awsnap

Ugh...big no-no. I have an HP Pavilion dv6000 and it has always worked fine. I recently moved to South Korea and checked several websites to see if I would need a transformer. Since it's just over a year old, all of the websites I looked at said I wouldn't need one, that I would just need a plug adapter.

My AC adapter has started majorly overheating...it's gotten pretty hot before, but I noticed that the cable has...ahem...melted. I immediately went out and got a transformer and the guy taped it up for me.

The cord is working fine, but still overheating. I've already resigned myself to the fact that I'll probably have to buy a replacement, which I have no idea how to do.

My question is this: what the hell is going on? Is it just the adapter? Did I buy the wrong transformer (1000VA 220V-110V, step-down)? How can I deal with this in the meantime?

GAH.

TriggerFinger

Most laptop adapters I have seen are auto-volt. I mean they are expected (hmm.. designed?) to work from 100 to 240 VAC. In fact you can read that on its label. If you have noticed it before (adapter heating up) then there must a problem with the adapter. May be the insides are failing or something. I would definitely get a replacement if I were you as it could be unsafe working with a taped up overheating adapter. I suggest (if it is not too much for you) to get an original one.

awsnap

The original one finally stopped working so I went and bought one that has a Korean plug. I'm still finding that the adapter itself gets very hot, but the cable (where it had melted on my old one) is not so much. Could it be my computer that's causing this?

I'm having to continually charge the battery then unplug to let the adapter cool off. Is this what my laptop lifestyle will be from now on? Or is there anything I can do to prevent the adapter from getting so hot?

TriggerFinger

That is really strange. I have used my laptop in Asia (except Korea) and in the US without the symptoms you described. I suggest you also check the output of the wall outlet. I say this because it may be putting out voltage higher than the one accepted by your adapter. Btw, are you using an original adapter (not replacements/generics)?

awsnap

It was the original one that melted. Now I am using the Korean (generic) one that I bought. It seems to be working fine...the cord (where it had previously melted) seems to stay cool but the actual adapter (box? for the lack of a better word) is getting pretty hot.

I read that the voltage in SK is 220V. My original (and new) adapters state that their input is 110-240V. I even bought a transformer for the original, but with no success. Maybe I just have a wonky outlet?

How can I check the output?

TriggerFinger

Although it is a very slim chance that your outlet is the cause, I suggest you try using it in another outlet... preferably in another place like in your office or school and see if adapter still heats up. Hmmm... some generic adapters may behave like what you observed... reason why personally I prefer the original/genuine one.