Power cable fraying

[wynand32]

So, just to prove I'm not a complete SP3 fanboy, here's a complaint: I'm now on my second power adapter, the first one being replaced due to fraying where the cable attaches to the part that connects to the machine. Now, my replacement is also starting to fray.

Anybody else experiencing this? I swear I'm being very careful with mine, and don't use it in any way that would put undue pressure on the cable or connector. So, it's exceedingly strange that this would be happening.

I'm going to request another exchange from Microsoft, hopefully it won't be an issue. But I'd love to know at the same time if I'm alone here.

Edit: As I look at it a little more closely, it does seem like the cable is pulled out at an unfortunate angle where it connects to the machine. I can't figure out how you'd position the machine to avoid stressing that point--the cable should come out perpendicular to the connector, I think.

 

[malberttoo]

Mine is also. I'll try post pics. It looks like the jacket is receding from under the power connector, and now I'm getting some exposed ground wires starting to show.

 

[malberttoo]

Here's mine right now. I should call while it's still working and get it replaced...

 

[jrhillma]

Here's mine right now. I should call while it's still working and get it replaced...

View attachment 3416

Wow. That looks like the barrel has slipped down (off) the wire, based on the line around the cable a little further down. I would have thought it'd be molded on, or at least more securely attached.

 

[fonzman78]

Here's mine right now. I should call while it's still working and get it replaced...

View attachment 3416

I had the same thing happen to me. I traded it back when I upgraded to the SP3 i7 w/512GB SSD. Yes, after much ado, I had to get the 512GB version. What's a few hundred dollars more? <sigh>

I'm curious to see if it happens again.

 

[malberttoo]

Just got Surface Support on a chat, new adapter is on the way.

 

[wynand32]

Here's mine right now. I should call while it's still working and get it replaced...

View attachment 3416

Yep, that's _exactly_ what mine looks like. Contacted support, replacement on the way.

 

[wynand32]

Wow. That looks like the barrel has slipped down (off) the wire, based on the line around the cable a little further down. I would have thought it'd be molded on, or at least more securely attached.

I think that's precisely what's happening, and I'm surprised as well. And I've been very, very careful to unplug from the SP3 by grasping the connector and not the cord.

I too am curious to see if this happens again. Enough replacements and Microsoft will have to come up with an alternate design.

 

[malberttoo]

I have a feeling it has something to do with the new stiffer material or wire that the cable is made out of. SP1 and SP2 were not like that.

 

[kundas1]

yes! that happened to mine also but it seems to be working alright...so what do you do to get MS to send a new one?

 

[malberttoo]

yes! that happened to mine also but it seems to be working alright...so what do you do to get MS to send a new one?

https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/

I used their chat. You can paste the link for this thread into the chat and the tech can see the pics, or he may want you to try to send him one.

 

[wynand32]

I had support call me back (there was a long queue for chat), and the guy didn't hesitate to send me a new one. Didn't have to verify with pics. It'll take 6-8 days for delivery, apparently, which would be a problem if the adapter weren't actually powering the SP3 (which happened with my first one).

I went ahead and put some electrical tape around mine. I didn't like the idea of the exposed metal touching the magnesium case.