In our workshop, we regularly encounter exciting and instructive cases – but this one particularly highlights how important it is to take even seemingly minor damage to the charging cable seriously.
A customer brought in a Medion Erazer Defender P20 with the error description: “Charging port has a loose connection – only charges when the plug is in a certain position.” The technician initially suspected a classic cable break in the laptop charging cable, as such defects often occur when the plug is sharply bent or frequently moved. However, after a thorough examination, it turned out: The power adapter plug was severely damaged – chewed by a pet.
Table of Contents
Diagnosis: more than a simple loose connection
The charging port itself was firmly soldered, so the fault was not with the laptop but with the damaged charging cable. Although the device still worked, the rule here is: Safety first.
Even small cracks or bite marks in the insulation can cause current to flow uncontrollably, leading to short circuits or overheating. In the worst case, the motherboard, fuse, or battery can be damaged.
Workshop Procedure
- Defective power jack: Professionally desoldered and resoldered.
- Top case: Replaced due to a housing crack.
- Damaged charging cable: Replacement recommended and added to the cost estimate – strongly advised for safety reasons.
After the repair, the device was fully functional again. The report documented: “Charging cable severely damaged – safety risk, replacement recommended.”
Why can even "just" 19 volts be dangerous?
Many users assume that chargers are harmless because the output voltage on the secondary side is below 20 volts. However, this is a misconception.
Defective charging cables can:
- cause short circuits in the plug or power adapter,
- generate excessive heat,
- and in extreme cases even cause fires or scorch marks in the port.
Therefore: Visible damage to the charging cable is always a safety-relevant defect and should never be ignored – whether it’s a pet bite, kink, or break.
All spare parts for the Medion Erazer Defender P20
Search and find your spare part here in our shop.
If your charging cable is damaged, hot, or loose – check it yourself immediately or have it checked, but under no circumstances continue to use it. Only tested power adapters ensure a safe and consistent power supply.
Conclusion
A damaged or chewed charging cable is not a minor flaw but can cause serious safety problems. Even if the laptop still charges, replacing the cable is strongly recommended.
If you need a new, tested laptop charging cable or replacement power adapter, the IPC-Computer-Shop offers a large selection of original and tested replacement power adapters from Delta Electronics, complete with EU power cable, warranty, and express shipping directly from Germany.
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