Dell laptop charger

[JoeJoe]

My laptop came with this charger - the original for the laptop model:
https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=15213

I am looking for a second/backup one, but an identical one is quite hard
to come by at a reasonable price.

The power supply is a 19.5V, 4.62A, 90W, 1.5A input, and has a 3 pin
input. There are plenty 2nd hand Dell ones on eBay with what appears to
be the exact spec for <£10, but none is the exact model number.

Is there a reason why they shouldn't work?

[Paul G]

Plenty new on ebay eg.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-PA-3E-6C3W2-Charger-Studio-1555-1557-1558-1564-19-5V-4-62A-90W-AC-Adapter-/220641001641?

[Niel H]

"JoeJoe" <n...@mail.com> wrote in message
news:h_qdncgtKajEHPvF...@brightview.co.uk...

Nah they're all pretty much the same, there are loads of part and model
numbers for what are basically identical units. Just make sure the Amp
rating is greater or equal to what your laptop requires (should say on a
plate underneath). Any 19.5V 4.62A Dell PSU with the round power connector
(as opposed to the hexagonal one)will be fine, PA-10 is probably the most
common model number.
--

Cheers
Niel H

[Chris Whelan]

Dell laptops that use that type of connector and that voltage come in
various power ratings. If you use one that is lower than designed, you may
get a warning about it as it boots. You can turn that warning off in the
BIOS if you so choose.

Using a charger of a different rating will not damage the laptop, but may
affect the charging time.

FWIW, I have used dozens of non-OEM laptop chargers for myself and others,
with no problems. Biggest down-side is usually that the cables and
connectors are not as sturdy.

As an aside, if you come across original Dell PA12 (65W) chargers, check if
the mains connector to the charger is two or three pin. If two pin, chuck it
in the bin.

Chris

--
Remove prejudice to reply.

[Vir Campestris]

On 30/12/2016 17:07, Chris Whelan wrote:
> As an aside, if you come across original Dell PA12 (65W) chargers, check if
> the mains connector to the charger is two or three pin. If two pin, chuck it
> in the bin.

Why?

(I don't have one any more)

Andy

[Chris Whelan]

Slow deterioration of components in the charger results in ac leakage
through the low voltage side. I have measured voltages in excess of 100vac
between the chassis of the laptop and ground.

A number of the external screws are threaded directly into the chassis.
Contact with these causes a painful, although not necessarily fatal, shock.

A number of my 'customers' experienced this. Most amusing (though not for
him!) was one poor chap that had the habit of laying on his bed bare-
chested, with the laptop on his belly!

The problem doesn't exist with those chargers that have a three pin mains
connector at the charger end.

[Rob Morley]

On Fri, 30 Dec 2016 18:35:31 +0000
Chris Whelan <cawh...@prejudicentlworld.com> wrote:

> Slow deterioration of components in the charger results in ac leakage
> through the low voltage side. I have measured voltages in excess of
> 100vac between the chassis of the laptop and ground.

I have a vintage (all metal) sewing machine on which the motor
insulation has apparently deteriorated - I didn't notice the whole
thing was live until I attached an Arduino to it with the intention of
developing a smart motor controller, at which point my hand on the USB
cable provided a good path to earth and the whole machine started to
tingle quite vigorously. :-)

[Chris Whelan]

Rob Morley wrote:

[...]

> I have a vintage (all metal) sewing machine on which the motor
> insulation has apparently deteriorated - I didn't notice the whole
> thing was live until I attached an Arduino to it with the intention of
> developing a smart motor controller, at which point my hand on the USB
> cable provided a good path to earth and the whole machine started to
> tingle quite vigorously. :-)

Time for RCD's in the consumer unit, and an earth connection for the motor
perhaps?