Frayed Magsafe - is it safe? ***With Pics***

[Hustler1337]

Hi guys,

So today, I noticed that the wire on my Magsafe adapter has been twisted (due to the wire often running through my bed) and has now caused a slit where the internals of the wire are exposed if untwisted.

What I can see is silver wires which probably wrap around something more deeper. It looks similar to this:

but thinner.

Here is the actual image:

I just wanted to find out a couple of things:

1. Is it safe to use? Is there danger of an electric shock or even death if I accidentally made contact with the exposed part?
2. Would it be possible to get a replacement from the Apple Store? I'm out of my year's warranty and wanted to know if it's possible to get one for free (like acting as though I bought my MBP in the last few months ) I'm a broke student

Would appreciate any help and advice.

Thanks!

 

[Aldaris]

Grab some electrical tape at your local hardware store or amazon (they come in various colors) and wrap up the damaged area. The wires don't seem to be compromised, just the rubber tube housing them.

When it's wrapped, it should be 100% safe for use.

 

[theuserjohnny]

I would maybe just wrap it in electrical tape. I mean it looks fine it dosen't look as if anything is sticking out or broken... it's just exposed.

 

[PinoyAko]

Hi guys,

So today, I noticed that the wire on my Magsafe adapter has been twisted (due to the wire often running through my bed) and has now caused a slit where the internals of the wire are exposed if untwisted.

What I can see is silver wires which probably wrap around something more deeper. It looks similar to this:

but thinner.

Here is the actual image:

I just wanted to find out a couple of things:

1. Is it safe to use? Is there danger of an electric shock or even death if I accidentally made contact with the exposed part?
2. Would it be possible to get a replacement from the Apple Store? I'm out of my year's warranty and wanted to know if it's possible to get one for free (like acting as though I bought my MBP in the last few months ) I'm a broke student

Would appreciate any help and advice.

Thanks!

If that still works then just put electrical tapr on it and you will be fine. Just save up for a new magsafe.

 

[johnnnw]

As people have said, use electrical tape tightly wrapped around it. I highly doubt it would electrocute you, but if you're that paranoid (which it seems you may be, haha) then buy a new one.

Apple probably won't give you one. Should of gotten Apple Care extension

 

[chrise2]

Also, that's the low voltage side of the cable. So even if you did get electrocuted, it wouldn't hurt. That much.

 

[Interstella5555]

Hi guys,

So today, I noticed that the wire on my Magsafe adapter has been twisted (due to the wire often running through my bed) and has now caused a slit where the internals of the wire are exposed if untwisted.

What I can see is silver wires which probably wrap around something more deeper. It looks similar to this:

but thinner.

Here is the actual image:

I just wanted to find out a couple of things:

1. Is it safe to use? Is there danger of an electric shock or even death if I accidentally made contact with the exposed part?
2. Would it be possible to get a replacement from the Apple Store? I'm out of my year's warranty and wanted to know if it's possible to get one for free (like acting as though I bought my MBP in the last few months ) I'm a broke student

Would appreciate any help and advice.

Thanks!

It won't kill you from shock, generally the level of current that goes into residential homes isn't enough to. I would worry about the possiblity of fire damage though.

So you admittedly kept the cord twisted and kinked which caused failure. Why would Apple replace it for you? If you think you can pass off last years MBP as being purchased in the last few months then give it a shot, but I don't see how your negligence justifies a free replacement from Apple. You must be broke if you can't even afford class.

 

[Hustler1337]

Thanks you all the replies guys. I'll definitely be getting some electrical tape on that which I never knew existed (I was going to put ordinary tape on it anyways, but electrical tape is exactly what I need), so thanks.

Also, that's the low voltage side of the cable. So even if you did get electrocuted, it wouldn't hurt. That much.

I hope I can handle it

It won't kill you from shock, generally the level of current that goes into residential homes isn't enough to. I would worry about the possiblity of fire damage though.

So you admittedly kept the cord twisted and kinked which caused failure. Why would Apple replace it for you? If you think you can pass off last years MBP as being purchased in the last few months then give it a shot, but I don't see how your negligence justifies a free replacement from Apple. You must be broke if you can't even afford class.

I've always disconnected my charger whenever I leave the room even before the kinking occurred as I could see a spark whenever I plugged it into the mains. (Paranoia? - been watching too much horror stories on the TV ). It wasn't negligence, nor excessive wear for that matter, that caused the problem; it was through general wear and tear that caused it and I've occasionally straightened that part of the cable out. I've seen many here on MacRumors who've recommended others to try this or even tried it themselves. Whether you think I lack class because of this, I couldn't care less but I don't appreciate that snarky comment.

 

[SimonQQ]

I had a similar situation like this except the fray on my magsafe was closer to the end of the square block.

I took it to my local apple store and within a few minutes an employee took one out of the box for me and replaced it on the spot

 

[hughw]

I wouldn't be too worried.
the magsafe outputs about 16.5V at about 5 amps.
That's unlikely to cause any damage unless you have a serious heart condition.
Give it a couple of wraps with white electrical tape, and it will be barely noticeable.

 

[el-John-o]

Instead of electrical tape, maybe use heat shrink film. It has the advantage of not breaking down and getting all sticky. You can get it in white, any hardware store will have it. Just slip it over the magsafe connector (this will likely only work with the L connector though, as it has to 'fit' over the connecter and shrink down), slide it to the damaged area, and hit it with a heat gun or hair dryer until it shrinks down completely. Voila! Good as new.

Here's an example for reference;

http://www.amazon.com/Ancor-304124-...r=1-2-catcorr&keywords=electrical+heat+shrink

That's what it looks like. Go to the hardware store, or wal-mart, or whatever, and find a piece (will probably come in a pack of several for like $4) that will barely squeeze over the MagSafe connector. Then shrink it down!