Would a laptop's power cord ever contain any liquid?

[Valli6]

This question pertains to a cable/power cord for a laptop. For no obvious reason, the cord suddenly becomes non-functional and unable to charge the computer. I am not here to seek trouble-shooting advice on this part of the issue. I’m trying to understand what’s happening and have come to realize that the customer service people have not been honest with me about the prevalence of what is apparently an ongoing technical flaw being experienced by many who have purchased the same model. They would have been aware of the flaw when they sold it to me and knew I'd be making numerous trips to customer service.

I understand that a quality power cord is likely to contain a built-in safety mechanism, whereby if too much heat is generated along the wire, it will shut itself down. I assume this is a type of fuse.

Now, here’s my question:

Could there exist a type of mechanism located along and within a power cord, which might trigger it’s shutdown, plus the emission of a liquid or gel substance along it’s length?

Or would a power cord ever contain a liquid which might leak and then cause it to shut down?

I ask this because the last time my power cord stopped working (5th time), I happened to run my hand along the cord and noticed that it felt wet along approximatly 16" of it's length. I didn’t spill anything on it. I can't fathom how this occurred. It’s important to note that this particular cord is designed with a braided fabric wrapping as the outer layer, rather than the typical plastic tube. Initially the fabric could soak up any liquid like a sponge, then dry out hours later.

Anyone knowledgable of electronic components ever hear of liquids being incorporated along a power cord/adapter? Or perhaps know about the use of substances that might be triggered to attract a lot of liquid out of the atmosphere?

Reasonable theories appreciated.

[flashing amber indicator light, MagSafe 3 cable/power adapter, MacBook Pro 16”]

 

[pmbug]

Don't let your pets pee on your computer equipment.

 

[Valli6]

Don't let your pets pee on your computer equipment.

It definitly wasn't that. I would know immediately. Cat urine can't be missed. Plus, i was sitting right there the whole time. No wet spots on the surrounding area.

I did wonder if one of the cats could've been chewing on it for a while, but it covered such a long length, it would have had to have been at it for hours and I would have seen them there just off to my side.

The techs have been pushing the idea that if the power cord/adapters keep burning out, there's probably something wrong with my outlet that's causing the problem. I think it's supposed to be something about "polarity" though the tech did not specify that - I found it alluded to online. I used a circuit tester and it doesn't find a problem with my outlets. Also my older mac is hooked up to the same outlet tower and it's never had any such problem.

 

[dannno]

Google says that some chargers use capacitors that may leak electrolyte fluid if they are damaged or defective. This is usually a sign that the charger is failing.

 

[Occam's Banana]

Google says that some chargers use capacitors that may leak electrolyte fluid if they are damaged or defective. This is usually a sign that the charger is failing.

That's just a fancy way of saying that condensate can form when the magic smoke gets out.

 

[Valli6]

yeah, apparently electrolytic capacitors can leak fluid

Google says that some chargers use capacitors that may leak electrolyte fluid if they are damaged or defective. This is usually a sign that the charger is failing.

This is interesting because searching it led me to someone's post on an apple discussions forum where they say that their adapter keeps leaking a yellowish fluid. They refer to a "MacBook MagSafe Power Adapter" which is the same one I have - no yellowish coloring in my case though. The Genius Bar tried to tell this person that they must have spilled coffee on it.

A "high level" user in the same discussion implies that there are electrolytic capacitors "inside" the power adapter that can leak the electrolyte when the capcitator "malfunctions" and overheats.

I'm having a hard time however, grasping how these capacitators could be located within the thin, flexible power cord itself though - unless the leak comes from inside the case, then leaks down the cord on the inside? Regardless, multiple replacements have resulted in the same nonfunctioning power cord behavior each time.

At this point I just want my money back, buy something different, somewhere else, but apple thinks they aren't gonna do that - trying to blame my electrical outlets - and expect me to come back to the genius bar a 5th time so they can perform some fake keyboard diagnostics on it, pretending they're doing something that helps.

Got a fight on my hands and need to strategize.

 

[luctor-et-emergo]

This is interesting because searching it led me to someone's post on an apple discussions forum where they say that their adapter keeps leaking a yellowish fluid. They refer to a "MacBook MagSafe Power Adapter" which is the same one I have - no yellowish coloring in my case though. The Genius Bar tried to tell this person that they must have spilled coffee on it.

A "high level" user in the same discussion implies that there are electrolytic capacitors "inside" the power adapter that can leak the electrolyte when the capcitator "malfunctions" and overheats.

