Frayed MagSafe Connector "L-style" (help?)

[zachnelson]

So, I was under my desk arranging cords for my various electronics and stumbled upon this. I'm somewhat disappointed at this point for a number of reasons, however I need some help of what I can do.

First of all, I live in a house with no pets, and this charger has sat stationary under my desk for the better part of the two years I've owned the computer.

Secondly, I don't have AppleCare's 3yr coverage because when it came time to purchase it, I couldn't afford it. (The computer was a gift)

I'm a college student with a grand total of $0 at the moment with all my income from work being applied directly to loans. Is there any chance if I come into an Apple Store with this cord, they will replace it? If not, does anyone have any idea if the cord is "safe" to use for the next few days until I can afford the ~$50 for a new one?

Inspecting it further, the internal power conduit appears to be intact, with the only damage being done to the actual rubber and internal metal shielding. The brick does get hot when charging but it's always been like that I believe. As you can see from my other pictures the other attachment points are just fine with little to no noticeable wear.

My most important issue is if it can be used relatively safely for the next few days.

Thanks so much anyone who replies this evening! I've got 66% battery left so...

 

[GGJstudios]

Take it to Apple and see what they'll do.

 

[zachnelson]

Take it to Apple and see what they'll do.

Thanks for the speedy reply, I definitely intend to, although it seems tomorrow might be difficult due to timing but hopefully I'll be able to drop by tomorrow.

 

[negativzero]

Additionally take a look at this article on preserving your cable.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1630?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Its preferable to leave some slack before winding your cable to prevent it from snapping. Personally, I add a loop into the cable before twisting it so I know it wont bend out of shape.

 

[Macman45]

OP: I would NOT use it until Apple have looked at it, that's a recipe for a dead short there. If you get a nice genius you may get lucky. I never "Wind" my cables, just leave them slack so they can't break like that....Not the best design Apple has ever come up with though. Good luck..

 

[zachnelson]

Additionally take a look at this article on preserving your cable.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1630?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Its preferable to leave some slack before winding your cable to prevent it from snapping. Personally, I add a loop into the cable before twisting it so I know it wont bend out of shape.

I've actually never wound it up like that believe it or not, it just sits stationary under a desk

However I'll keep that in mind for the next one!

 

[heisenberg123]

Additionally take a look at this article on preserving your cable.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1630?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Its preferable to leave some slack before winding your cable to prevent it from snapping. Personally, I add a loop into the cable before twisting it so I know it wont bend out of shape.

good post i actually do this with all my wired devices

 

[Dangerous Theory]

It is safe, just wrap some electrical tape around it and make sure wires aren't exposed. People overreact about a bit of frayed wire sometimes.

 

[Takashi]

I've actually never wound it up like that believe it or not, it just sits stationary under a desk

However I'll keep that in mind for the next one!

I would not use the charger until you get it replaced.

 

[ECUpirate44]

Wrap up

 

[JamerTheProgram]

I have a similar problem with my old charger.
It took 8 months of excessive use, and the outcome was the same.
I bought a phoney one without knowing, broke.
Bought a new one and it hasn't given me any issues since.

 

[zachnelson]

So... visited Apple Store at 8:55 today, 5 minutes before close. I had to make an appointment So, hopefully good news at 5:45 tomorrow

 

[Suanmiao]

I had exactly the same problem with my power brick. It was 3 month out of the standard one year warranty, took it in an Apple Store @Beijing. I was told by a Genies that they will charge me for a replacement because it was well out of warranty. But changed his mind when he saw my machine, I've been taking good care of my mid 2010 MBP since day one so it looks brand new.
My advice is that you should give your MBP a good clean before bringing it in, and tell the Genies Bar that how you love and baby your machine, it's worth trying...
good luck!!

 

[zachnelson]

No dice, no new charger, nothing helpful at all from the Genius.

