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MacBook Pro Charger Chewed By Cat

M

ml0110

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 28, 2015
1
0
Hi,

My MacBook Pro charger was chewed by my cat. There is a small cut in the wire but the charger still works and fully charges the computer. Today, however, the wire started sparking (just very small blue sparks) right where the cut is. It only happened for a couple seconds but it continued to fully charge the computer.

My question is: do I need to get another $80 charger or can I put electrical tape around the wire instead? It still works, I'm just afraid because of the little sparks today. I also have split tube looming in a closet somewhere. Could I use split tube looming too or will the electric tape be okay?
 
No one here is going to reccomend you do anything that "might be dangerous", it's clearly a proceed at your own risk situation.

If there are sparks being produced it suggests two exposed wires are connecting and wrapping a bit of electrical tape around will probably just keep them in contact with each other maybe exacerbating the issue and causing a fire risk. Just to let you know how I see the situation but obviously you do as wish.
 
I can't believe your even asking the question. If it makes you fell better my cat did the same thing. They sell the charger at Best Buy if your in the USA.

My advise is get a new charger.
 
Last edited:
The reason it is sparking is that the center conductor is shorting against the outer conductor. Wrapping it in electrical tape will not address the issue. I've had a couple issues myself over the years. I've purchased a replacement wire and installed it in the charger.... not easy, results aren't great, but it works.... still has tape wrapped around it. I've also cut out the damaged section of a wire and soldered it back together, making sure to insulate the inner conductor from the outer. Much better result in cases like this. It's not hard if you have a soldering iron and basic skills. Best bet is just to replace it though. I used my repaired chargers at home and in the office and carry the replacement with me.
 
Which laptop do you have? If it happens to be a MagSafe 1 you can get original Apple chargers for much less than $80.
 
Queen6 said:
Replace the charger, if it damages your Mac, or worse your home, the least you will be concerned with is the $80.

Q-6
Click to expand...

Absolutely, completely and totally - oh, yeah, and emphatically - agree with this wise advice. Toss it. Replace it.
 
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