Need advise--AC Adapter problem

I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it when it
is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an inch from
where it plugs into the computer).

It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).

So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get a new
adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I go through
Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg or...?). Is this
perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio Shack? Finally, is this
a relatively inexpensive part.

Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even using it?

Mel

In news:mFZnl.50579$,
MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>
> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>
> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>
> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
> using it?
> Mel

Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
Although it shouldn't be a problem.

Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I
got a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it
wasn't UL approved and it screws up radio reception around the local
area. Otherwise it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare
once I found this out.

--
Bill
2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu

The frayed area is right where it connects into the plug.
I can wrap electrical tape around it.

Certainly without doing that, it's a safety hazard (if not to the computer
then to the area where it is situated, in my opinion).

I'd rather just replace it.

I checked on the Dell site and the cost is $65 or so plus shipping.

I've been pleased dealing with Pacific Battery and they have one for $39.,
including shipping, so I might buy it through them. I'm going to check a few
other places and maybe EBAY.

Mel


"BillW50" <> wrote in message
news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
> In news:mFZnl.50579$,
> MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
>> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
>> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
>> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>>
>> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>>
>> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
>> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
>> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
>> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
>> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>>
>> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
>> using it?
>> Mel
>
> Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
> or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
> Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
> model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I got
> a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it wasn't UL
> approved and it screws up radio reception around the local area. Otherwise
> it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare once I found this
> out.
>
> --
> Bill
> 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
> 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>

Here's one on EBAY:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PA-16-3-16A-AC-A...3A1%7C294%3A50

Any reason why I shouldn't get it?

Mel


"BillW50" <> wrote in message
news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
> In news:mFZnl.50579$,
> MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
>> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
>> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
>> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>>
>> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>>
>> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
>> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
>> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
>> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
>> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>>
>> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
>> using it?
>> Mel
>
> Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
> or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
> Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
> model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I got
> a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it wasn't UL
> approved and it screws up radio reception around the local area. Otherwise
> it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare once I found this
> out.
>
> --
> Bill
> 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
> 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>

"BillW50" <> wrote in message
news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
> In news:mFZnl.50579$,
> MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
>> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
>> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
>> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>>
>> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>>
>> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
>> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
>> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
>> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
>> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>>
>> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
>> using it?
>> Mel
>
> Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
> or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
> Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
> model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I got
> a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it wasn't UL
> approved and it screws up radio reception around the local area. Otherwise
> it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare once I found this
> out.
>
> --
> Bill
> 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
> 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>

or get some liquid rubber...comes in a can with a brush at hardware and auto
stores...WallyMart too. It's easier than trying to splice and tape frayed
wires. I use it alot.

On Feb 21, 5:09*pm, "olfart" <olfar...@excite.com> wrote:
> "BillW50" <bill...@aol.kom> wrote in message
>
> news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Innews:mFZnl.50579$,
> > MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
> >> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
> >> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
> >> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>
> >> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>
> >> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
> >> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
> >> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
> >> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
> >> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>
> >> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
> >> using it?
> >> Mel
>
> > Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
> > or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
> > Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> > Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
> > model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I got
> > a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it wasn't UL
> > approved and it screws up radio reception around the local area. Otherwise
> > it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare once I found this
> > out.
>
> > --
> > Bill
> > 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
> > 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> > 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> > Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>
> or get some liquid rubber...comes in a can with a brush at hardware and auto
> stores...WallyMart too. It's easier than trying to splice and tape frayed
> wires. I use it alot.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Again, the break is in a bad spot. It is where the wire goes into the
plug. I would just rather not mess with it.

Now the question is: do I get a cheap EBAY one of go through Pacific?

Mel

"compiler777" <> wrote in message
news:0addf214-d3c5-4d65-aacc-...
On Feb 21, 5:09 pm, "olfart" <olfar...@excite.com> wrote:
> "BillW50" <bill...@aol.kom> wrote in message
>
> news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Innews:mFZnl.50579$,
> > MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
> >> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
> >> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
> >> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>
> >> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>
> >> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
> >> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
> >> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
> >> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
> >> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>
> >> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
> >> using it?
> >> Mel
>
> > Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
> > or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
> > Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>
> > Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
> > model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I
> > got
> > a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it wasn't UL
> > approved and it screws up radio reception around the local area.
> > Otherwise
> > it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare once I found this
> > out.
>
> > --
> > Bill
> > 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
> > 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> > 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
> > Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>
> or get some liquid rubber...comes in a can with a brush at hardware and
> auto
> stores...WallyMart too. It's easier than trying to splice and tape frayed
> wires. I use it alot.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Again, the break is in a bad spot. It is where the wire goes into the
plug. I would just rather not mess with it.

