Laptop charger problem Help please (1 Viewer)

[gazza280]

Hi Guys

Gotta bit of a problem with laptop charging problem is I have a universal charger/adapter that should, when plugged into the 12v, charge the laptop battery and allow me to use it off hookup but after about 5 minutes the fuse blows in the adapter.
I have used 3 different adapters and the same thing happens every time. I have used the mains charger in an RAC 350w inverter and plugged that into the 12v but it makes a loud screaming noise, the fault light doesn't come on but it does still charge the laptop battery. Though I can't stand the screaming noise.

Any ideas? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Gary

 

[TheBig1]

the universal charger is pulling too much current to supply the laptop's needs. make sure its capable of supplying at least as much power as the genuine charger. also make sure the socket and its wiring is capable of supplying the current needed and the voltage is not dropping due to length of wire run. the inverter is not working properly if its screaming. may be low voltage getting too it. best wired direct to battery not plugged into a socket as these are only low current rated and voltage drops the longer the run of wire.

 

[callumwa]

I would buy the proper manufacturer's replacement charger.
They are not normally that expensive.

It should be rated accordingly to do the job.

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[GJH]

In addition to the sound advice given above, is the universal charger set up correctly so that the output voltage matches that required by the laptop?

 

[Wissel]

Do you know how many amps your laptop pulls when charging?

It should say the voltage and amps on the original charger.

 

[Tootles]

Also, be very careful with inverters. Unless its a very expensive model, chances are its not pure sine wave, which will then run a conflict between itself and the charge adaptor. I saw a charger catch fire on a boat once for the very same reason. Same with certain cheap generators.

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[DavidG58]

Before I added a second battery and solar panel I had similar issues with my inverter, but by starting the engine the problem went, so either charge while on the move or run your engine while charging, I found that after a few minutes top up from the engine the inverter worked anyway. Clearly a low voltage issue in my case, possibly a combination of laptop very low and MH battery a bit low

I hope this helps a bit if you are stuck, although technical comment above makes best sense long term

David

 

[JJ]

IMO TheBig1 had it 100% correct and explained it perfectly...


Laptops can pull a lot of current...


JJ :Cool:

 

[hilldweller]

IMO TheBig1 had it 100% correct and explained it perfectly...
Laptops can pull a lot of current...
JJ :Cool:

An emergency work-around is plug in to charge but don't turn on. They eat far less just charging.

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