Power cords for laptop chargers are the mains leads that link a power adapter to a wall socket. They suit anyone replacing a lost, damaged or too short cable. Our range includes cords from Qoltec, HP, Lenovo and Dell, alongside leads from Nedis, Datalogic and Zebra.
How to choose a laptop power cord
Connector on the adapter. The end that plugs into the charger must match the inlet on the adapter exactly. Look at the inlet or the printed label on the adapter and compare it with the product description before ordering. The connector gender is listed for some of our cords, with male and female ends both available.
Plug on the wall end. The wall plug has to fit the sockets you actually use. Sockets differ from country to country, so check the plug shape on the cord and use a suitable adaptor or surge protector where needed.
Length. Measure the distance from the socket to where the charger will sit, then add some slack. Cords of 1 m and 1.8 m appear in our range. A shorter cord keeps a desk tidy, while 1.8 m is easier if the socket is behind furniture or across a room.
Brand and compatibility. A cord made for your laptop brand removes any doubt about fit. A third-party cord is fine when the connector type and the rating match your adapter. Check the rating printed on the adapter and choose a cord rated for at least the same current.
Power cord brands we carry
- Qoltec: a Polish maker of chargers, power supplies and computer accessories, and the brand with the most power cords in our range.
- HP: a major laptop manufacturer, so its cords match the adapters supplied with HP notebooks.
- Lenovo and IBM: IBM created the ThinkPad line that Lenovo took over, so both names turn up for business laptop adapters.
- Dell: supplies cords for its own laptop and workstation adapters.
- Datalogic and Zebra: known for barcode scanners and mobile computers, with cords made for their chargers and docks.
- Nedis: a supplier of general-purpose cables and connection accessories for home and office use.
Also in our range: Value and Synergy21.
Laptop power cord FAQ
How do I know which power cord my laptop charger needs?
Check the inlet on the charger itself, where the cord plugs in, and match its shape to the cord you are buying. The adapter label also shows the voltage and current rating. If the connector shape and the rating both match, the cord will work with your charger.
Can I use any power cord with my laptop charger?
No, the connector must fit the adapter and the cord must be rated for the current the adapter draws. Many cords look alike but have different connector shapes. Compare the inlet and the rating before you buy.
What length of laptop power cord should I buy?
Choose a length that reaches the socket without pulling tight. A 1 m cord suits a desk next to a wall socket, and a 1.8 m cord gives more freedom to move the charger. Avoid stretching the cord, since strain on the connector shortens its life.
Do I need a new charger if the power cord is damaged?
Not usually. On most laptop chargers the mains cord is a separate lead that can be replaced without changing the adapter. If the cable between the adapter and the laptop is damaged, that is a different part and a full charger replacement is the usual fix.
