DEll laptop charger full of plastic

[sparker1]

This is a rant that I thought I would share. I have a dell charger that wasn't working - only putting out an unsteady 0.14v but the charger light is nice and bright so I was thinking it was a cord problem. I took it apart and was astonished to find it had been absolutely filled with "stuff". It has been gooped over all the circuit. That makes it impossible to examine it without going mining and possibly damaging components since you can't see what's underneath the "stuff". It is a proprietary brand charger but Dell should be ashamed of the careless manner it's been put together. Is there a need for all that insulation or whatever it is?


Edit: and yes, it was a cord problem.

[Gabriel]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

Is this actually made by Dell ? I have never seen a powersupply made by Dell looking like that inside.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

Dell doesn't make power supplies. OEMs build them for Dell. I have 3 identical Dell adapters (in terms of power ratings), and all 3 have different OEMs and different power cords at the end that plugs into the charger.

I've seen that white caulk in a lot of genuine power bricks, and indeed, it is a royal pain to remove. The "replacement" aka knock-off ones just use hot glue instead, or no glue at all.

[kasfamily]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

If desired, the material may be removed, must be carefully and the time needed to dig the tip of the blade, items without damaging, in particular SMD components.

[ReeceyBurger123]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

I have seen this a few times especially in detla power bricks doesn't do any harm and is a pain to remove, also it does transfer some heat away from the components.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

The goop also helps with resistance to shock and vibration. Adapters like that probably get dropped and kicked around a lot if the laptop is carried around much.

[momaka]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

Someone at the factory must have been watching too much porn before going to their shift
Yeah, I've seen both Delta and LiteON power adapters littered with that white silicone stuff. Fortunately, most of the problems with those IS a power cord issue - either shorted or open.

[kasfamily]

Re: DEll laptop charger full of plastic

Even with such a dense filling, if dropped or bumped adapter often break off the wire chokes filters.