General Question

SuperMouse's avatar

Why would my charger start throwing sparks?

Asked by SuperMouse (30853points) September 7th, 2009

Last night while I was listening to this really cool broadcast, I had my laptop plugged into the charger and charger plugged in to the wall. Out of nowhere the charger started throwing sparks. At first I thought it might be static electricity from the blankets, but when I realized it was coming from the cord and wasn’t stopping I unplugged it. Some of the plastic on the cord is melted now. Of course I’m planning to get a new charger, but what would cause something like this? Also, if I have had the laptop less then a year would this be covered on the warranty?

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5 Answers

Axemusica's avatar

I’m not sure, on why it would and if the warranty covers it. What I would check is, if the outlet is good. Get a voltmeter and stick it in there and see if it read 120volts, well if you’re a US citizen that is, lol.

Dog's avatar

Yikes @SuperMouse! Sometimes when a cord is really worn the inside cords will make contact and short out. It may have happened here.

Glad you are not using it.

jonsblond's avatar

I know my husband is hot but I didn’t realize he was that hot ;)

Darwin's avatar

If it’s a Dell and of recent manufacture, it happened because it is a P.O.S..

Dog's avatar

Oh- I missed the Randomassradio podcast note. That really could explain it. I keep missing the live podcasts but I am sure a live one would be very very charged and hot.

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