Kinda surprised considering people have gotten free iPhones and Macs for no reason, and I can't get an out of warranty charger to be safe, but looks like I'm rolling with the broken one for a while

 

[ron1004]

I got this by email:

LEGAL NOTICE

If you are the original owner of certain MacBook or MacBook Pro computers and/or you purchased a standalone 60W or 85W MagSafe power adapter for these computers, you could be entitled to benefits under a class action settlement

The settlement will provide a cash payment if you are the original owner (by purchase or gift) of certain Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro computer models (“Subject Computer”) or separately purchased an Apple 60W or 85W MagSafe “T” Power Adapter (“Adapter”), your Adapter showed signs of Strain Relief Damage, and you purchased an Adapter as a replacement (“Replacement Adapter”) within three years of purchasing the Subject Computer or Adapter. You may also be able to obtain a replacement adapter at no charge from Apple if your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California authorized this notice. The Court will have a hearing to consider whether to approve the settlement, so that the benefits may be paid.

WHO’S AFFECTED?

You’re a “Class Member” if you are a United States resident who purchased in the United States an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro computer or an Apple 60W or 85W MagSafe MPM-1 (“T”) Power Adapter.

WHAT’S THIS ABOUT?

The lawsuit claimed that the MagSafe “T” Adapter is defective in that it allegedly “dangerously frays, sparks and prematurely fails to work,” and that Apple engaged in misrepresentations regarding the Adapter. Apple denies all allegations and has asserted many defenses. Apple is entering into this settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

WHAT CAN YOU GET FROM THE SETTLEMENT?

Apple has agreed to provide a cash payment to Class Members who purchased a Replacement Adapter for a Subject Computer or Adapter covered by the settlement and who send in a valid claim form. The settlement provides for different cash payments depending on when you purchased a Replacement Adapter.

YEAR REPLACEMENT ADAPTER PURCHASED
CASH PAYMENT AMOUNT
YEAR 1
THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT ADAPTER (EXCLUDING TAX & SHIPPING) UP TO $79
YEAR 2
$50
YEAR 3
$35

There is a limit of three refunds per Subject Computer.

You may also be able to obtain a replacement adapter at no charge from Apple if your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future.

HOW DO YOU GET A PAYMENT?

A detailed notice and claim form package contains everything you need. Just call 1-888-332-0277 or go to www.AdapterSettlement.com to get one.

HOW DO YOU GET A REPLACEMENT ADAPTER?

If your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future, you may claim a replacement under Apple’s Adapter Replacement Program by taking your Adapter and computer to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider or contacting AppleCare. Strain Relief Damage means fraying, melting, straining, sparking, weakening, discoloration, bubbling, overheating and/or separation of the Adapter’s strain reliefs.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

To claim a cash payment, you must mail the claim form postmarked on or before March 21, 2012. To obtain a Replacement Adapter, you must contact Apple within three years from the date you purchased a Subject Computer or standalone Adapter, or May 21, 2012, whichever is later; no claim form is required. If you do not claim a cash payment or Replacement Adapter within these time periods, you will lose your right to obtain these benefits.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If you don’t want to make a claim and you don’t want to be legally bound by the settlement, you must postmark your request to exclude yourself by January 6, 2012, or you won’t be able to sue, or continue to sue, Apple about the legal claims in this case. If you exclude yourself, you will not be eligible to receive a payment from this settlement.

If you stay in the Class, you may object to the settlement. Objections must be received by January 6, 2012. The detailed notice describes how to exclude yourself or object. The Court will hold a hearing in this case (In re MagSafe Power Adapter Litigation, Case No. C09-01911-JW) on February 27, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. to consider whether to approve (1) the settlement and (2) attorneys’ fees and expenses of up to $3.1 million and service payments to Plaintiffs of $5,000 each (not to exceed $30,000). You may appear at the hearing, but you don’t have to. To obtain a full notice and claim form, go to www.AdapterSettlement.com or call toll free 1-888-332-0277. For more details, go to www.AdapterSettlement.com or contact Helen Zeldes, Esq., Zeldes & Haeggquist, LLP, 625 Broadway, Suite 906, San Diego, CA 92101, 619-342-8000 or contact Steven A. Skalet, Esq., Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, 202-822-5100.