The laptop charger is one of the most important, but also the most underestimated components. Usually you don't think about it until it breaks down and you have to get something new quickly. And because sometimes the choice is not an easy task, we decided to make a short guide with the most important information on brands. In the following lines you can read about the different types of chargers for HP laptops.

Why should we be careful when choosing a new charger?

It often happens that we forget our charger at home. In these cases, we take the first thing that comes to hand, as long as its jack resembles ours, and we squeeze our thumbs to turn on the laptop. If it turns on, fine. The charger works and no problem… or?

The truth is that there may be a problem. If you use a power supply that does not meet the requirements of your laptop, you take some risks. There are several options:

• You have targeted the right charger and everything is OK
• The charger has the same voltage, but higher current - everything is OK
• The charger has the same voltage, but lower current - probably the computer will work, but the charger may start to heat up and the battery does not want to charge
• The charger has a higher voltage and the exact current - the device will turn itself off or start, but the adapter will heat up. There is a possibility that you will "fry" the protection or, in the worst case, the bottom of the laptop
• The charger has a lower voltage and accurate current - the probability of damaging the laptop or charger is low, but it is very likely that the computer does not start at all

What should we keep in mind when buying an HP laptop charger?

Input voltage

The input voltage is the current that your charger receives from the mains. It usually varies between 110V and 240V. In Bulgaria the standard is 220V, but in other countries there are different standards for electricity transmission. For this reason, adapters usually work between 100V and 240V. That way, you don't have to buy a new charger if you're traveling. It will work almost anywhere (as long as you have a suitable adapter for the plug).

Input voltage (INPUT) It is written on the label of the charger, as you can see in the picture.

Voltage (V)

When choosing a new charger, you need to make sure that it has the same voltage as your old power supply. If you choose a higher voltage adapter, the laptop will probably not start and there is, albeit minimal, the risk of damaging it.

If the charger has a lower voltage, it will probably work, but will not supply the necessary current to the laptop. If this is the case, various anomalies can be observed depending on the shortage - from a sudden shutdown under load, to a completely strange behavior of the computer.

Lower voltages will not damage your laptop in most cases, but may shorten the life of the adapter.

You can see the voltage on the label of your old charger after the inscription (OUTPUT).

Output current (A)

Current strength is the third main indicator. It is measured in amperes. It is usually written after the voltage.

The output current may be higher than recommended for your laptop. In fact, this way your adapter will do less work and load less.

However, if you choose a charger with a lower output current, it will start to heat up and may be damaged or the laptop may sit on but the battery will not charge.

Power (W)

For HP chargers, power is usually written on the adapter's label. It may be higher than or equal to your old charger, but it is not recommended that it be lower. That is, if your charger is 45W, it is no problem to use 90W as long as the output voltage is the same.

Type of socket

HP laptops typically work with three-pin jacks (+, 0, and an information (center) pin). Although they look similar to Dell chargers, they are usually not incompatible. That is, if you use a charger of another brand, most likely your laptop will not start or will start, but will not charge the battery.

The jacks used for HP are:

• Outer diameter - 4.0 mm
• Inner diameter - 1.7 mm

• Outer diameter - 4.5 mm
• Inner diameter - 3.0 mm

• Outer diameter - 4.8 mm
• Inner diameter - 1.7 mm

• Outer diameter - 5.5 mm
• Inner diameter - 2.5 mm

• Outer diameter - 7.4 mm
• Inner diameter - 5.0 mm

• Type-C

Where to find the relevant data for a particular model?

The surest way to choose a new charger is to compare it to your old one. In case it is lost or not around you, you can check at:

• The label affixed to the bottom of your laptop
• On the battery (not always)

As for orienting the size of the jack, you can look at the laptop jack or, if you're not sure, browse the internet.

What are the most common problems and how to make sure that the laptop charger does not work?

1.The charger is plugged in, but the laptop doesn't work. Most common reasons:

1. Defective adapter
2. Broken cable
3. Another non-power problem
4. Improper adapter (you took your colleague's charger in speed)

Usually, when the problem is with the charger or the cable, none of the lights on the laptop are lit.

2. The charger is plugged in and the laptop works but does not charge the computer battery. Most common reasons:

1. Problem with the battery
2. Interrupted third pin of the charger socket
3. Improper adapter (you took your colleague's charger in speed)

To make sure the problem is with the charger or the battery, it's easiest to test with another charger or test the battery on another laptop.

3. The charger works and charges the battery, but makes a loud buzzing sound.

You can continue to use the charger, but be more careful. Do not leave it on when you are not around the computer. A sign that there is a higher chance that you will soon have to buy a new one.

4. The charger works and charges the battery, but it heats up too much.

It is normal for the adapters to heat up during prolonged operation. It is difficult to determine when the heating is within normal limits, but certainly, if you can not keep your hand on the surface of the adapter when touching, it is good to contact a service center or directly consider replacing it with a new one.

5. The laptop turns off when moving / moving

Most often the reason for this is in a broken / damaged socket on the laptop itself

6. The laptop turns off for no apparent reason when running on charger

The most common cause of this problem is a broken / damaged socket on the computer itself