albertz

Q: alternatives to new power supply macbook

cable keeps cracking and fraying-probably by design i know, thanks apple.  i want to know if anyone has taken the cable to be fixed instead of replacing ($80 a pop).  im on three in 4 years.  shameful.  what a racket

MacBook (13-inch), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Sep 17, 2016 8:14 AM

Close

Q: alternatives to new power supply macbook

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by lllaass,Solvedanswer

    lllaass lllaass Sep 17, 2016 8:32 AM in response to albertz
    Level 10 (189,580 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 17, 2016 8:32 AM in response to albertz

    This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook laptop forum.

    Please move the MacBook forum. Thanks

     

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 17, 2016 12:22 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 9 (61,130 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 17, 2016 12:22 PM in response to lllaass

    when you go to put away the MagSafe (computer-end) of the cord, the correct procedure is to make a loop in the air, about 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50mm), THEN proceed to wind the cord around the "ears" on the power brick. This relieves the tension and slightly randomizes the point of first contact of the cord against the 'ears". Users who do this have their cords last much longer.

     

    As far as aftermarket power adapters... the only reports of electrocutions from power adapters have come from third-party "knock-off" power adapters. You may want too reconsider seeking a third-party adapter.

  • by albertz,

    albertz albertz Sep 18, 2016 8:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (22 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 18, 2016 8:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    was going to try to re wire it myself...or get someone to do it.  electrocution?  hahhahaa, wasnt really thinking about that.  tis a bit dramatic dont you think.  Oh, and i move the cord very infrequently, the cheap components seem to erode without wear or use, amazingly well-planned on apple's part.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 18, 2016 8:17 AM in response to albertz
    Level 9 (61,130 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 18, 2016 8:17 AM in response to albertz

    If you can find a replacement cord, any splice will need insulation for each conductor inside, which make a surprisingly large bulge in the cord where the splice was made. This becomes the new site where stresses congregate, and reduces the life of the repaired cord.

     

    The power brick was never intended to be opened, although you can saw out the glue along the seams and pry the halves apart. The wires attach to interior points on the circuit boards inside, which are not immediately accessible for soldering unless you do further dis-assembly of the electronic components inside.

     

    I have done such repairs, and found the results were not very good. I recommend you buy a replacement power adapter.

  • by albertz,

    albertz albertz Sep 18, 2016 8:22 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (22 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 18, 2016 8:22 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    thanks, im going to try to repair all of my cords - **** it.  the "life"of it seems stunted severely by design originally.  i'd be happy to have a self repair last a few months.  I mean at this point, anything is a bonus.  to keep spending near a c-note every year for what is essentially an "extension cord" is highway robbery.