A Conversation for Ask h2g2
fixing a laptop power cable (low end)
kea ~ Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small, unregarded but very well read blue and white website Started conversation Dec 4, 2009
A friend has a laptop with a power cord that is near to breaking. The outer plastic sheath has come away, and also the first layer of wiring. Is that the earth?
She has to wiggle and bend it to get the power through the latop 
It's 18.5 V.
The break in the cord is right by the plug into the computer.
Can I repair that? I'm thinking maybe finding another plug with wire on it and splicing that with the wire that comes from the transformer.
How common is 18.5 V? I've not come across that before.
A new cord would cost $70, so that's not really an option on this older laptop.
fixing a laptop power cable (low end)
taliesin Posted Dec 4, 2009
Probably easier to splice on a replacement plug
See if anything on this site looks suitable: http://www.action-electronics.com/dcpowerplugs.htm#Adapters
The outer wire is likely negative polarity. There should be a little diagram on the adaptor itself.
fixing a laptop power cable (low end)
Br Robyn Hoode - Navo - complete with theme tune Posted Dec 4, 2009
Mine's up the swannee too. I've been reliably informed that if I should turn up at Maplin (electrical parts shop) with the offending charger I can probablyget a replcement for not too much cash.
I'm hoping so!
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fixing a laptop power cable (low end)
- 1: kea ~ Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small, unregarded but very well read blue and white website (Dec 4, 2009)
- 2: taliesin (Dec 4, 2009)
- 3: kea ~ Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small, unregarded but very well read blue and white website (Dec 4, 2009)
- 4: Br Robyn Hoode - Navo - complete with theme tune (Dec 4, 2009)
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