Rabbit chewed on power cord, not enough to sever it

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Level 1

9 points

Rabbit chewed on power cord, not enough to sever it

I left the room for 10 seconds (big mistake) and my rabbit started snacking on my power cord (Macbook 13 inch). He managed to put teeth on it, but didn't sever it entirely. It still works, but the wiring inside the encasement is exposed ever so slightly. Is it safe to continue using or should I get a new one to be safe? He's chewed on several headphone cords (same deal - he cut through the encasement but not the cord itself) and while we tried patching them up with electrical tape, they eventually did stop working.

It's okay if I have to get a new cord, but I need to make sure it's not a safety hazard.

Macbook 13 inch (circa 2007), Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jun 10, 2009 7:53 PM

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Answer 1

dbsneddon

Level 4

1,542 points

Jun 10, 2009 7:58 PM in response to TwitchyNose

If the wiring is exposed - *replace it*

Dave

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Answer 2

TwitchyNose Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 10, 2009 8:04 PM in response to dbsneddon

It kind of is, kind of isn't, that's the problem. My rabbit nibbled but it looks almost like someone took a knife to it. So there are no bits missing from the encasement, and you can only see the wiring when you bend the wire a little.

Could I wrap electrical tape around it? I'm going to definitely turn off my computer tonight and not use my adapter, but I really don't want to have to buy a new cord unless it poses a hazard.

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Answer 3

dbsneddon

Level 4

1,542 points

Jun 10, 2009 8:12 PM in response to TwitchyNose

If it was me, and we are dealing with a potential
electrical fault, *replace it*

Dave

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Answer 4

TwitchyNose Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 10, 2009 8:20 PM in response to dbsneddon

Thanks. I had a feeling it would come down to this.

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Answer 5

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Jun 10, 2009 8:24 PM in response to TwitchyNose

If it's still functional, I'd still use it--but yes, get some electrical tape wrapped around the damaged area.

I do agree that you should get a new one as soon as possible, but hang onto this one as an emergency backup.

I used my iBook G4's power adapter for at least a year after the casing crack apart, exposing the wires. I wrapped it in electrical tape and had no issues.

~Lyssa

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