Extension Cord Use with hp Pavilion

[alysenet]

Hi.  I couldn't find my category in the Board list... I am asking about a Laptop, specifically about the use of an extension cord.

The extension cord I want to buy says it supports "up to 1800 watts."  I can't find any info on my HP Laptop  15-au123cl re: wattage.  I did read something about laptops in general needing an extension cord to support at least 1825 watts.

Please confirm:  Is it safe for me to use this extension cord below?  I want to use it simply because the HP power/charger/adapter cord's plug is so long it makes the cabinet it's on top of stick out too far from the wall aesthetically.  Why can't the plugs be low profile?

Anyway, I digress... Is this extension cord ok for me to plug into the wall, and then the laptop cord in turn into the extension cord?  Yes, I understand that the use of extension cords is to be avoided, but this is where I'm at at this point... I want to use one but only if it meets any wattage/other requirements...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Panamax-24-in-Max-Flat-Plug-Low-Profile-Power-Cord-121-2590/203821293

[sabretooth04 · Accepted solution]

The laptop power supply only requires 45 Watts according to the spec sheet here.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05281411

You are fine.

[WyreNut]

Hello, and Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I'm looking at two HP laptop power supplies right now - neither of them use more than 2 amps of input power (AC).

The extension cord you are asking about is rated at 1800 watts.   1800 watts divided by 115 volts = 15.65 amps.

You can safely use that cord with your laptop.

I would however suggest you consider using a surge protector, especially if you have other sensitive equipment that needs power at your desk - like a printer, extra monitor, etc.!   They are available with low-profile plugs.

WyreNut

[alysenet]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply!  I really appreciate it!

[alysenet]

Thanks so much for your speedy and thorough reply.  I'll consider a surge protector.  I've heard a variety of input about the need for a surge protector for today's high-tech equipment, with one set of input being that most high-dollar-item electronics automatically have surge protectors (MOVs) inside them anyway.  I even went as far as to ask the sleep apnea equipment manufacturer if their equipment has built-in surge protection, but they never called back.

[westom]

> Thanks so much for your speedy and thorough reply.  I'll consider a surge protector.

Somebody told you a laptop consumes 45 watts.  That is sufficient for your to know?  Why swallow and believe what the first person says?  Using that same logic, most all Americans once knew smoking cigarettes increased health. A majority.  When the Surgeon General said smoking kills, a backlash was nasty and aggressive.  Because everyone knew smoking cigarettes increased health.  It was the first thing they were told.  It was subjective.  It must be true.

Did you confirm numbers in each reply?  Or just automatically believe it?

Same applies to hearsay that a majority use to *know* a surge protector is needed.  What does a surge protector do?  If that is unknown, then asking if you need one is misguided.  First, learn (ask and demand numbers) what it does.  Whether it is needed or not comes much later.

Furthermore, if a protector recommendation was made without numbers, then it is classic hearsay - wild speculation from others who only know a first thing they were told.

Destructive surges can be hundreds of thousands of joules.  How many joules does that plug-in protector claim to 'absorb'?  Hundreds?  A thousand?  What happens when a near zero protector tries to 'absorb' hundreds of thousands of joules?  Obviously nothing useful or good.  Plenty more facts exist.  But unfortunately you are still satisfied with answers based only in hearsay and that ignores all perspective - the numbers.

Electronics routinely contain protection from surges that are only hundreds of joules.  Your concern is the rare surge - maybe once every seven years - that might be larger.  No plug-in protector claims to protect from that other anomaly.   Meanwhile, effective protection even 100 years ago used this other and well proven solution.