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Apple PowerBook power adapters

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Inside a PowerBook Duo AC Adapter, M2693, with its four electrolytics marked (photo jmacz, annotated by MacDat)

Apple's mains adapters for the Macintosh Portable and the PowerBook range up to the 1998 PowerBook G3 Series. Each family used its own adapter, and several are not interchangeable even where the plug fits: Apple warns that adapters over 19 W can damage the PowerBook 100 and 150, and that the 15 W adapter will not charge a PowerBook 160 or 180 while it runs.[1][2] The model numbers below come from Apple's identification list of May 1996, the output ratings from the Service Sources and Tech Info Library, and the capacitor lists from MacDat and owners on 68kMLA.[1][3]

Connect the adapter to a live outlet before plugging it into the PowerBook, and keep it connected to the outlet when unplugging it from the PowerBook. Apple names plugging in a PowerBook the wrong way round as one cause of a corrupted power manager.[4] Battery packs, chargers and the PowerBook's own charging faults are covered on the model pages and on Battery Refurbishment.

Quick reference

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Apple PowerBook adapters and Apple's test values
Adapter Model numbers Rating Used with Apple's no-load test
Macintosh Portable M5136 (MacDat) 7.5 V nominal, up to 2.0 A Macintosh Portable 7.53–7.54 V[5]
PowerBook 100 series M5140, M5651, M5652, APS-17adp 15, 19, 24 and 17 W PowerBook 100 to 180c 7.5–7.9 V[6]
PowerBook Duo M7783, M2693, M4174 24 V; 1 A, 1.5 A Duo 210 to 2300c 24–25 V, and no more than 1–2 V drop under load[7]
PowerBook 500 series M1910 40 W, two 16.6 V outputs PowerBook 520 to 550c 16.4–16.6 V on pins 1 and 2[8]
PowerBook 190 and 5300 M3747 PowerBook 190 and 5300 21.6–26.4 V[9]
PowerBook 1400, 2400c, 3400 and G3 M4895 (45 W); M5937LL/A (36 W, 2400c) 45 W; 36 W PowerBook 1400, 3400, 2400c, G3 Series None published[10]

Macintosh Portable

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Apple's Service Source for the Macintosh Portable rates its adapter at 85–270 V AC, 48–62 Hz in, and 7.0–7.6 V (7.5 V nominal) at 5 mA to 2.0 A (1.5 A nominal) out, in US, Japanese, UK, Australian and European versions.[5] Apple's check is a meter on the 10 V DC range, positive probe inside the plug and negative outside; replace the adapter if it does not read 7.53–7.54 V.[5]

MacDat lists two makers of the Portable adapter, M5136: an earlier Sony unit (CR-76U) and a later Delta unit (SMP-10BB). It reports that the Sony always has leaking capacitors, including one ELNA part, that leaked electrolyte can destroy diode D202 (replace with a 1N5819), and that a potted hybrid module in the Sony fails when its epoxy absorbs moisture.[11]

Macintosh Portable adapter electrolytics (MacDat, community source)[11]
Version Position Value Notes
Sony CR-76U not given 2200 µF 16 V Low-ESR
Sony CR-76U not given 330 µF 16 V Low-ESR
Sony CR-76U not given 100 µF 25 V Low-ESR
Sony CR-76U not given 2.2 µF 50 V Low-ESR, low profile
Delta SMP-10BB NTC1 (as listed) 56 µF 400 V Snap-in
Delta SMP-10BB C301, C302 1000 µF 16 V
Delta SMP-10BB C303 100 µF 25 V
Delta SMP-10BB C4 10 µF 50 V
Delta SMP-10BB C505 4.7 µF 50 V

PowerBook 100 series

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The 24 W M5652 (APS-46U) adapter opened (photo techknight, annotated by MacDat)

Apple sold these as the Macintosh PowerBook AC Adapter. It works in any country with a plug adapter, and a second one let an owner charge batteries in the separate recharger while the computer stayed plugged in.[12] Four versions exist:[1]

PowerBook 100 series adapters (Apple Tech Info Library 16168)[1]
Model Output Shipped with Works with
M5140 15 W PowerBook 100, 140, 170 The first adapter. A damaged tip can damage the logic board: the machine then runs on the adapter but not from the battery.
M5651 19 W PowerBook 145B, 160, 165, 180 140, 145, 145B, 160, 165, 170, 180. Revised tip.
M5652 24 W, marked "24W" on the tip PowerBook 165c, 180c 140, 145, 145B, 160, 165, 165c, 170, 180, 180c
APS-17adp 17 W PowerBook 150 PowerBook 100 and 150 only. Apple's replacement for a PowerBook 100 adapter.

