Today my charging cable stopped working. This is my second one since getting the framework 16 a year ago, and I’ll be contacting framework about it etc. but in the meantime does anyone have any recommendations for other cables/brands I could try? I need a solution now.
I stuck in a generic phone usb c to usb c (to confirm the issue) but that’s not charging it really, so that’s not the answer; and that’s pretty much where my tech abilities hit a bit of a wall.
P.s. I only use it on my desk or kitchen table so no idea why these cables keep breaking, it’s incredibly frustrating. Can’t see anything externally that’s wrong with it either, it’s just stopped charging overnight. Messed around with the usb c port module locations as well, no difference. And obviously tried different plugs in my house. So long story short it’s the cable again and I need a replacement today/tomorrow.
My work laptop is also currently broken (and in for repairs so can’t use that charger for it…) so if I don’t find a solution by Monday I’m in big trouble. Please help!
(Posting this from my phone and confused by the topic tagging so apologies if I got those wrong)
Pretty much any usb-c cable rated for 240W should work as a charging cable.
Usb-c cables have chips in them telling the laptop how much power they can handle. So, you need a cable with a correct chip in it.
So search Amazon or similar for 240W usb-c. And you should find one.
If you need it by Monday, try a local shop that sells computers or phones. They should have 240W usb cables.
A 180W usb cable will also work, but are probably more difficult to find that 240W cables.
Also, it might be the power brick that has broken.
Ok thanks! That gives me something to go on in a shop.
There’s a small chance it’s the power brick so I’ll troubleshoot with framework, but I’m fairly sure it isn’t… because sticking in the other usb c to usb c (just dug it up from my unused wire drawer, no idea what it was from and it’s not labelled) did get it to light a little red light on the port, so something somewhere is still working.
Just don’t buy the cheapest ones, some only claim to support 240W, hoping you don’t actually need it, and some don’t have the snubber they are supposed to have
Often, cable damage comes not from use, but how it’s stored/carried. The tighter you bend it over and over, the faster it gives out. How tight is “too tight” varies, which brings me to my love of floppy power cables.
This is a 240W very floppy cable from Anker that I love. I bought it for my FW12, but have used it on my FW16 and a range of other devices.
It’s held up well for me… and it gets more use than the cable that came with my official FW16 charger.
Thank you that’s very helpful!! I’ve found an ever so slightly better usbc cable at my father in law’s house that’s charging the laptop a bit, so maybe that’ll see me through until a midweek Amazon delivery.
I’ve never ever had a laptop charger break before I got the Framework so I have no idea what I’m doing wrong. You’re right it’s probably something with the position or tightness but you’d think it could handle daily use on a desk and travel up and down the stairs between home office and kitchen?
Who knows. I used to have a slightly cursed laptop bag where the cable holder was just tight enough to wear out all my cables prematurely, because it forced them to bend at such an extreme angle.
I almost never use my official FW charger because it’s just so big, and I don’t need the full 180W capability often. So, I haven’t put its cable through enough to really know how it holds up.