Keep using a bad macbook air charger (i can see the wires)? and if so - way to fix? [pic]

[benyben123]

So.... Sorry in advanced. Trying to maintain a budget.

MBA 2015. The charger is bad. Works fine actually, but I can see the silver wires inside.

Any suggestions?

I was thinking of buying a tape and wrapping it. But maybe someone have a better suggestion.

These are very expensive where I am currently stationed. I am talking WTH(?!) prices.

https://imgur.com/27kc7Cc

 

[Apple_Robert]

That is a fire hazard waiting to happen. I would not use that as is. If possible, have a family member or friend mail you a new charger. If using it is an absolute must, get some electrical tape and wrap it.

 

[steelhauler34]

Good god..... Does this place have like a best of like Craigslist? This thread would be a top the list. Just buy a new charger for the love of god. There is a place down the road from me that sells 10 footers made out of heavy cord that last a long time for 10 bucks.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Good god..... Does this place have like a best of like Craigslist? This thread would be a top the list. Just buy a new charger for the love of god. There is a place down the road from me that sells 10 footers made out of heavy cord that last a long time for 10 bucks.

He said it is very expensive where he is stationed. Maybe he is overseas where a simple Mac charger is hard to come by.

 

[steelhauler34]

He said it is very expensive where he is stationed. Maybe he is overseas where a simple Mac charger is hard to come by.

Guess we all have struggles....smh.

 

[Madhatter32]

For safety sake, you should wrap that with electrical tape -- which will also help keep it from fraying further. You are going to need a new charger soon.

 

[Fishrrman]

I WOULD NOT keep using that.
Those wires are "beyond frayed"... they look dangerous.

Get a new one -- budget or not.

 

[justashooter]

The bare wires that you can see carry no current, they are a ground and they surround and protect other insulated wires that carry current to the magsafe connector. The problem is that there is so much wear and tear that the plastic insulation on the internal wires could also be broken or breaking down, but you can't see that, and they may short against the outer wires.

 

[benyben123]

thanks all for the kind advice! i do appreciate it.

i did not know this was risky. simply did not think of it.

i stopped using this charger as of yesterday and will go get a new one!!!!

thanks again!!!

 

[gwenjanus]

Hello. Maybe you can put a charger cable on your new charger. I think you can buy it on Amazon.

 

[benyben123]

thank you. sorry, can u explain this to me? u mean the charger itself is separated from the wire? what should i look for in Amazon? Curious. Thanks!

 

[svanstrom]

The bare wires that you can see carry no current, they are a ground and they surround and protect other insulated wires that carry current to the magsafe connector. The problem is that there is so much wear and tear that the plastic insulation on the internal wires could also be broken or breaking down, but you can't see that, and they may short against the outer wires.

So happy to see a reply with some actual knowledge. ❤️

Buying a new one, even if expensive, is definitely the way to go here.

However, if that had been completely impossible a cable looking like that could potentially be made safe…

The thing is, if you have to ask you're most likely not the right person to evaluate it and/or make it safe; so you really need to find someone that can help you with that. And even with that done you don't want to leave it while it's plugged in, you have to be extra careful with it, and you would still want to replace it as soon as possible (as you yourself can't easily judge the risks that comes with how you use it).

I've used cables looking almost as bad as that; but generally speaking the solution is to apply electrical tape to it before it gets too bad. That will give it extra protection and stability, so only the outer tube is what's worn.

 

[benyben123]

So happy to see a reply with some actual knowledge. ❤️

Buying a new one, even if expensive, is definitely the way to go here.

However, if that had been completely impossible a cable looking like that could potentially be made safe…

The thing is, if you have to ask you're most likely not the right person to evaluate it and/or make it safe; so you really need to find someone that can help you with that. And even with that done you don't want to leave it while it's plugged in, you have to be extra careful with it, and you would still want to replace it as soon as possible (as you yourself can't easily judge the risks that comes with how you use it).

I've used cables looking almost as bad as that; but generally speaking the solution is to apply electrical tape to it before it gets too bad. That will give it extra protection and stability, so only the outer tube is what's worn.

I appreciate your thoughtful response!!!

 

[MBAir2010]

thank you. sorry, can u explain this to me? u mean the charger itself is separated from the wire? what should i look for in Amazon? Curious. Thanks!

the 2019 amazon charger i purchased swelled up my macbook air battery thursday, i would advice using an apple or better one like an OWC in your part of the globe.
i will buy the 3rd apple one since 2010 for my macbook soon

 

[justashooter]

thank you. sorry, can u explain this to me? u mean the charger itself is separated from the wire? what should i look for in Amazon? Curious. Thanks!

It is possible to buy a replacement cable:

Maxon's Trade "T-Tip" 45W 60W 85W AC Power Adapter DC Repair Cable Cord " T " Connector for Apple MAC MacBook Pro Laptop (for Magsafe2 only)

Maxon's Trade "T-Tip" 45W 60W 85W AC Power Adapter DC Repair Cable Cord " T " Connector for Apple MAC MacBook Pro Laptop (for Magsafe2 only)

www.amazon.com

and then open the charger and solder the new cable to the charger:

I have replaced 4 of these cables on Apple chargers. But I have some experience soldering, it is not for everyone.

 

[benyben123]

It is possible to buy a replacement cable:

Maxon's Trade "T-Tip" 45W 60W 85W AC Power Adapter DC Repair Cable Cord " T " Connector for Apple MAC MacBook Pro Laptop (for Magsafe2 only)

Maxon's Trade "T-Tip" 45W 60W 85W AC Power Adapter DC Repair Cable Cord " T " Connector for Apple MAC MacBook Pro Laptop (for Magsafe2 only)

www.amazon.com

and then open the charger and solder the new cable to the charger:

I have replaced 4 of these cables on Apple chargers. But I have some experience soldering, it is not for everyone.

Thank you so much. This is def above my paygrade!!

 

[gwenjanus]

thank you. sorry, can u explain this to me? u mean the charger itself is separated from the wire? what should i look for in Amazon? Curious. Thanks!

hello, sorry for the confusion 😅. It's a charger cable protector, not sure if I'm allowed to insert a link here but here it is https://www.amazon.com/TPLTECH-Prot...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

[bdj33ranch]

For a TEMPORARY fix take a plastic zip tie and use it for reinforcement and wrap electrical tape along the zip tie and frayed cord. Include the heavier connection piece that goes into power brick and Magsafe connector. If you’ve already used electrical tape to wrap the cord leave it in place - just go back and rewrap with the zip tie and another layer of tape. Be careful. Treat the cord like it’s glass. It will likely fail where the zip tie ends if you’re not very careful. Get a new one on order! I’ve had good luck with this as an replacement:

BatPower A90 High Power Delivery Slim 120W Laptop Replacement Charger Compatible with MacBook Pro Air laptop Magnetic charger power supply adapter, Dual USB QC3.0 fast charge tablet smartphone

BatPower A90 High Power Delivery Slim 120W Laptop Replacement Charger Compatible with MacBook Pro Air laptop Magnetic charger power supply adapter, Dual USB QC3.0 fast charge tablet smartphone

www.amazon.com

If you also get one of these adapters you will have two cords you can use:

Apple MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter

The MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter allows you to use the MagSafe connector on your LED Cinema Display, Thunderbolt Display, or MagSafe Power Adapter to charge your MagSafe 2-equipped Mac computer.

www.amazon.com