I'm having a hard time however, grasping how these capacitators could be located within the thin, flexible power cord itself though - unless the leak comes from inside the case, then leaks down the cord on the inside? Regardless, multiple replacements have resulted in the same nonfunctioning power cord behavior each time.

At this point I just want my money back, buy something different, somewhere else, but apple thinks they aren't gonna do that - trying to blame my electrical outlets - and expect me to come back to the genius bar a 5th time so they can perform some fake keyboard diagnostics on it, pretending they're doing something that helps.

Got a fight on my hands and need to strategize.

There are no capacitors in power cords. Power cords tend to be expensive enough as they contain copper. There are some fancy versions but apart from different kinds of strands for data, power, audio, shielding, etc. No other utilities are really put into a cable. That would be placed at the start or end of the cable, in a plug or other adapter that might be vulcanised in place.

Then when it comes to capacitors leaking, if they do, they probably don't work anymore. And it's not that much liquid either... Enough to make a little mess though.

So yeah look at other avenues... Otherwise, cut the cable, find out.

 

[acptulsa]

There are no capacitors in power cords.

Can you definitely say the same for power packs? These things step down voltage, rectify AC, they do a lot of things. A capacitor could help with any number of them.

That's what dannno was talking about -- rumors of wall warts depositing fluid down the attached cord.

 

[luctor-et-emergo]

Can you definitely say the same for power packs? These things step down voltage, rectify AC, they do a lot of things. A capacitor could help with any number of them.

That's what dannno was talking about -- rumors of wall warts depositing fluid down the attached cord.

Definitely capacitors in the adaptors. But no significant quantities of liquid either. Usually the first thing (or last depending on your view) on the input side of a AC/DC converter before the rectifier bridge.

They do leak a yellowy liquid last I remember.

But there are many different kind of capacitors with different fillings... Not a complete expert on it I am sorry.

 

[Valli6]

I guess any capacitors have to be located in the blockier end parts. (Electrolytic Capacitors in Chargers & Adapters… https://www.fenconelectronics.com/t...apacitors-in-charger-and-adaptor-applications )

I've now concluded that I’m barking up a pointless tree by focusing on this damp cord mystery. Will be shifting focus.
Thank you all for your comments.

Incidentally, I tried expressing myself on an apple discussion forum last night and my post was removed immediately. May try again later.

 

[acptulsa]

It guess any capacitors have to be located in the blockier end parts.

Absolutely.

 

[black panther]

This question pertains to a cable/power cord for a laptop. For no obvious reason, the cord suddenly becomes non-functional and unable to charge the computer. I am not here to seek trouble-shooting advice on this part of the issue. I’m trying to understand what’s happening and have come to realize that the customer service people have not been honest with me about the prevalence of what is apparently an ongoing technical flaw being experienced by many who have purchased the same model. They would have been aware of the flaw when they sold it to me and knew I'd be making numerous trips to customer service.

I understand that a quality power cord is likely to contain a built-in safety mechanism, whereby if too much heat is generated along the wire, it will shut itself down. I assume this is a type of fuse.

Now, here’s my question:

Could there exist a type of mechanism located along and within a power cord, which might trigger it’s shutdown, plus the emission of a liquid or gel substance along it’s length?

Or would a power cord ever contain a liquid which might leak and then cause it to shut down?

I ask this because the last time my power cord stopped working (5th time), I happened to run my hand along the cord and noticed that it felt wet along approximatly 16" of it's length. I didn’t spill anything on it. I can't fathom how this occurred. It’s important to note that this particular cord is designed with a braided fabric wrapping as the outer layer, rather than the typical plastic tube. Initially the fabric could soak up any liquid like a sponge, then dry out hours later.

Anyone knowledgable of electronic components ever hear of liquids being incorporated along a power cord/adapter? Or perhaps know about the use of substances that might be triggered to attract a lot of liquid out of the atmosphere?

Reasonable theories appreciated.

[flashing amber indicator light, MagSafe 3 cable/power adapter, MacBook Pro 16”]

No, a laptop's power cord should never contain any liquid. If you notice any liquid inside the cord or its connectors, it's a sign of damage, and you should stop using it immediately for safety.

 

[TheTexan]

No, a laptop's power cord should never contain any liquid. If you notice any liquid inside the cord or its connectors, it's a sign of damage, and you should stop using it immediately for safety.

This is fascinating. Can you elaborate on the safety aspects of power cords, specifically in relation to nearby liquids?

 

[oyarde]

Been using ewlit packard as long as I can remember , never a problem w/ any cords