The MacBook power adapter that Apple supplies with its laptops are not only aesthetically pleasing, but as it has been demonstrated several times, it is much better built than compatible products; includes both an AC cable and an AC plug (“duck’s head”), convenient when traveling to lighten the weight and avoid carrying the cable, integrates a magnetic DC connector that detaches without damage if someone trips over the cable; the integrated “flaps” also allow you to wrap the cable simplifying transport. Like any other product, the power supply should also be treated with care. Here are some simple tips.
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Compatibility
For maximum compatibility, it is best to use only the power adapter that came with your Mac notebook or an Apple-authorized power adapter that is compatible with the product. The power supplies for Apple laptops are available in 29, 45, 60, and 85 W versions. It is a good idea to use the power supply with the right electrical power for your notebook; it is possible to use a compatible power supply with higher electrical power without any problem, but this will not lead to an increase in the computer’s charging speed or a change in its operation. Power supplies with lower electrical ratings do not provide enough power.
Tips For The Correct Use Of Your MacBook Power Adapter
Apple recommends that you make sure that you have fully inserted the AC plug or AC power cord into the power supply before plugging the adapter into a power outlet. It is obviously necessary to connect the power supply to the power outlet before connecting it to the computer.
Temperature And Use Of The MagSafe Power Adapter
During normal use, the power adapter may overheat and dissipate heat through the case. Apple explains that the MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters comply with the user-friendly surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950-1). To reduce the possibility of the power supply overheating or injury from heat, we recommend that you:
- Connect the MagSafe Power Adapter directly to a power outlet or voltage stabilizer using an AC outlet making sure there is adequate airflow.
- If you are using the AC power cord, it is best to place the MagSafe Power Adapter on a desk, table, or floor in a well-ventilated location. Avoid placing it on thick rugs, linens, or furniture that restrict airflow, as these objects may trap heat from the power supply case. Similarly, continuous contact between the user and the power supply unit should be avoided when the power supply is in use.
Disconnecting the power connector of the MagSafe or MagSafe 2 “T” power adapters.
MagSafe Power Adapter Port On Your Computer
The MagSafe Power Adapter port on your computer contains a magnet that could erase its data if brought close to credit cards, iPods, or other devices. To retain data, do not place these or any other magnetization-sensitive materials or devices within 25mm of this port.
Disconnecting The MagSafe Connector From Your Computer
To disconnect the MagSafe 2 connector, Apple recommends that you grab your head and tilt the connector up, down, left, or right to break the connection. For the “L” power supply connector it is recommended to grasp the head and tilt the connector away from the computer to break the connection. For MagSafe “T” power adapters it is recommended that you grasp the MagSafe head and tilt the connector up, down, left, or right to break the connection. In all cases, it is imperative that you always grasp your head and DO NOT pull or bend the cable to disconnect the MagSafe Power Adapter as it may be subjected to additional strain.
Disconnecting the power connector of the MagSafe “L” power adapters.
The MagSafe To MagSafe 2 Converter
If you have an older MagSafe power adapter, you can continue to use it with newer Macs that have MagSafe 2 ports. You need to take advantage of the MagSafe to MagSafe 2 converter. The MagSafe to MagSafe converter 2 connects the MagSafe “T” or “L” connectors and the MagSafe 2 port on your computer. It can be unplugged just like the MagSafe “T” power adapter or MagSafe 2 “T” power adapter.
Cleaning The MagSafe Port On Your Computer
To clean the MagSafe port on your Mac laptop, you need to unplug the power supply from the wall outlet and turn off your computer. You can gently remove dirt with a cotton swab or soft bristle toothbrush being careful not to leave any cotton fibers in the MagSafe input port.
If you have an older Mac with a removable battery, unplug it before cleaning. Similar to the procedure for cleaning the MagSafe connector and pin area: unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet and from the computer. Gently remove dirt with a cotton swab or soft-bristled toothbrush, always taking care not to leave any cotton fibers in the pin housing and not to bend or otherwise damage any of the pins.
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Recognize a Faulty Cable
Voltage break is the condition where the DC cable (the thin cable that connects the MagSafe connector to the MacBook power adapter) detaches from the end of the MagSafe connector or from the end of the power adapter.
Due to continued use, the cord may become discolored and the rubber coating deformed. Another indication of possible voltage breakdown not always detectable by sight is an intermittent connection or abnormal operation of the LEDs. To check for this condition, simply wiggle the cable back and forth near the MagSafe connector and observe if the LED (which glows green or amber) flashes intermittently depending on the position of the cable.
DO NOT use power supplies that have voltage breakdown problems, without insulation or rubber coating. and if you don’t know what to do,
A Trick To Reinforce The Power Cord
Despite a lot of attention, the cable of your power supply always breaks? The two most delicate points of the Apple power supply are the end with the MagSafe connector and the beginning of the cable that comes out of the power supply.
ZDNet explains a simple trick to reinforce these points: just apply the Sugru modeling paste (found on Amazon in various types of packaging), an extremely versatile product capable of joining or repairing a very wide variety of materials.
It is a paste (similar in consistency to clay), a silicone product that remains malleable for 30 minutes and hardens in 24 hours. It is perfect for “soldering” and electrically insulating connection cables. The result may not be beautiful from an aesthetic point of view, but it allows you to definitively reinforce the weak points.
More Tips Scattered
- Do not pull the power supply cable: tearing the wire instead of disconnecting it gently can cause breakage and damage the ends of the cable.
- Beware of chairs: cables often trip over wheels or other elements of office chairs and the like; if possible, place the power supply on a table or on an area of the floor away from chairs and other hazards (ideal is a flat and hard surface)
- Always connect the MacBook power adapter to grounded power outlets. Damage can occur if an ungrounded power adapter is subjected to power surges or electrostatic discharge.
- Wind up the power cord when storing or before carrying it. This allows for easier storage of the cable, avoids unintentional breaks in the metal wires, and allows it not to be tangled.
- Do not wrap the power cord around the power adapter or any other object as this may inadvertently interrupt the internal copper wires.
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