I've been using extension cords to plug in my laptops and chargers since it is way easier than trying to find the wall socket somewhere. I've never paid attention to what kind of extension cords I use but I just know I shouldn't plug in some appliances with high energy consumption (or wattage?) to the cords like the one in the photo.
That's what I have been using for charging my devices like Macbook, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, iPad, and some other lamps too. These devices is what I consider ehrm... "light" usage although I should have probably looked at how much watts the cord can handle.
Now, there were two or three time that I charge them all at the same time. Of course, I thought they were okay since why the heck would they sell extension cords with all these available slots if it can't handle all these devices, right?
That's where I was wrong...
Just a few days ago, I noticed these burn or melt marks on my 140w Macbook Pro power adapter. I was concerned, but thought maybe this was just... ok... since I saw some like this before but in some small devices.
I looked up on the internet if this has happened to any of the Apple users thinking it might be a problem on my device since this is a 140w adapter and is an M1 max chip (dunno if that's even relevant). Anyway, I didn't find anything on the internet (Apple specific) so I went and asked for Apple Support through chat and sent them photos of my adapter.
They acted with urgency and immediately escalated it to the senior advisor. That's where I got quite nervous hahaha.
When I got to the phone with the supervisor, he asked me some questions like how long I used it for, where do I plug it, etc... I answered all questions with honesty.
Then I told him I'm using an extension cord to plug my devices and that's where he guessed it might be the extension cord's that has the problem. I mean, he's not qualified to confirm things cos he hasn't inspected the device in person and besides he's not a qualified electrician, but he already has his suspicions cos he said he also experienced the same thing.
He said he had to change his extension cord to a heavy duty one and there was no problem since then.
He then asked if I have noticed any burn smells....
That's when I was like "OHHH SHIIIT" lmao cos I did smell it like twice and I thank my PTSD for giving me hypervigilance so I can notice even tiny change in smell or sound - but I really didn't find where exactly the smell was coming from... but I did know it was in the plug area.
Anyway, I was adviced to send my device to the service center and stop using the power adapter until we can confirm the only problem is the extension cord.
There's no vacant slot for appointment for the next 7 days and I can't wait that long so I looked up on the internet what other power adapters might be compatible for my device. The 67w is the only one available (instead of the 140w) so I just went ahead to the mall to buy it immediately.
The supervisor actually didn't advice me to buy a new one haha in case you're thinking they just want to take my money. But yeah, for my peace of mind and I really don't want to stress out with thinking until the next schedule so I just did.
I'm now currently using the 67w (right) which charges slow (duuuhhh) cos the normal or recommended one should be 140w lol.
Now, for the extension cord.... I threw the old one away.
When I bought this new one, I actually talked to the sales rep who knows a lot about these things cos it's in his section. He wasn't surprised about the burn/melt marks since that's what normally happens if the wire of your extension cord is not that thick.
He explained to me why it happens and what the heavy duty cords were built for. He confirmed what I found on my research and at the same time with the Apple supervisor's advice to my current situation.
I also showed him photos of the mark and he said it is safe to still use the power adapter anyway, but just stop using the extension cord because it's already dangerous.
He said accidents like this don't happen instantly, they will always give out some signs slowly - like the wires inside will slowly burn off until time will come the positive and negative wires will touch each other. Worst case scenario is me burning my devices and probably even catching fire...
So yeah, I'm never charging my devices in a light extension cords and will just use the heavy duty ones.
I'm still looking for appointment slots but not sure when I'll get one. I don't think this is a problem with my device since I also saw the same mark on my Nintendo Switch charger (I use the same extension cord) so it gives me a lot of confirmation that it's the cord that's problem but I would still want to get it checked anyway just to be 100% sure... though I don't know what kind of tests they will perform or how long it will be. :(
What do you think?
Any knowledge will be highly appreciated!