Thinkpads Forum

I have a stupid question.

I've recently upgraded to an X31 from a T30 that I owned for about 2 years. I've also used a T20 for a couple years before then through work (and a 770 before that). I don't think I've ever wrapped the cord around the power adapter properly.

What's the proper way to wrap the DC cord around the AC adapter and then use the attached velcro strap? Do you leave the AC cord attached and wrap it around the adapter as well? Can someone post some pictures?

I've normally just wrapped the DC cord around the middle of the adapter (attached with the velcro strap) and then wrapped the still attached AC cord around the length of the adapter, but there's got to be a better way.

Please post some pictures if possible... thanks.
-Norm

norm wrote:I have a stupid question...

hmm, yeah!

Not stupid, in my opinion.

I remove the AC cord and leave separate. I don't wrap the DC cord around the adapter at all, I "zig zag" it back and forth (like the ancient fan-folded paper tape) and at the end, I put the velcro around it to hold it together. I think this is kind of like how the AC cord is packaged when you buy a new TV, etc.

leoblob wrote:Not stupid, in my opinion.

I remove the AC cord and leave separate. I don't wrap the DC cord around the adapter at all, I "zig zag" it back and forth (like the ancient fan-folded paper tape) and at the end, I put the velcro around it to hold it together. I think this is kind of like how the AC cord is packaged when you buy a new TV, etc.

I don't think it really matters how you wrap the power cord. Even if you screw up the power cord, it is $5 on eBay

Important? Yes. Why? To prolong the life of your cords.
A general rule for "cord care" is, never wrap too tight. Cords don't respond well to tight bends and constant "sharp" bending. A circular wrap is ideal. Gently wrap your cord around your hand and store in a way as not to cause any sharp bends. Cords wrapped in the above fashion will be easier to work with, store, and keep functional for a fair amount of time.

I hope this will help someone.

I basically do what leoblob does. With my old 600E adapter, I could wrap the cord around the adapter itself. But I do not really find this practical with my T42 adapter. I travel with my ThinkPad and adapter in my briefcase, so I remove the AC cord, fold it up and keep it together with a bread wrapper wire tie. The DC cord I fold up and wrap with the velcro strap, but I have it coming off the end instead of beside the brick. It fits best in my briefcase this way.

I can't answer as to wrapping the AC cord, but I will say this:

THE IMPORTANT, and impossible to fix situation, would be if you damaged/ shorted the DC output cable near the point at which the cable exits the power supply.

This problem cannot be fixed.

I always try to remember to UNWRAP the DC cord for use, but LEAVE 2-3 turns around the power supply, with the velcro latched, to protect the delicate cable termination.

If the rest of that cable would open or short, you can easily splice it with solder/shrink wrap.

Thanks! I've learned a few things from this thread.

The DC part of my adapter cable seems a bit strained where it attaches to the brick. I'll leave a few turns attached with the velcro to protect the connection. I really like that idea.

Other suggestions about the AC cable make sense, too. I suppose that, in the extreme case, a damaged cable can be a fire or shock hazard.

I had a feeling there would be some helpful people on this forum. Thanks again!
-Norm