Subject: New York Times Placement
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:16:11 -0700

http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/q-a-teethmarks-on-a-power-cord/

 

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July 23, 2009, 7:41 pm 
Q & A: Teethmarks on a Power Cord
By J.D. Biersdorfer
Q
The power cord to my desktop computer has been chewed. Is it possible to get it repaired?

A
Unless the power cord is "hard-wired" into the back of the computer-which means you can't pull it out-repairing it would probably cost more than buying a replacement cord. Most computers these days use a detachable AC power cord that goes between the power jack on the back of the machine and the electrical outlet on the wall.

Check your manufacturer's Web site to see if it sells replacement power cords for your computer model. You may also be able to use a more generic option: Belkin is among the companies that make a six-foot "universal AC replacement power cord" that fits most computers. You can find the Belkin cable for less than $10 in various places.

Continuing to use a damaged cord is hazardous on many levels. If this was a household pet doing the chewing, you can help protect your replacement cord with a plastic cable cover; office supply stores or sites like CableOrganizer sell them. Giving the covered cables a few blasts of a chewing-deterrent spray like Grannick's Bitter Apple (available in formulas to annoy cats, dogs, birds and ferrets) may help further protect your power.