Laptop power supply isn't outputting enough power

[VicenteMMOS]

Hello, everyone!

I'm brand new to this forum. I have a question regarding my laptop. Its input power is 240W @ 19.5 V, and about 12.3 A. Its power supply naturally outputs this amount (nominally), and draws from the socket 100-240V @ 3.5 A (50 - 60 Hz).

When I was working back in Italy (220 V, 60 Hz), everything works fine. But now that I'm in Brazil for vacation (110 V, 60 Hz), when I plug the power supply to the wall and turn the computer on, the power supply will just turn off after a while of use, as though it wasn't being able to draw enough power from the wall socket. Would you please help me troubleshoot this problem? Am I missing something obvious here?

Thank you so much.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

You will need a new laptop supply that can produce 19.5v volts from a 110v supply, your current transformer is not designed to do that.

 

[DPG]

You will need a new laptop supply that can produce 19.5v volts from a 110v supply, your current transformer is not designed to do that.

It sounds like it should work ok though according to the spec.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

It sounds like it should work ok though according to the spec.

How can he get 19.5 volts from both 240v and 110v? surely if the transformer in his power supply is set at one ratio to convert power down he'll get 19.5v from 240v and much less than 19.5v from 110v unless I'm missing something?

 

[DPG]

How can he get 19.5 volts from both 240v and 110v? surely if the transformer in his power supply is set at one ratio to convert power down he'll get 19.5v from 240v and much less than 19.5v from 110v unless I'm missing something?

No. It will be a switch mode power supply that automatically adjusts. Most SMPSUs do this.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

No. It will be a switch mode power supply that automatically adjusts. Most SMPSUs do this.

So what's the prognosis Dr. DPG how am he to fix?

 

[DPG]

So what's the prognosis Dr. DPG how am he to fix?

I suspect it's gone faulty. Try a replacement and see if that works.

And plenty of rest and fresh air

 

[littlespark]

I wondered about frequency, but you say both are 60Hz.

Could you post a photo of the power supply? The side with all the writing on it.

 

[Moley]

I agree, sounds like a faulty SMPSU. Could be something simple like one of the caps dried out. Learning how to repair SMPSUs is something I'm playing around with at the moment. Got a 'Megger' SMPSU apart in front of me right now (6280-333 from a DLRO10 ductor). Megger want £90 + VAT for a replacement. It's giving 12v out but as soon as connect a load it drops to zero. At the moment it's charging well of a cheap 'no name' ebay SMPSU but would be nice to fix the original.

Anyway, back to the original poster, I would suggest looking at a replacement PSU.

 

[DPG]

I wondered about frequency, but you say both are 60Hz.

Could you post a photo of the power supply? The side with all the writing on it.

99% certain it will be fine on either.

 

[DPG]

I agree, sounds like a faulty SMPSU. Could be something simple like one of the caps dried out. Learning how to repair SMPSUs is something I'm playing around with at the moment. Got a 'Megger' SMPSU apart in front of me right now (6280-333 from a DLRO10 ductor). Megger want £90 + VAT for a replacement. It's giving 12v out but as soon as connect a load it drops to zero. At the moment it's charging well of a cheap 'no name' ebay SMPSU but would be nice to fix the original.

Anyway, back to the original poster, I would suggest looking at a replacement PSU.

Can be a nightmare. Sometimes something very minor, sometimes takes half the components out. And if you do happen to miss something then expect it to destroy itself again when you power it up!

 

[Moley]

I wondered about frequency, but you say both are 60Hz.

Could you post a photo of the power supply? The side with all the writing on it.

Most are pretty easy going on frequency. Got 3 in front of me, Megger is 47-63Hz, Dell 50 - 60Hz, Lenovo 50-60 Hz.

 

[Moley]

Can be a nightmare. Sometimes something very minor, sometimes takes half the components out. And if you do happen to miss something then expect it to destroy itself again when you power it up!

I always make sure I buy a small bag of 'magic smoke' whenever I buy parts, just in case

 

[James]

have you tried it in a different socket (outlet)??

if that doesn't help, as above, a new power supply would be a good place to start.