Computer Problem - This Can't Be Good

[not_nadine]

Laptop, Toshiba - it would not charge up. I got a warning about battery.

I plugged it in, after I untwisted the cord. I finally go it to charge up. But!
Now the plug-in thing is sparking. I had to wiggle it and it took the charge.

It sizzles if I move it. Throwing off sparks.

I can't afford a new computer right now. God knows, this poor puter has been through some rough times with puppy... I am missing keys from her slapping at them to get my attention. I can live with that, she was so silly. She was quite pleased with herself when she knocked a key off. She had also been known to run away with the cord and play take away. Fun for her, not me so much.

Duct tape for now? Lovely. Or do I just stay far away.. I am afraid to touch it..

 

[HollyGolightly]

Yikes - be careful. Do you have a different charger? We've got a few around here - I could send you one if you can show me what it looks like.

 

[FlakeNoir]

It might actually be the port rather than the charger that is damaged. And yar, any electrical thing that is sizzling and sparking... you should shut it down now and take it to someone qualified.
(I know finances aren't great, but your safety is more important and if it started an electrical fire, could you afford to replace everything that you might lose?)

 

[swiftdog2.0]

Sounds like there is a break in the wiring within the charger. I would not use it. It's a fire hazard in addition to being a shock hazard. Good news is, chargers are cheaper than a new laptop.

 

[not_nadine]

Thanks, I looked them up, they are affordable. It is just the cord that runs from the box thing of the charger into the computer, not the actual box thing that runs to the wall.. If that makes any sense at all. It seems to a loose wire connection

Holly, you are too sweet!

 

[Neesy]

Thanks, I looked them up, they are affordable. It is just the cord that runs from the box thing of the charger into the computer, not the actual box thing that runs to the wall.. If that makes any sense at all. It seems to a loose wire connection

Holly, you are too sweet!

Well not to encourage you to burn the house down or electrocute yourself, but rather than duct tape I think black electrical tape is the way to go here (yeah - I know - not everyone has this on hand). But if you do go somewhere today shopping [say WallyMart or sumthin'] check it out. Or try a hardware store.

 

[fljoe0]

NN,

If you do get another cord, don't charge it unattended for a while until you're sure it's not the transformer box.

Go to Staples or Office Depot and ask if they have any old cords. My local Staples keeps a box of power cords behind the counter that they give away. I think they keep them from the items that are brought in for recycle.

 

[ghost19]

Power bricks and AC cables are pretty cheap on Ebay.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...unplug it immediately, before it fries you, the laptop and your house...laptops are NOT intended as 4th of July sparklers....

 

[ghost19]

...unplug it immediately, before it fries you, the laptop and our house...laptops are NOT intended as 4th of July sparklers....

Morning sir, hope you and yours are well. Have a good weekend.

 

[Neesy]

NN,

If you do get another cord, don't charge it unattended for a while until you're sure it's not the transformer box.

Go to Staples or Office Depot and ask if they have any old cords. My local Staples keeps a box of power cords behind the counter that they give away. I think they keep them from the items that are brought in for recycle.

Great idea!

 

[Walter Oobleck]

After unplugging the cord from the power source examine the area that was sparking. The cord? was sparking because the wires have lost their insulation, bare wire is exposed. A single bare wire is not a problem...the problem results when two of them connect. The two strands...or three is also possible...need to be separated. They are sparking because they are too close together. If you don't have electricians tape any tape duct tape would work to insulate the wires again. When examining the wires, look to see if any strands of wires are broken. If too many are broken you either need to expose more of the wire by removing insulation...the colored plastic covering the wire...and twisting the wire strands together. A razor knife works well to expose more wire if needed. Then...go to McDonalds and order through the drive-thru...disposing of your trash in an acceptable container. I've had an assortment of cords and power supply lines that became frayed, broken, cut...and treating the injury is less expensive that pulling the plug entirely. When not in use, power down and unplug.

 

[GNTLGNT]

Morning sir, hope you and yours are well. Have a good weekend.

...we are old buddy, you have a good one as well!....

 

[not_nadine]

Bare wires were exposed, Walter. I wrapped it. I don't see the need for McDonalds thou.. But hell, if you say so..

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[GNTLGNT]

Bare wires were exposed, Walter. I wrapped it. I don't see the need for McDonalds thou.. But hell, if you say so..

Thanks for all the advice.

...it's still a major fire hazard honey...

 

[HollyGolightly]

I didn't know about the staples thing - what a good idea though. If you can take it somewhere and see if it's just the cord. And then seriously PM if you need one I have for free. The Ogre is a computer engineer and the house is full of gadgets and cords.

 

[hipmamajen]

I used to have roommates with dogs. Every single power cord (every. single. power. cord.) had been chewed through in at least one place, and was covered with giant balls of electrical tape. Nothing ever caught on fire, and as far as I know they are still doing stuff like this and staying alive.

It's not an ideal solution, but I would give it a try while getting money together for a replacement. I would unplug it when I wasn't around, though.

Are you anywhere near Denver? Road tripping through? Know anyone who's road tripping through? My husband can usually help with parts or fixes for stuff like that.

 

[mustangclaire]

Be careful... our old lap tops charger died. Husband hard wired it direct in. I only would use it with oven gloves.

 

[Riot87]

Be careful around it as getting shocked is not fun lol.

 

[kingricefan]

You could also try going to any hotels/motels in the vicinity- you would be amazed at how many people leave behind their phone/laptop cords.....(I know, I did it once!)