How to choose a power supply for a laptop: useful tips

The power supply, also known as the charger, eventually fails. The reasons can be different: a fatal blow to the plastic case, an unfortunate fall or a drop in mains voltage. Regardless of the reasons why the charger stopped working, you need to determine what to do in this situation. Read in this article about what to do when the power supply broke, how to choose a new one, and what nuances in the choice should be paid attention to.

Broken laptop power supply. What to do?

To begin with, it is worth checking for sure whether the power supply for the laptop has actually broken. There are several external reasons why the laptop does not charge from a particular unit:

• A faulty power outlet. To be sure of the correct conclusion, plug any electrical appliance into an outlet. If it works, then the problem is in the power adapter, if not - the problem lies in the socket. Repair and subsequent replacement is required.
• No voltage in the power grid. It happens that the entire apartment complex can suddenly lose power. In this case, it is logical that the laptop power supply from the network will not work. Make sure that electricity is present at least in the apartment, and then try to connect the laptop to another outlet. If the electricity is normal, and the laptop still does not charge, you will have to buy a new power supply.
• Problems with the built-in battery. Check the serviceability of the battery is very simple. Connect the laptop to a socket with the built-in battery removed. If the laptop does not turn on, then the problem is definitely in the battery.

If these checks reveal that the power supply is faulty, you will have to buy a new one. Such parts are often not repaired. The breakage may not be repairable or restoration will cost the same as buying a new power supply.

What to pay attention to when choosing a new power pack

Each charger for a laptop has characteristics. The power supply must match the parameters of the laptop. You can find them on the label stuck on the power supply or on the bottom cover of the laptop. Let's look at a list of the main characteristics that the power supply must meet.

Input Voltage (INPUT) of the power supply

Since we all use sockets with a voltage of 220 volts, then any device that says “INPUT 220V” on the body will do. If the house has a euro socket, then the voltage there varies from 110 volts. Here you already need to recognize the voltage of the socket, and on the basis of this determine the voltages of the charger.

Output voltage (OUTPUT) of the power supply unit

Here there should be an exact match. If the power supply model has a lower voltage, the device will not work correctly or not at all. However, an adjustment of 10% in both directions (+- 2 volts) is allowed. In this case, the power supply can function normally.

Power supply output current

Failure to comply with this figure does not threaten to damage the laptop, but significantly complicates the work of the adapter. If the current output will be less than the current specified on the original power supply, then the charger will burn out. If this figure is greater, then everything will be normal, as if the current corresponds to the current of the power supply from the manufacturer.

The shape of the power supply connector

Examine this issue very carefully. An exact match is required here (down to tenths of millimeters), otherwise the plug simply will not fit and will not charge.

Power supply capacity

Block of the same power or more powerful than the original - this is good, because more power - means faster charging and low heating of the PSU. Less power than that stated on the original power supply threatens to break the charger.

What is better: buy a universal charger or a branded one

Block from the manufacturer of the laptop is ideal for all indicators, because it was created exactly for this laptop. If you manage to find the same power supply by article and model, then safely order it. This option is characterized by reliability and a guarantee of quality charging. But the prices for original power supplies for laptops are noticeably higher than for universal analogs.

Universal adapters are suitable for any laptop thanks to the huge number of plugs of all sorts of shapes in the set. Yes, they are much cheaper and more accessible, but there are a few disadvantages. Most often they are manufactured in China, which does not guarantee durability and reliable charging of the device. It may turn out that there is no separate plug to your laptop. This happens with unique devices with one-off form factors.

We hope that readers have gotten the necessary amount of information to solve the problem with a non-working power supply. Pay attention to the specifications of the adapter you are replacing and remember to strictly match form factors.