AC adaptor malfunction

Question

I am now on third adaptor(in three years).  I am convinced this part is inherently defective ,poorly designed  part of otherwise excellent product (inspiron notebook series). Why would a cord always burn out at the very same spot i.e. right at plug-in  head junction that is always at an angle caused by weighted devise(of unknown purpose) inches from the junction.  A better engineering design should have this weight farther from the plug-in head and this cord should be separate from the adaptor box so that when burned  out, should be replaceable separately from intact and working adaptor box.(Cord alone -without adaptor box-should be much cheaper than $59.00).  Message Edited by gemini111 on 05-25-2004 10:20 AM

mda8 · Answer

I just had this problem occur tonight. It's pretty dangerous, in reality; before my power cord completely blew, it started sparking and nearly lit a fire on my desk.

Is there actually any way to purchase just the computer-to-power box part of the cord?

$59.95 seems like an excessive price to pay for poor engineering.

gemini111 · Answer

If your pc is still under warranty period, DELL replaces it free, otherwise you pay. DELL should be aware of this engineering inferiority that does not seem to be in accordance with DELL's known status of excellence.  Unless of course, if it was so designed to be a hidden source of revenue.  If so, my next notebook will not be DELL

mda8 · Answer

Nope, my Notebook isn't under warranty anymore. I've had it for two years, and I've never had a problem before this one. However, I could see it coming; as the previous poster said, it seems that the weighted device a few inches off of the power socket causes it to sit at an angle, slowly wearing the cord down and eventually breaking it in what seems to be a fire hazard. I'd almost suggest it be recalled (yes, of course, for selfish reasons), considering how many people have posted similar issues in other posts on this forum. I browsed the forum last night and got to page 18, and on the way to that particular page, there were at least 10 similar circumstances where the A/C cord frayed and wore down. I have to imagine that if this many people posted it on this message board alone,. the problem is probably more widespread than that.

gemini111 · Answer

Recall is not a bad idea.  I am sure DELL is aware of this based on inordinate order for replacement.  If nothing is done, all DELL needs is one case of fire , a government order for recall and a tarnished reputation.  I know if NOTHING is done about this, my next PC (very soon) is NOT going to be DELL.

gemini111 · Answer

I thought warranty period is three years.  Why not call DELL anyway?  By the way, the second replacement cord started malfunctioning a few months ago, (less than a year old) . I opened the cord at the junction and soldered the burned out wires.  Worked well until just recently.  Re-soldered, is working well again until God knows.  This darn weighted current regulator cyclinder should be moved closer to the adaptor box, really!!!!!

JasonCGW · Answer

Thank God! I thought this problem was just me. I just ordered yet another replacement AC pack, my second replacement in about nine months.

Mine was only $35 though.

And, of course, the warranty on the power cord lasts only three months.

I hate DELL.

Any suggestions for a better laptop company?

gemini111 · Answer

How did you get replacement almost half priced?  What model inspiron you have? And next time it breaks (in another 6-9 mos), just cut open the junction and solder the wires. Or just buy another brand notebook.  Until DELL owns up to this production flaw , I will continue to advise people to boycott DELL products.  I really believe DELL needs to be investigated on this potentially hazardous power cord.  All sales on power cord replacement should be refunded.  Properly and safely designed cords should not burn out. Period!

JasonCGW · Answer

I have no idea...maybe because they saw in my record that they [over-]charged me for one just nine months prior?

I have an Inspirion 8200; purchased in the fall of 2002. I had about a million NVIDIA problems in the beginning but those were solved by the grace of my friend, Lady Luck.

My battery is also compeltely messed up; it won't hold last off AC power for more than fifteen or twenty minutes.

Short of soldering the wires, which kinda freaks me out, I have another idea that I won't share in a public forum but one I imagine will begin to stick it to Dell where it hurts: money wise. If my computer is alirght otherwise, I'll stick out these power problems until I can save up enough for a really good laptop. I'm thinking an IBM thinkpad.

I hear ya on the safety issue, though. Sparking power cords is a bad, bad, bad thing.

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AC adaptor malfunction

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