Laptop AC Adapters - Different DC Connector Types Used For Notebook Computers

Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts

The printable eBook version of The Laptop Repair Workbook is now available for download for $13.95 anywhere in the world.

This set of photos of different AC adapters with the DC connector to the laptop featured in the foreground is a web based illustration for The Laptop Repair Workbook. Replacing the connector on an AC adapter is easy, providing you can obtain one. Some replacement DC connectors are easily found at the local Radio Shack or electronics hobby store, but others are proprietary. You can often find the proprietary connectors for sale on the Internet if you search hard enough, but the easiest source is to take one off a dead AC adapter. You can often find these for sale on eBay. The proprietary three contact DC connector shown to the right is from a Dell. Proprietary Dell DC Connector For AC Adapter

Sony DC Connector With Central Pin Both the Dell above and this Sony to the left feature an RF filter on the cord, very close to the connector. Not all laptop cords feature the filter, which I believe is to prevent harmonic RF noise from the switching power supply from entering the laptop. I used to assume that the filter was there to prevent RF noise from the laptop from escaping via the power cord. From the standpoint of the laptop user, it doesn't really matter, but I should probably find a definitive answer some day. The center pin connector the Sony is using may or may not be proprietary, center pin connectors aren't that uncommon, but you have to match the pin diameter and the barrel diameter, and in some cases, the pin length is critical as well.

The Toshiba connector to the right looks like a standard barrel connector, but it has some subtle flat spots. I suspect it could be replaced with the right sized generic barrel connector, though it might end up being a little loose. The AC adapter and connector shown below is a purely generic one, the connector end is a replacement purchased at Radio Shack. Finally, the connector at adapter at the bottom right is a clever 45 W design from Apple. It puts out 24V on stereo jack style pin. If you have an AC adapter with a failed connector that you absolutely can't find a connector for, the last refuge is to replace the power connector inside the laptop with a standard connector. Toshiba AC Adapter With Flat Surfaces

Generic Replacement Barrel DC Connector Apple Powerbook DC Connector And AC Adapter

The printable eBook version of The Laptop Repair Workbook is now available for download for $13.95 anywhere in the world.