The charger is one of the most vital components of a laptop because without it, the laptop becomes unusable in a matter of hours. Because a typical laptop charger is also subject to much abuse from being connected, removed and transported, it can also sometimes be the first component to fail. Care properly for your laptop’s charger to make it last.
1.Avoid letting the charger’s cable rub against surfaces such as table edges, which over time can wear away the rubber shield on the outside of the cable and cause the internal wires to fray. If the shield does wear away, computer publication PCWorld recommends repairing the cable with silicone sealant. Never use your laptop charger if the wires are exposed.
2.Place the transformer component of the charger — the “brick” — in a location where air can reach it. In extended use, a laptop charger can become quite hot. Placing the transformer under a blanket or other item that prevents airflow can cause the charger to overheat, causing internal damage. If you see the message similar to “Plugged in, not charging” when you hover the mouse over the battery icon in the system tray, the charger may have overheated. Unplug it, and allow plenty of time for it to cool before using it again.
3.Carry your laptop charger in a bag when transporting it. This prevents the possibility of dropping the charger against a hard surface, which can damage it. If you place the charger on a table, use a fabric hook-and-loop surface to prevent the charger from hitting the floor.
4.Wrap the charger loosely when storing it to avoid a crimped wire.
5.Check for a product recall if you feel that your laptop charger generates too much heat or you experience another problem that you are unable to resolve. During the 2000s, Compaq, Dell and Targus have all announced recalls of laptop chargers.