Apple's order numbers were M1058LL/A for the 15 W adapter and M4660LL/A for the 19 W one. On a 160 or 180 the 15 W adapter will not charge the battery, can let it drain while the computer runs, and does not support video out.[2][13] The 165c and 180c need the 24 W adapter: Apple's charts for a 165c or 180c that will not start without a battery, or a 180c that switches off when the screen lights, start by checking for "24W" on the adapter or the model number M5652.[14] Adapters over 19 W can damage the PowerBook 100 and 150.[1]

The PowerBook 100 Service Source gives the adapter as 85–270 V AC, 48–62 Hz in and 7.0–7.6 V (7.5 V nominal) at 5 mA to 2 A out.[15] Apple's check, the same in the PowerBook 100, 140, 150, 160 and 165c Service Sources, is a meter on the 10 V DC range across the plug, positive inside and negative outside; replace the adapter if it does not read 7.5–7.9 V.[15][6]

MacDat lists the capacitors in the APS-20U (M5140 and M5651) and APS-46U (M5652) supplies, and says the APS-20U uses ELNA capacitors that should be replaced on sight. It has no list for the low-power ADP-17AB, its name for the PowerBook 100 and 150 adapter.[3]

PowerBook 100 series adapter electrolytics (MacDat, community source)[3]
APS-20U (M5140, M5651) Value APS-46U (M5652) Value
C201 1200 µF 16 V C209 2200 µF 16 V
C302 180 µF 16 V C211 470 µF 16 V
C207 82 µF 16 V C108 82 µF 400 V
C108 47 µF 400 V C111 47 µF 50 V
C105 47 µF 50 V sub-board 10 µF 16 V surface mount
C151 33 µF 35 V
C252 1 µF 50 V

PowerBook Duo

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Three Duo adapters exist. The M7783 came with the Duo 210, 230 and 250 and gives 1 A; the M2693 came with the 270c, 280 and 280c and gives 1.5 A; the M4174 came with the 2300c.[1] Apple's Duo accessory list of May 1994 gives the Duo AC Adapter's order number as M4174LL/A.[16] The 200 Series Service Source rates the adapter at 85–270 V AC, 47–63 Hz in and 24 V DC at 1.04 A out, usable anywhere with the right mains lead; the 2300c Service Source gives 100–240 V AC in and 24 V, 1.5 A, 36 W out.[7][17] The Duo adapter also powers the MiniDock, which has its own power adapter port.[18]

Apple's test is made with the adapter plugged into the Duo. Set the meter to the 200 V DC range, put the negative probe on the plug contact nearest the power plug and the positive probe on the second nearest, and replace the adapter if it does not read 24–25 V. Then switch the Duo on and measure again; a drop of more than 1–2 V under load also means a new adapter.[7][17]

MacDat's list for the M2693 has four electrolytics, all 105 °C parts, and warns that some Duo supplies also contain a RIFA mains filter capacitor, which often bursts and fills the room with acrid smoke; check for one and replace it.[19] jmacz posted the positions.[20]

Duo AC Adapter M2693 electrolytics (MacDat and jmacz, community sources)[19][20]
Position Value Size (D × H, mm)
C5 100 µF 400 V 30 × 22
C16 560 µF 35 V 16 × 16
C15 27 µF 35 V 5 × 11
C20 10 µF 50 V 5 × 11

On jmacz's adapter the two small capacitors had leaked and left residue, while the large ones looked sound. He opened the glued case with a craft knife, glued it back with superglue, and printed replacement cable-wrap legs for the case.[20]

PowerBook 500 series

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The PowerBook 500 series adapter, M1910, is rated at 40 W and is two 20 W supplies in one case: Vbatt gives 16.6 V at 1.0 A and Vmain 16.6 V at 1.5 A, from 100–240 V AC at 50–60 Hz. With the computer off or asleep both outputs charge the batteries, which takes two hours for two flat batteries; with the computer running, Vmain powers it and Vbatt charges one battery and then the other, four hours in all.[1][21]

To test it, use narrow probes in the four numbered holes of the plug, with the negative lead on the outer shield, which is ground:[8]

