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    Power Converter Buzzing

    Discussion in 'HP' started by bgh10788, Jun 3, 2008.

  1. bgh10788

    bgh10788 Notebook Guru

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    I have a DC to AC adapter that I use in the car. I have used it with no problems with a variety of electric devices. However, when I use it with my laptop cord, the power converter brick buzzes. I did some research, and some people said that buzzing happens because it uses a "modified sine wave" rather than a "pure sine wave."

    The reason I'm worried is that when power supplies or chargers have gone out on me, they make this buzzing noise right before they die. Should I be worried? Is it worth investing in a special DC cord for my computer?
     
  2. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Is the power brick getting hot as well?
     
  3. yehrulz

    yehrulz Notebook Consultant

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    Well, i have an hpdv200, and when its charging, the power brick gets hot and buzzes. You can only hear it if you put your ear up to it.
     
  4. The_Observer

    The_Observer 9262 is the best:)

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    I also have this buzzing.Might be caused by improper grounding.
     
  5. bgh10788

    bgh10788 Notebook Guru

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    It gets hot all the time. Right now it's hot and its properly grounded and not buzzing.

    @Rambo: Your power converter hasn't crapped out on you? How long/often do you use your AC to DC adapter with your laptop?
     
  6. FunnyX

    FunnyX Notebook Consultant

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    I would not recommend using it at all, talk to HP and tell them its not safe and ask for a replacement...

    If its a electrical buzzing noise(kind of like around high voltage lines) then there is most likely a bad cap in the AC Adapter. The reason it sound like a bad cap is the fact that once its grounded there is no noise, thats because all the extra power being held up by the bad cap has somewhere to go.

    *** Do Not Try repairing your ACA. Those caps hold an electrical charge in them long after they are disconnected from the notebook and/or wall, shocks from those can sometimes prove to be fatal. ***