• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Troubleshooting screen flickering issue on HP notebooks: Click here to view the instructions!
Common problems for Battery
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about: Battery Reports, Hold a charge, Test and Calibrating Battery . Check out this link: Is your notebook plugged in and not charging?

‎11-10-2025 08:47 AM

HP Recommended

 

Hello HP Support,

I recently experienced an issue with my HP Victus laptop charger. When I turned on the wall outlet switch to charge my laptop, I suddenly heard a crackling noise from the charger. Immediately after, there was a sparking sound, followed by a loud pop, a brief flash of light, and a small amount of smoke from the cable — specifically from the section just before the power brick (where the thick cable connects to the brick).

There are no visible burn marks or melted areas on the charger cable or the battery brick, and the laptop itself appears to be functioning normally. However, the damaged cable emits a faint burnt smell when smelled closely.

For about a month before this incident, the thick power cable that connects to the brick had become loose and wobbly. The charger would stop working if I moved the brick slightly, and I often had to bend the cable into a fixed position to maintain the connection.

The charger is rated 200 W, 10 A, 220–240 V.

I would like to confirm if this indicates a cable short-circuit issue and whether the power brick is still safe to use once the cable is replaced. Please advise on the next steps or available replacement options.

Thank you.

Reply
Warning
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.