500 series adapter connector (Apple Tech Info Library 16680)[8]
Hole Signal Reading
1 Vbatt 16.4–16.6 V
2 Vmain 16.4–16.6 V
3 Ground 0 V
4 Ground sense 0 V

MacDat calls these adapters very unreliable: its author recapped two that had leaked, and both worked briefly and then died again. The brittle case cannot be opened without damage; MacDat's method is to squeeze it in a vice with a pencil either side of the seam. Its fallback is to run the PowerBook from a modern 16 V supply.[22]

PowerBook 500 series adapter electrolytics (MacDat, community source)[22]
Positions Value Size (D × H, mm)
C1, C2 100 µF 200 V 16 × 26
C308A, C308B 330 µF 25 V 8 × 20
C14A, C14B 100 µF 25 V 6 × 11
C802 47 µF 25 V 5 × 11
A PowerBook 500 series adapter opened, with its capacitors marked (Fizzbinn, via MacDat)

PowerBook 190 and 5300

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The PowerBook 190 and 5300 adapter is M3747.[1] Apple's test is a meter on the 10 V DC range with narrow probes, positive inside the plug and negative outside; replace the adapter if it does not read 21.6–26.4 V. Apple says these figures apply to this adapter only.[9]

PowerBook 1400, 2400c, 3400 and G3

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The PowerBook 1400 and 3400 share a 45 W adapter, order number M4895, which Apple's 1400 data sheet calls simply the Macintosh PowerBook AC Adapter.[23][24] The 2400c Service Source lists a 36 W adapter, M5937LL/A.[25] The PowerBook G3 Series of 1998 came with what Apple called a new compact 45 W adapter.[26] For the 1400, the 3400c and G3, and the G3 Series, Apple published no adapter test: try a new adapter if the computer will not run from the old one.[10]

Car adapters

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A third-party car adapter for a PowerBook, rated 11–15 V in and 24 V 3.75 A out (Hannes Grobe, CC BY 3.0)

Apple's 1997 power FAQ answers the question of charging a PowerBook from a car's cigarette lighter by pointing to "several commercial auto adapters on the market"; it lists none of its own.[4] Check a third-party adapter's output against the PowerBook's own adapter before using it, since the families above run at different voltages.

