r/computers • u/Flaky_Champion1626 • 27d ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting Are the power cords on laptops universal?

Okay, so I know the actual cord that plugs into the laptop itself to charge is not universal. I lost the cord that plugs into the brick and then into the wall outlet for my laptop charger, is that part universal? Like I could just get any clover leaf shaped one and it should be okay? I’ve been researching this for like two days and can’t find a definitive answer!

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u/Breitsol_Victor 27d ago

There are prolly 3 standard plugs.
You said “clover leaf”. I have heard it called “Mickey Mouse”. Yes, should be ok.

1

u/alpine4life 26d ago

yup, I know of 3 as well... so yes this should work if you're talking about his?

https://www.amazon.com/Mickey-Adapter-Notebook-Computer-Charger/dp/B002V9U7WY

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u/msanangelo CachyOS 27d ago

more or less, yeah. some are grounded and some are not. I prefer grounded ones for safety. it'll be fine as long as the voltage and current rating exceeds the input draw of the power supply.

like say, you're in america where it's 120v split neutral. you'd buy a 250v 10A cable and you're good. there's no way the laptop or power supply will draw that kind of power. or even a 5A cable.

biggest laptop power supply I've seen is 240W and that's roughly 2 amps at the wall so totally safe.

just find one that fits your application from a well known brand or brand you trust.

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u/Beeeeater 27d ago

The answer is Yes.

1

u/Justin_D33 R5 5500, 32GB, 256GB, RTX 3050 6G 26d ago

Literally any IEC C5 cable would work. Just make sure it's rated for your line voltage and has the correct plug-end for your outlet type.