Multimeter testing on laptop power adapter

[jhoppe]

Hello all,

I've had no issues in the past testing laptop power supplies but I just came across one that shot sparks when I first touched it...

Anyone had this before and could this be a reason why the laptop was not getting a constant charge before?

 

[NickCat11]

Don't hold me to this but I would say that's a fair assessment. I'd replace the power supply and see if that does the trick.

 

[barry3652]

usually sparks eliminate the need for multimeter

 

[Skyhooker]

usually sparks eliminate the need for multimeter

...but definitely make a case for a fire extinguisher.

 

[bagellad]

Yes I would say when you see sparks coming from a device it was definitely suspect...........

 

[usacvlr]

If it sparked when you put your probes on it then you had the meter set to measure current not voltage in which case you shorted out the power supply. Voltage measurements are in parallel to a circuit. Current measurements are in series. There is absolutely no reason for a power supply to arc when you measure it's output voltage because the input resistance to the meter is extremely high.

Hello all,

I've had no issues in the past testing laptop power supplies but I just came across one that shot sparks when I first touched it...

Anyone had this before and could this be a reason why the laptop was not getting a constant charge before?