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    Notebook AC Adapters

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Silent, May 6, 2006.

  1. Silent

    Silent Notebook Consultant

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    I'd just like to know whether a notebook's AC adapter offers protection from surges or will I need to buy a separate surge suppressor.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    Silent, May 6, 2006
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  2. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    They dont. The A/C adaptor are just basically A/C to D/C convertors and do not offer any sort of surge protection.
     
    miner, May 6, 2006
    #2
  3. titaniummd

    titaniummd Notebook Deity

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    Compact travel surge protectors are available that have 2 plug in ports and a port for a telephone cord (something from the past where ancient people used Modems to dial into the internet or something).
     
    titaniummd, May 6, 2006
    #3
  4. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    Most switching power supplies include components on the input side that act as a low pass filter. This is to allow the low frequency (60 Hz) incoming power to pass but block the high frequency 'noise' generated in the supply from going back into the power line. This does provide attenuation of impulse spikes but won't eliminate them, if they are big enough. A surge protector works by essentially shorting out the power for a tiny instant to send spikes and surges to ground. Either way, the laptop is protected, but the power brick may not be.
     
    olyteddy, May 6, 2006
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  5. Silent

    Silent Notebook Consultant

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    So therefore I will need to get a surge suppressor to plug the power adapter into?
    I always see people plugging their power adapters directly into wall outlets without damaging their systems. :confused:
     
    Silent, May 6, 2006
    #5
  6. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Its good to invest couple of bucks to get a surge protector, however its not require, but you will never know what may happen.

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, May 6, 2006
    #6