird. So far the tape seems to be working.