Yes, a broken charger or defective charger can potentially damage your laptop. It can cause damage in two ways: short circuits and fluctuation of voltages. A broken charger cannot regulate the incoming power, leading to overcharging or no charging at all. Due to this, the battery can lose its efficiency to work.
In some cases, the spikes of voltages can damage the internal component of your device, for example, the motherboard. A broken charger supplies incorrect voltages, and that causes a short circuit. If you connect your laptop to a broken charger, it may give you an electric shock.
To prevent further issues it’s better to use a charger specified for your device that will meet the accurate power output.
What causes laptop chargers to break
There are many reasons a laptop charger might break or stop working correctly:
Power surges
Power surges or fluctuations in electrical current can cause your charger to stop working properly.
Overheating
Overheating is one of the possible reasons. If the charger overheats, it can damage the internal components.
Age
Over time the charger may wear out. It may not work correctly due to wear and tear. Exposure to moisture or environmental factors is another reason.
Compatibility
There could be a compatibility issue between your charger and laptop. it f the charger is not compatible with your device, it could eventually lead to malfunction.
Quality
Cheap quality chargers are prone to malfunction. These chargers cannot handle the power issues of your device and can burn or break out more easily.
Physical damage
If your charger is subjected to physical damage like dropping from your hand, it can break or stop working.
What does a broken charger do to your laptop?
If your charger is broken or not working, it can have several effects on your device:
Failure to charge
If your charger is not compatible with your laptop, charging will stop. after that, the battery can run out and shut down.
Battery draining
The battery will drain if your device is unable to charge. It will cause your laptop to shut down unexpectedly. Also, your unsaved data will be lost due to this.
Damage to the battery
A broken charge can damage your device’s battery. If the battery does not receive enough power from your charger, it can lead to a shorter battery life.
Reduced performance
Your device performance will be affected if your charger is defective. The programs you run can get freeze or clash. Your device will run slower or even stop working.
How to know if your charger is defective?
There are some signs which make sure that your charger is broken. They are as follows:
- Your laptop battery drains out even after charging without getting enough power.
- The cable is frayed or damaged.
- The charger is making strange noises like buzzing or crackling.
- Your device is unable to be fully charged.
- The led light on the laptop charger does not work.
If you experience any of these signs, then your charger is broken. Make sure you get a replacement for your broken charger. Otherwise, your laptop’s internal components can get damaged.
Verdict
Using a broken charger for a prolonged period can potentially damage your device. If your charger cannot handle or receive the power, overheating occurs. Moreover, a short circuit can happen if there is a fluctuation in voltages. As a result, battery life gets short and your device starts to malfunction.
In conclusion, a broken charger may not damage your laptop immediately but can eventually cause harm. To prevent your charge from being broken, use it properly and avoid exposing it to moisture physical damage and excessive heat. Using a charger that is only compatible with your device is also advisable.