My Laptop Eats AC Adapters...

[Montana Moe]

Could not find another relevant thread, so here goes...

I have a Gateway M-6337, I'm on my third AC adapter in 1 1/2 years. When I plug in the power supply to recharge the laptop the connection into the computer gets scalding hot. It actually melts the glue that holds the metal connector into the plastic cord.

At first I thought perhaps my kids had stuck something into the power supply receptacle, but could find nothing. I then thought perhaps the replacement AC adapters I purchased were just cheap, but now I've relegated myself to thinking there is something wrong inside my laptop.

Could this be caused by a short? It doesn't get that hot when fully charged and plugged in, only in the act of charging.

Any help would be appreciated!

[kermitology]

Sounds like too much current draw from your laptop. Either a power supply issue within the laptop, or you're using the wrong adapter..

Check what the laptop is rated for maximum draw, and what the AC adapter is capable of delivering.

For example: my laptop AC adapter has the following information:

Input: 100 - 240V - 50-60Hz
Output: 16.5V (DC) - 3.65A

[Montana Moe]

My adapter:
Input: 100 to 240V 50-60Hz
Output: 16v/19v (adjustable) I've tried both settings.

My laptop needs a 19v adapter. Perhaps it is just drawing more than required?

Edit: Not sure where to find the max draw of my laptop...

[kermitology]

I have two laptops in front of me. My Mac has it on the bottom of the laptop, and my HP shows it when I pop the battery out.

[Montana Moe]

Hmm, my laptop says Input: 19v on the bottom and Rated 11.1v on the battery. Would it say max draw? I appreciate the help, kermitology.

[sclitheroe]

Are you using an OEM adapter each time, or third party replacements?

[kermitology]

The rating is what you need to look at.

If the number on the AC adapter is more than 11.1A (make sure you distinguish between Volts (V) and Amps (A) )

[sclitheroe]

The more I think about this, I'm certain that there's something wrong with the laptop itself. Regardless of the ratings on the AC adapter, you are pulling far more current out of the adapter than its rated for, as evidenced by the melting plugs. The heat is building up at the plug end because the connector has higher resistance than the wire coming out of the AC adapter.

If the adapter was the wrong voltage, chances are the laptop wouldn't work when charged. If it couldn't put out enough current, the laptop would simply charge more slowly in most circumstances. But what you are experiencing is the laptop drawing more power than the adapter's plug can even handle, which is probably upwards of 8-10 amps for a typical connector.

[Montana Moe]

Thanks you guys for your help, I think you both may be on to someting concerning the current draw from the laptop.

BTW, the adapter is rated 5.62A for the 16v setting and 4.74A for the 19v setting.

I originally had the adapter that came with the laptop, but when it went tits up I didn't have time to wait for one from the manufacturer so I went with a universal AC adapter with multiple input tips and dual voltage settings. I purchased it at a local computer/radio repair shop.

The universal adapter lasted for about 3-4 months before I pulled it out of the back of my laptop and the metal connector stayed in the receptacle. The glue was so hot that it liquefied and lost adhesion.

I went to the computer repair shop where I bought the adapter and they replaced the tip no questions asked. I have a good relationship with them as we use them at my place of employment as well. I have noticed some seepage of glue coming out of the new tip as well.

[sclitheroe]

It could just be that its a junky AC adapter with cheap tips, I didn't realize you had purchased something with interchangeable tips like that.

[Montana Moe]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

It could just be that its a junky AC adapter with cheap tips, I didn't realize you had purchased something with interchangeable tips like that.

Agreed, that could be it. I guess I'll try out another OEM adapter and see if it is any better.

[SebC]

I had one do this do... I think it was a power supply issue. Quite a bit of leeway in the adapter, and anything it did with the third party one it also did with the original. Blame the computer. Mine was an '03 vintage Presario with a desktop processor.