Longer charging cable for 2020 MacBook Air?

[TitanTiger]

Is there a reason Apple doesn't offer a longer cable to charge the 2020 MBA? And is there any reason a third party USB-C to USB-C wouldn't work well? I thought I read some stuff about data transfers in longer cables, but didn't know if that also impacted charging ability. This 2 meter cable just isn't cutting it for me.

 

[velocityg4]

I think the issue is data transfer limitations of Thunderbolt 4. From what I found, it is limited to 6.5 feet without a considerably more expensive cable.

Charging wise. You should be able to use any USB-C rated for the wattage of your charger or higher. Although, I'd stick with a good brand. Such as Anker or Monoprice. It just won't be good for something like a Thunderbolt dock.

 

[JPack]

They do.

Power Adapter Extension Cable

Power Adapter Extension Cable makes it easy to add extra length to your Apple power adapter. Get fast, free shipping when you shop online.

www.apple.com

If you’re talking about a long USB-C cable, you’re not supposed to do that. Long cables quickly attenuate DC voltage and data speeds.

 

[TitanTiger]

They do.

Power Adapter Extension Cable

Power Adapter Extension Cable makes it easy to add extra length to your Apple power adapter. Get fast, free shipping when you shop online.

www.apple.com

If you’re talking about a long USB-C cable, you’re not supposed to do that. Long cables quickly attenuate DC voltage and data speeds.

I'm talking about a long USB-C cable. Not worried about data speeds. Just want more length from the USB-C charging brick that comes with the 2020 MBA.

 

[TitanTiger]

Anker seems to indicate this 10 foot cable will work even with fast charging for a 2020 MBA:

New Nylon USB-C to USB-C 100W Cable (10 ft)

The Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology. Rapid Charging: Supports high-speed charging up to 100W when used with a compatible charger. Highly Compatible: Designed to work flawlessly with any USB-C device. Rugged and Durable: A hard-wearing nylon exterior...

www.anker.com

 

[JPack]

I'm talking about a long USB-C cable. Not worried about data speeds. Just want more length from the USB-C charging brick that comes with the 2020 MBA.

Data is voltage. The longer the cable, the slower the charge speed. That's the main reason why Apple doesn't offer it. You can buy those long USB-C cables, but treat it as a last resort.

 

[TitanTiger]

Data is voltage. The longer the cable, the slower the charge speed. That's the main reason why Apple doesn't offer it. You can buy those long USB-C cables, but treat it as a last resort.

Just another reason why ditching the MagSafe line of charging adapters was a stupid decision. So glad they returned to it.

 

[JPack]

Just another reason why ditching the MagSafe line of charging adapters was a stupid decision. So glad they returned to it.

That property is inherent in any electronic peripheral. MagSafe is just the connector, everything behind it is DC. It's the reason why the electrical grid doesn't run on DC.

 

[mi7chy]

Voltage drop is an issue as cable length increases. Acceptable PSU voltage tolerance is +/- 5% so, for example, at 5V DC the minimum threshold is 4.75V. To achieve that at 2 meters you need 18 AWG gauge wire which is thicker than the standard calls for at 20 to 28 AWG. 18 AWG is already ~1mm in diameter and you need eight (4 for power and 4 for ground) plus additional data wires. At 3 meters you need 16 AWG gauge (~1.3mm in diameter) so the final cable becomes too thick and inflexible as you increase the gauge.

https://www.electricaltechnology.or...age-drop-calculator-voltage-drop-formula.html

 

[TitanTiger]

That property is inherent in any electronic peripheral. MagSafe is just the connector, everything behind it is DC. It's the reason why the electrical grid doesn't run on DC.

I should clarify that I just realized that Apple Power Extension cable will work with my 67w charger that came with the MBA. They used to give you that extension cable with the MagSafe 2 charging cable that came with the laptops. Now it's an extra. I'll be ordering one of these.

 

[boss.king]

I should clarify that I just realized that Apple Power Extension cable will work with my 67w charger that came with the MBA. They used to give you that extension cable with the MagSafe 2 charging cable that came with the laptops. Now it's an extra. I'll be ordering one of these.

If you're in the US you might be able to get one of those cables at Goodwill or whatever thrift store you have near you. I got three for less than a dollar each a few years back when Apple first removed them from the box.

 

[mi7chy]

Or, use one of these power extension cable. Here's a 2 meter but they come in different lengths.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-NEMA-Power-Cord-Volts/dp/B002VY53QE