Replacing the AC Receptacle (?) on a Notebook...

[Shinsle]

Hello,

First off, is "AC Receptacle" the correct terminology for the the port/jack on a notebook that receives the power cord, with the other end connected to wall-mounted outlet?

Next, are these "things" replaceable? Like say, if the one on a notebook was loose inside and caused a break in current transfer or allowed the cord to easily pull out, could I remove it and put a new one in?

Thanks for your reply. Please, only helpful non-sarcastic replies.

 

[ceewi1]

First off, is "AC Receptacle" the correct terminology for the the port/jack on a notebook that receives the power cord, with the other end connected to wall-mounted outlet?

AC Receptacle is usually used to refer to the point on the wall where the adaptor plugs in, rather than the point on the laptop. There are a number of acceptable terms, I usually just call it a power jack.

Next, are these "things" replaceable? Like say, if the one on a notebook was loose inside and caused a break in current transfer or allowed the cord to easily pull out, could I remove it and put a new one in?

The power jack is soldered into place, so while it certainly is possible, I wouldn't recommend trying it yourself unless you are comfortable with disassembling your laptop and have experience with some fairly precise electronics soldering. An experienced technician should certainly be able to do so, though.

 

[The_Other_One]

These are always fun ^^; You'd think by now manufacturers would have gotten a better system in place so these don't break so frequently...

Most of the time, the solder points have simply broken loose. Depending on the laptop, it's usually a fairly easy fix. Many times you don't need to do anything more than heat up the solder around the plug. But of course, to access this part of the laptop, I've seen some where you actually had to completely disassemble the laptop and remove the motherboard!

 

[bomberboysk]

Yes they are fun, on the flip side, they are replaceable as ive done it before numerous times(same laptop too.. eventually modified- read on). Ive found that its better to modify both the cord and the laptop to use a barrel jack on a "leash", a 1-2inch long wire that extends off the mounting port of the jack, then u have no worrys about the plug(especially the L shaped ones) hitting the table/desk and knocking the power jack loose, I figured this out after i bought my 2nd power jack for the laptop, its not that hard if u have decent soldering skills, and know how to disassemble your laptop, some laptops might not require it, but i think most do, mine i have to completely take it apart and then remove the mobo, the lsat time that i did it i didnt even disassemble it, i just took out ye olde side cutters and cut the plastic on the bottom though, since for me its just a laptop i use to browse the web on the road(with cell phone), or its folding beside my bed. If the jack is physically broken and you need to replace it, and dont want to use the "leash" method, www.dcpowerjacks.net is i site i have used without issue.

-Bomber

 

[Shinsle]

WoW! Thanks everybody for your replies. I would say that my soldering skills are improving and over the past couple months (read my other posts) I have become pretty comfortable taking laptops apart. I appreciate all the helpful tips!

Shinsle

 

[tlarkin]

These are always fun ^^; You'd think by now manufacturers would have gotten a better system in place so these don't break so frequently...

They have, they are called mag-safe adapters and Apple currently uses them on all their notebooks, problem solved.

I have done many "saturday night specials" where I soldered back on a broken DC port on a laptop. The problem is, if you flexed it when it broke and there is a short you will have to replace the board regardless. In my experience I was able to get them to work 50/50 and I was the only tech at my old job that would even attempt it.

I would just start saving for a new laptop if I were you. Even if you can fix it by re-soldering it, it won't be like it was before and it will work but still be fragile.