Charger Buzzes when plugged into the Adapter Converter

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Charger Buzzes when plugged into the Adapter Converter

Im in England currently (From the USA) and am using a "DYNEX" converter adapter to switch the electric current down so I can plug in/charge my Macbook Pro and iPad.

It works, however the charger buzzes pretty loudly and gets hot.

Thankfully I brought two, one started smelling like melted plastic and stopped charging altogether. That particular charger has faulted at home before (back in the USA), so I'm not sure if it died because of the converter or because it's just faulty.

I have plugged in the newer charger and it also buzzes, but I'm really worried to keep it plugged in because I don't want it to fault out too.

Is it normal for it to buzz like that when plugged into a converter adapter?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jun 12, 2012 10:49 AM

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Answer 1

jws1982

Level 2

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Jun 12, 2012 10:56 AM in response to hannahfrost

Sounds like the converter is the issue. Dirty AC power can cause things like that. I'd recommending finding another converter to test with.

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Answer 2

hannahfrost Author

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Jun 12, 2012 11:02 AM in response to jws1982

I did, I tried it with a few of them, out of different outlets too.

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Answer 3

jws1982

Level 2

175 points

Jun 12, 2012 11:10 AM in response to hannahfrost

well, i guess it just likes to buzz then. One more question, is your converter stepping the voltage down from 220 to 110? Or, is it just a physical converter for the power plug itself? The apple ac adapters should work with any voltage from 100-240, I'm just curious.

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Answer 4

hannahfrost Author

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Jun 12, 2012 11:13 AM in response to jws1982

It's supposed to drop the voltage down from 220 to 110. There's a little dial at the bottom that is switched to that setting. I'll be super happy if it's just deciding to buzz (and thats it) - it never does at home though, so it made me worry.

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Answer 5

Jun 12, 2012 11:18 AM in response to hannahfrost

The question again, why are you using a voltage converter? The Apple charegers are all rated for 100-240 volts at 0-60 Hz...you only need a plug adapter to convert the US HEMA plug to the UK two round pin plug.

Adding a voltage converter is adding one more failure point into the system.

I have used mine all over Europe with no issues.

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Answer 6

hannahfrost Author

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Jun 12, 2012 11:23 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

I just use it for everything I brought over with me, not just the apple charger - if that's the case, and it won't damage the computer/charger, I'll go out and get one.

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Answer 7

Jun 12, 2012 11:30 AM in response to hannahfrost

Plug converters are available at a lot of computer and electronics parts stores...in the US Radio Shack, in the UK I am not sure where to look. An Apple store could probably tell you where you can buy them...Apple has a world traveler kit with plugs for all over the world but at $40 rather pricey for what you need, a couple dollar adapter.

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