There are many different types of laptop chargers on the market. Some plugs fit into a standard outlet, while others need a specific type of outlet. Knowing which type of charger to buy can be confusing, so here is a guide to the most common plug types.
The three most common laptop charger plugs are the barrel plug, the coaxial plug, and the type-C plug. The barrel plug is a cylindrical connector with two metal pins in the center. It fits into standard outlets found in most countries. The coaxial plug has a round connector with a single metal pin in the center. It also fits into standard outlets, but is not as common as the barrel plug. The type-C plug has a rectangular connector that fits into specific type-C outlets. It is becoming more popular due to its reversible design, which allows it to be plugged in either way.
There are also some rarer laptop charger plugs available on the market. The flat blade plug has two flat blades with a round pin in the center. These plugs resemble flat blade outlet plugs, but are not compatible with them. They require specific outlets that have corresponding holes along the inside edges of the blades.
The two-pin plug has two cylindrical pins in a V shape. It is used in countries such as Italy and China, where it fits into wall outlets that have openings on both sides of the socket. The grounded three-wire plug has three prongs that form an upside down triangle when inserted into an outlet. A grounding wire attaches to these prongs to provide more stability and safety during operation. This type of plug connects directly to ungrounded outlets without requiring any adapters or converters. For many countries, this plug type can only be used with appliances that are rated for 220-240 volts.
Knowing which type of laptop charger to buy can be confusing, but understanding the different plug types can make the decision easier. By knowing which type of outlet is available in your country and what types of plugs your laptop uses, you can purchase the appropriate charger without any problems.
laptop charger tip size chart
The standard laptop power tip is the circular connector that plugs into a laptop’s power jack. Each manufacturer has a different design for its tip, but laptops from the same company use the same type of connector. Manufacturers typically offer tips in several sizes to fit their own models and sometimes other brands as well. You can get replacement tips not only at computer stores but also electronics stores, office-supply shops and online sources such as eBay.
Many laptops use proprietary connectors that are shaped differently than the 3-pin connector found on most AC adapters sold at retail outlets. A common example is Dell Inspiron laptops, which use a round connector equipped with two parallel metal prongs. The rectangular power plug on certain Toshiba laptop models is another example of a proprietary connector. You can buy the appropriate tip at the manufacturer’s website or from an authorized dealer, but you might pay more than you would for a universal adapter.
One-piece power adapters that connect to AC electrical sockets and have different tips to fit various laptops are available for sale at retail outlets such as Radio Shack and Best Buy at prices ranging from around $30 to $100. These models always include the correct tip for your particular laptop and may be less expensive than buying individual replacement tips. However, these adapters aren’t as small as those with interchangeable tips — they won’t provide as much convenience when you want to travel light.
laptop charger connector types
There are three main types of laptop charger plugs: the rectangular plug, the coaxial plug and the round plug.
The rectangular plug is the most common type and it has two flat pins that go into the laptop. The coaxial plug also has two pins, but they are in the form of a cone shape. The round plug has three pins in a triangular pattern.
Each type of connector is designed to fit a certain type of outlet. The rectangular plug fits into outlets that have two parallel vertical slots, while the coaxial and round plugs fit into outlets with one round hole.
Since each type of connector is designed for a specific outlet, it’s important to use the correct connector when charging your laptop. If you use the wrong connector, you may not be able to charge your laptop or you could damage the charger or the laptop.