Now the question is: do I get a cheap EBAY one of go through Pacific?

Mel

the liquid rubber will flow in around the bare spot and insulate it. Add a
few more coats later to strengthen the wires going into the plug. It's a
cheap repair and I would try it even if you go ahead and buy a new one. The
old one would be a good spare to have just in case.

Thanks for the info, Chris.

I just ordered a Genuine Dell one via EBAY

Mel
"Christopher Muto" <> wrote in message
news: t...
> don't buy that. it looks like typical junk. do you search again for
> "dell pa-16" and add the word "genuine" to find a genuine dell branded
> unit. if you then sort by price + shipping you will find plenty offered
> for $25 delivered. even a used genuine dell unit would be better than a
> new no name junk unit.
>
> "MZB" <> wrote in message
> news:yQ_nl.12543$...
>> Here's one on EBAY:
>>
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/PA-16-3-16A-AC-A...3A1%7C294%3A50
>>
>> Any reason why I shouldn't get it?
>>
>> Mel
>>
>>
>> "BillW50" <> wrote in message
>> news:gnpqpg$1i2$...
>>> In news:mFZnl.50579$,
>>> MZB typed on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:40:51 -0500:
>>>> I have an Inspiron 2200 laptop. The AC adapter sparks when I move it
>>>> when it is plugged into my laptop as there is a frayed wire (about an
>>>> inch from where it plugs into the computer).
>>>>
>>>> It still charges the battery (it doesn't spark if I leave it alone).
>>>>
>>>> So, I need to replace this part ASAP. Any suggestions on where to get
>>>> a new adapter? Is this a standard part I can buy at EBAY or should I
>>>> go through Dell or is there a better place (Pacific Battery or Newegg
>>>> or...?). Is this perhaps something I can just buy at Walmart or Radio
>>>> Shack? Finally, is this a relatively inexpensive part.
>>>>
>>>> Also, am I risking destroying the battery or worse the MB by even
>>>> using it?
>>>> Mel
>>>
>>> Why not just splice the frayed area? Anyway it shouldn't hurt the laptop
>>> or the battery any, but there is a small chance that the surging might.
>>> Although it shouldn't be a problem.
>>>
>>> Some Dells are not fooled by generic adapters. I don't know about this
>>> model, maybe somebody here would know. Otherwise it should be okay. I
>>> got a cheap generic one for one of my Gateway laptops. Although it
>>> wasn't UL approved and it screws up radio reception around the local
>>> area. Otherwise it works just great. Luckily I only use it as a spare
>>> once I found this out.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Bill
>>> 2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
>>> 3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
>>> 2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
>>> Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Well, I have had the computer for about 5 years, so I can't complain (I
charge it quite often).

Mel
"rebel" <> wrote in message
news:...
> On Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:52:10 -0500, Ron Hardin <>
> wrote:
>
>>If you read the user comments over at dell on the adapter,
>>they're all negative, as I recall. The complaint is that
>>the connection fails quickly.
>
> and it's a common failure to other Dell adaptors too.
>
> The plug is a proprietary design on many of them, and stress failures at
> the
> cable entry to the plug is the overwhelming failure mode. A captive cable
> and
> "non-accessable" power pack result in total replacement being the normal
> fix.
>
> I'm surprised some enterprising offshore outfit doesn't offer a short
> male-female extension lead which could take the stress at the laptop entry
> and
> be a disposable/affordable solution rather than junking the power pack
> entirely.

In news:,
rebel typed on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:09:33 +0800:
[...]
> I'm surprised some enterprising offshore outfit doesn't offer a short
> male-female extension lead which could take the stress at the laptop
> entry and be a disposable/affordable solution rather than junking the
> power pack entirely.

Why would they want to sell you an inexpensive adapter, when they can
sell you a whole AC adapter supply for much more?

--
Bill
2 Gateway MX6124 - Windows XP SP2
3 Asus EEE PC 701G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
2 Asus EEE PC 702G8 ~ 1GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
Windows XP SP2 ~ Xandros Linux - Puppy - Ubuntu