Loose wire shielding on 85W AC adapter (with photos)

Question

Level 1

10 points

Loose wire shielding on 85W AC adapter (with photos)

About two weeks ago, I noticed that the plastic shielding that leads down to the AC power block is coming up short. I can firmly run my fingers down the length of the cord to smooth it out and make it appear to be fixed, but this never lasts for any length of time. I have not abused the device in any way, shape, or form, have always wrapped the cord up properly, and it's fairly new (purchased in May).

Photos: http://www.extracaffeine.com/misc/MBPPower01.jpg
http://www.extracaffeine.com/misc/MBPPower02.jpg

The device still functions perfectly, but I'm concerned that being exposed is going to lead to some problems down the road. I have AppleCare for my Macbook Pro, so I'm wondering if the the device should be replaced and if it's covered under AppleCare.

Thanks.

MacBook Pro (2,2), Mac OS X (10.4.10), 2.33GHz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD

Posted on Sep 13, 2007 4:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Sep 13, 2007 4:54 AM in response to B Summers

The device still functions perfectly, but I'm concerned that being exposed is going to
lead to some problems down the road. I have AppleCare for my Macbook Pro, so I'm
wondering if the the device should be replaced and if it's covered under AppleCare.

Only AppleCare can answer that question. In the future do not wrap the cord around the ears on the power block since it puts several sharp bends in the cable.

Reply

Answer 2

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

Sep 13, 2007 6:11 AM in response to Retired Engineer

I would agree with Retired Engineer's comment... however, as Apple designed the adapter for you to wrap the cord around it, you have not done anything wrong (this would not be considered "accidental" damage as you were using the charger the way it was designed). When you wrap the cord around the charger it does cause the casing around the cable to pull slightly resulting is what are seeing. Even without AppleCare, this should be covered by your warranty. Apple tends to be pretty good with replacing these things. In this case, having exposed contacts could present a fire hazzard. If you have an Apple store nearby, just take a trip there with it and show it to them.

Reply

Answer 3

Sep 13, 2007 6:17 AM in response to B Summers

Yes, AppleCare would most likely take care of it because it is considered a safety issue.

Reply

Answer 4

B Summers Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 13, 2007 8:38 AM in response to JoeyR

The nearest Apple Store to me is in Toronto... which is unfortunately about a 3000km drive from my home city... not to mention part of the Atlantic Ocean's in my way. Apple needs more stores in Canada!

Thanks for the info, it was quite a relief to read. I'll be giving AppleCare a call later on this evening. Hopefully they'll be able to ship me up a replacement quickly.

Message was edited by: B Summers

Reply

Answer 5

Sep 13, 2007 11:46 AM in response to Gregory Dietrich

I had this same trouble with my power adapter a few months back and Applecare gladly sent a replacement. They want you to send the old adapter back, but that is all prepaid too. Hope it goes smoothly for you too.

Burton

Reply

Answer 6

adisor19

Level 1

14 points

Sep 14, 2007 3:42 PM in response to Burton Holmes

Did they send you one of the newer smaller 85W adapters or they gave you the same BIG old one ?

Adi

Reply

Answer 7

Sep 16, 2007 1:06 PM in response to adisor19

Had the same problem, but the plastic cover actually frayed and exposed wires and power adaptor was only working with moving the cable around (broken internal wire), got a new one within 2 days, but it was still the BIG one.

Reply