How to Fix the Transformer on a Laptop

Most electronic appliances and devices, such as laptops, need a transformer in order to function. The transformer may simply be defined as a product whose duty is electric conversion. The transformer enables the electric devices to operate safely. The transformer has a primary wire wrapped around its core, often made of iron, which electricity travels through. Transformers are mostly designed for continuous long-term use and are attached to laptops by plugs or cables. The laptop may keep running for hours on end and for this reason requires a transformer. Transformers are usually large, meaning they are also heavy. Moreover, they are quite expensive. In case a laptop fails because the transformer is not working, the steps below should be followed in the process of fixing the transformer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Wire cutter
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Soldering bit and iron

1. Cut out the wire close to the transformer. This way, the mag safe adaptor is seen to be connected to the wires including those that are damaged.

2. Remove the clips holding the cable in place so that it becomes easy to wrap the cable. The wire cutter comes in handy at this point. It is impossible for the cable to be unwrapped with the clips still in place.

3. Break the casing. This is a daunting task because the casing is often a mold. For this reason, the screwdriver and the hammer come in handy. Breaking the casing, which is essentially a plastic mold, exposes the ailing transformer. In most cases, the transformer is wrapped in copper. The reason for this is to keep heat from causing damage.

4. Unwrap the copper plates once the transformer has been exposed. With the copper plates out of the way, the inner board should then be carefully pulled out. At this point, it is possible to cut the white and black wires that are damaged. In most cases, the white wires are connected to the cables on the inner side while the black wires are linked to the cables on the outer side. The wires need to be fixed accordingly to ensure that the laptop goes back to working condition.

5. Solder the core on before the shield. In doing this, some insulation tape is necessary. The tape is to be wrapped around the core for the purpose of preventing the connections from touching.

6. Wrap the casing back on the board. Before the case is finally wrapped on the board, more insulation tape is required. This time the tape is used for taping the copper casing onto the board. Finally, everything is put back into the board.

Tips & Warnings

• If the user is not familiar with soldering, it is best they take the transformer to be repaired by a professional. Possible injuries could occur or they may join the wrong bits together. If this happens, the transformer will not work.