Appliances Faulty DeWalt Battery charger for power tools

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around issues with multiple DeWalt battery chargers that have failed, potentially due to exposure to moisture. Users suggest checking the output voltage with a multimeter to diagnose the chargers and consider whether the batteries or chargers are at fault. There is skepticism about the chargers' durability, especially after being misted with rain, and the possibility of internal corrosion is raised. Suggestions include borrowing a neighbor's charger or battery for testing and contacting DeWalt customer service for assistance. Ultimately, the original poster decided to purchase a new charger rather than attempt repairs.
  • #31
DaveC426913 said:
There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Is a reliable indicator that there IS a fuse inside! Often soldered in.

Every one I've opened with that message had a fuse. Most WITHOUT that message did not have a fuse.

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • Like
Likes Guineafowl and Wrichik Basu
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
DaveC426913 said:
Not that I want to beat this to death, but I know how this must go:

"There are no user serviceable parts inside. We strongly recommend that you do not open the case, as fire, serious injury or death may occur."

They can't say anything else. If they were to offer even the slightest suggestion of how one might fix something inside a closed electrical device, they would be opening themselves up to legal liability.
I bet @Wrichik Basu comes from a country where lawyers haven’t ruined everything yet. I’m still waiting for a card or wristband I can carry that shows I’ve waived any right to this nebulous ‘liability’ idea and do not need to be treated like an unskilled child by technical departments. There is a strong ‘right to repair’ movement over here, and the backlash against WEE is mounting. Hopefully soon we’ll have more serviceable (modular?) devices and perhaps even repair shops again.

*rant over*

As per @Tom.G , most things with a switch-mode supply have either a fuse or equivalent, such as a fusible resistor. The latter seem susceptible to degrading over time due to heat cycles and break the rule that fuses don’t blow for no reason.
 
  • #33
Guineafowl said:
... There is a strong ‘right to repair’ movement over here, and the backlash against WEE is mounting. Hopefully soon we’ll have more serviceable (modular?) devices and perhaps even repair shops again.

*rant over*
What is "WEE"?

I certianly agree that more products should be serviceable/modular where possible. I wish the Environmental groups would get on this. I try to repair most things, not always possible or worth it, but most people just throw them out.

I understand if size/weight is critical, that a non-replaceable battery might be needed, but if not, then make it replaceable, please!
 
  • #34
NTL2009 said:
I certianly agree that more products should be serviceable/modular where possible. I wish the Environmental groups would get on this. I try to repair most things, not always possible or worth it, but most people just throw them out.

I understand if size/weight is critical, that a non-replaceable battery might be needed, but if not, then make it replaceable, please!
Companies want you to either call them directly for servicing, or throw away the product as a whole. I have often been asked to completely get a new UPS, while the only thing malfunctioning in it was the battery.
 
  • #35
NTL2009 said:
What is "WEE"?
Waste electrical/electronic equipment. Often a whole device thrown away because of a cracked solder joint, because of lead-free solder (RoHS) regs.
 
  • Like
Likes Wrichik Basu
  • #36
DaveC426913 said:
Ugh. The thought of asking my crazy neighbor for anything...

Well, you could make one of those "my crazy neighbor" videos for YouTube and quite possibly go viral.
 
  • #37
Swamp Thing said:
Well, you could make one of those "my crazy neighbor" videos for YouTube and quite possibly go viral.
Or the video could... :oldbiggrin:
 
  • Like
Likes DaveC426913, Tom.G and anorlunda

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
14K
Replies
8
Views
9K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K