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References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16168, PowerBook: Battery, Recharger & AC Adapter Identification (5/96), absurdengineering.org library. Every PowerBook adapter by model number: M5140 (15 W), M5651 (19 W), M5652 (24 W), APS-17adp (17 W), M1910, M3747, M7783 (1 A), M2693 (1.5 A), M4174; tip damage on M5140; over 19 W can damage the PowerBook 100 and 150.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 10938, PowerBook 160 &180: Use New AC Adapter and Battery (3/95), absurdengineering.org library. The 15 W M1058LL/A adapter and the 19 W M4660LL/A adapter; effects of the 15 W adapter on a 160 or 180.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 MacDat Capacitor Reference Library, "PowerBook 100 Series AC Adapter", https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/100_ac.php (read 4 October 2026). APS-20U (M5140, M5651) and APS-46U (M5652) capacitor lists; ELNA capacitors in the APS-20U; no data for the ADP-17AB; photographs from techknight.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 18241, PowerBook: Power & Battery Frequently Asked Questions (2/97), absurdengineering.org library. Connect the adapter to a live outlet before plugging it into the PowerBook; Apple points users to commercial auto adapters.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Apple Computer, Macintosh Portable Service Source, Specifications, "Electrical", PDF p. 13, and Additional Procedures, "Adapter Verification", PDF pp. 136–137. Hosted as File:Macintosh portable.pdf; see Macintosh Portable Service Source.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Apple Computer, Service Sources, "Adapter Verification": PowerBook 140/145/145B/170, PDF pp. 145–146 (File:PowerBook 140, 145, 145B and 170 Service Source.pdf); PowerBook 150, PDF pp. 117–118 (File:PowerBook 150 Service Source.pdf); PowerBook 160/165/180, PDF pp. 152–153 (File:PowerBook 160, 165 and 180 Service Source.pdf); PowerBook 165c/180c, PDF pp. 147–148 (File:PowerBook 165c and 180c Service Source.pdf). 7.5–7.9 V in each.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 200 Series Service Source, Specifications, "Electrical", PDF p. 25, and Additional Procedures, "AC Adapter Verification", PDF pp. 262–264. Hosted as File:PowerBook Duo 200 Series Service Source.pdf.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 16680, PowerBook 500 series: Measuring AC Adapter Output (11/94), absurdengineering.org library. Four-hole connector: pin 1 Vbatt and pin 2 Vmain 16.4–16.6 V, pins 3 and 4 ground and ground sense; shield is ground.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook 190/5300 Series Service Source, Additional Procedures, "Power Adapter Verification", PDF pp. 183–184. Hosted as File:PowerBook 190 and 5300 Series Service Source.pdf.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Apple Computer, Service Sources, "Power Adapter Verification": PowerBook 1400, PDF p. 224 (File:PowerBook 1400 Service Source.pdf); PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3, PDF p. 197 (File:PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source.pdf); PowerBook G3 Series, PDF p. 227 (File:PowerBook G3 Series Service Source.pdf). No test available.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 MacDat Capacitor Reference Library, "Macintosh Portable AC Adapter", https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/portable_ac.php (read 4 October 2026). M5136 in Sony CR-76U and Delta SMP-10BB versions; capacitor lists; D202; the Sony hybrid module.
  12. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 8975, PowerBook: Apple Peripheral Products (7/92), absurdengineering.org library. The Macintosh PowerBook AC Adapter works in any country with a plug adapter and lets batteries be recharged away from the computer.
  13. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 10904, PowerBook 160 and Accessories: Ordering Information 10/92, absurdengineering.org library. Macintosh PowerBook AC Adapter, order number M4660LL/A.
  14. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 165c and 180c Service Source, Troubleshooting, "Symptom Charts/Power", PDF p. 30. Hosted as File:PowerBook 165c and 180c Service Source.pdf.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook 100 Service Source, Specifications, PDF p. 11, and Additional Procedures, "AC Adapter Verification", PDF pp. 110–111. Hosted as File:PowerBook 100 Service Source.pdf.
  16. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 10827, Macintosh PowerBook Duo: Accessories (5/94), absurdengineering.org library. Duo AC Adapter order number M4174LL/A.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook Duo 2300c Service Source, Specifications, PDF p. 21, and Additional Procedures, "AC Adapter Verification", PDF pp. 207–208. Hosted as File:PowerBook Duo 2300c Service Source.pdf.
  18. ↑ Apple Computer, Apple Facts, February 1993, "Macintosh Duo MiniDock at a glance", PDF pp. 56–57, https://vintageapple.org/applefacts/pdf/Apple_Facts_9302_2.93_February_1993.pdf (retrieved 2026-10-04). MiniDock ports include a power adapter port; the Duo AC Adapter is listed as a MiniDock accessory.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 MacDat Capacitor Reference Library, "PowerBook Duo AC Adapter (M2693)", https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/duo_ac.php (read 4 October 2026). Four 105 °C electrolytics with sizes; RIFA filter capacitor in some units.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 68kMLA forum thread "Powerbook Duo 280c + Accessories Maintenance", jmacz, posts of February and March 2025, https://68kmla.org/bb/threads/powerbook-duo-280c-accessories-maintenance.49469/ (read 4 October 2026). Duo adapter recap: leaking small capacitors, opening and regluing the case, printed cable legs; positions C5, C15, C16 and C20.
  21. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 15664, PowerBook 500 Series AC Adapter Ratings (6/94), absurdengineering.org library. 40 W; Vbatt 16.6 V 1.0 A and Vmain 16.6 V 1.5 A; 100–240 V AC input; charging times.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 MacDat Capacitor Reference Library, "PowerBook 500 Series AC Adapter", https://macdat.net/repair/cap_reference/apple/powerbook/500_ac.php (read 4 October 2026). Reliability, opening the case, capacitor list with sizes, photograph from Fizzbinn.
  23. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 20945, PowerBook 3400 Series: Technical Specifications (2/97), absurdengineering.org library. 45-watt AC Adapter for the PowerBook 1400 and 3400 series, order number M4895.
  24. ↑ Apple Computer, Tech Info Library article 20469, PowerBook 1400 Series: Technical Specifications (11/96), absurdengineering.org library. Macintosh PowerBook AC Adapter, order number M4895.
  25. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 2400c Service Source, Basics, "2400 Series Peripherals", PDF p. 4, and Specifications, PDF p. 29. Hosted as File:PowerBook 2400c Service Source.pdf.
  26. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, Basics, PDF p. 13. Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 Series Service Source.pdf.


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