Symptoms
- Visible cracking, fraying, or exposed wire strands in the cable jacket
- Cable sparks or the laptop cuts out when moved
- Bare copper wire is visible at a bend point
- Cable feels warm along the damaged section
Likely causes
- CommonRepeated bending at the same stress pointThe area near the connectors flexes the most and wears out first.
- CommonCable pinched under furniture or a laptop bag zipperSharp pressure points cut into the outer insulation over time.
- PossibleAge and general wearCheaper or older cables lose flexibility and crack with normal use.
- Less commonManufacturing defectOccasionally a cable fails prematurely from a factory flaw.
What to do
- Stop using the cable immediately if you see exposed wire, sparking, or feel heat at the damaged spot.
- Unplug it from the wall and the laptop rather than continuing to use it 'carefully.'
- Do not wrap exposed wire in tape and keep using it; this does not restore safe insulation.
- Check whether the charger is still under warranty, since many laptop makers replace cables for free or cheap.
- Buy a genuine or reputable third-party replacement rated for your laptop's voltage and wattage.
- Dispose of the damaged cable so it isn't accidentally reused.
Tools and parts
- None required
Replacement laptop chargerSearch: “laptop AC adapter replacement”
When to call a pro
No professional repair for a damaged cable; replace it rather than repairing the insulation.
Safety
Use caution
A cracked cable with exposed wire is a shock and fire hazard; stop using it and do not touch exposed strands while it's plugged in.