Burn marks on Apple charger plug pins

[amyk]

Desktop PC PSUs usually have NTC inrush current limiters, but laptop ones might not because having an extremely hot object (they are supposed to get very hot in normal operation) in a sealed case is not a good idea .

[Zero999]

Desktop PC PSUs usually have NTC inrush current limiters, but laptop ones might not because having an extremely hot object (they are supposed to get very hot in normal operation) in a sealed case is not a good idea .

True but there are alternatives to NTC resistors, such as using a switch (solid state or electromechanical) to bypass a resistor, when the reservoir capacitor is fully charged. The resistor doesn't get very hot because it's only used, for a short length of time, after the power is applied.

[bitseeker]

get a switch into the equation ASAP   

That's about the size of it. However, how much arcing is there going to be in that switch?

[Electro Detective]

get a switch into the equation ASAP   

That's about the size of it. However, how much arcing is there going to be in that switch?

Even with a crappy switch it's a one time transient at the switch end and along the cable, that doesn't cause 'spot weld' zaps on the device plug or mains socket,

as opposed to the straight out jiggle 'n sizzle plugging in (russian roulette...) method to live 240/120 mains.

Switches are cheaper to replace, not that I've seen many go bad, especially the domestic style 10 amp rated 2 pole/single throw ones, they last ages, literally!

 
A no frills quality power board/strip with individual switched outlets, or just one master switch, is a must have if using a lot of switchmode power warts and chargers,
preferably one with a small resettable thermal cutout switch (which most SHOULD have) in case of overloads or heat creating shorts. 

They fit in the toolbox easily and squeeze fine into most laptop bags 

 

[Ampera]

Nobody else but the UK and AU/NZ have switched outlets, AFAIK.

[bitseeker]

There are switched outlets in the US, but they're separate devices (in separate locations or a multi-gang outlet box). I do like the integrated switches in the UK, etc. The closest thing I've found here are power strips with individual switches for each outlet, but they aren't prevalent either.

[bd139]

Indeed I spent an hour last night trying to find some. The nearest thing i can get is a strip of normal wall plates sockets. And that's stupid expensive. I really need a bench TBH with a proper set of switched sockets on it. I'm not sure my wife would be up for that though as we're not rolling in space.

[bitseeker]

Oh, wait. I do remember seeing a combo switch/outlet that goes into a single gang box. Here are some pics of a couple of styles. They're still not as space-efficient as the UK ones.