Apple Portables: Reducing cable strain on your MagSafe power adapter

Setting up and using the adapter

When unwrapping the cord from the adapter, be sure to support the weight of the adapter (Figure 1). If the connector is held and the weight of the adapter is used to unfurl the cable (Figure 2), the cable or the adapter itself could be damaged.

Figure 1 Unwrapping the cable while supporting the adapter


Figure 2 Unwrapping the cable by letting the adapter fall

Excessive bends in the cable may ruin the cable over time. The most likely points where excessive bending may occur are near the adapter brick (Figure 3), or the MagSafe connector itself (Figure 4). Ensuring slack in the cable at these particular points (Figure 5) preserves the durability of the adapter. Aim for gentle curves instead of angles. Proper usage increase its longevity.

Figure 3 Bending by the adapter brick


Figure 4 Strain at MagSafe connector


Figure 5 Slack at MagSafe connector

If you are using the two-prong 'Duckhead' connector for your MagSafe adapter and you find the cable barely reaches, switch to the three-prong, grounded connector to improve the reach of the cable and reduce strain. Figure 6 shows the length of the adapter with the Duckhead and Figure 7 shows the length of the adapter using the three-prong, grounded connector which is much longer.

Figure 6 Two-prong Duckhead connector


Figure 7 Three-prong, grounded connector

Disconnecting and storing the adapter

Properly disconnecting the MagSafe connector from the computer can prolong the life of the adapter. Using the connector itself instead of the cord is discussed further in Apple Portables: How to disconnect the MagSafe power adapter.

Apple portables have the MagSafe connector on the left side of the computer. If the cable for the adapter must be run to the right side of the computer, run the cable around the back (Figure 8) instead of under the computer (Figure 9). Make sure there is plenty of slack on the connector side and that the connection is not strained (Figure 12).

Figure 8 Cable run around the back of the computer


Figure 9 Cable run under the computer

Always keep the area around the adapter and its cabling clear. Some items that come into contact with the cable could cause significant damage. The cable shown in Figure 10 is likely to be run over by the wheel of the chair which could cause a break inside the cable.

Figure 10 Cable likely to be damaged by objects in the workspace

The 'wings' (Figure 11) allow the cable to be stored with the adapter using a very small footprint. Note that improper wrapping of the cord on these 'wings' may cause issues similar to bending the cable. When wrapping up the cabling, be sure there isn't additional strain on the cable where it connects to the adapter brick. Figure 12 shows excessive stress and Figure 13 shows proper wrapping. Wrap the cable loosely to avoid creating undue stress or harsh angles with the adapter.

Figure 11 Wings open to accept the cable


Figure 12 Excessive strain on cable when wrapped


Figure 13 Properly wrapped cable

If the computer is being used regularly in the same locations, consider obtaining an adapter for each location. Having a dedicated power source in each location limits the need to setup and store the adapter on a frequent basis and helps avoid potential strain relief issues all together.