Pattern to record: Brown plastic, a hot-plastic smell or local discolouration surrounds the socket.

Stop before further damage

Stop charging and shut down the laptop. Disconnect the charger at a safe power source without touching a hot or damaged connector. Do not try the plug in the other orientation, probe the port or add load to reproduce the heat.

Identify the input design

Identify which USB-C ports on this laptop actually accept charging. A data-only USB-C port and a charge-capable port can look alike, and the charger and cable must support the laptop’s required power level. One possible explanation is that high resistance has generated enough heat to oxidise or deform the connection.

Workshop checks

1. A technician should inspect the port contacts, tongue and cable plug with external power removed and the battery isolated by the service procedure. Check for carbonised material, deformed contacts and damage to the protected input path.
2. Confirm the laptop’s charging ports and required USB Power Delivery support from its documentation. Select a compatible undamaged charger and cable for later verification, not for testing a visibly damaged port.

Repair and power verification

Replace heat-damaged mating parts or assemblies as the model requires and correct the cause of poor contact. A burnt plug must not be reused with a new socket. Powered diagnosis is a professional step only after unpowered checks and any necessary repairs have established that it is safe. Using appropriate test equipment and the correct power supply, a qualified technician can then verify both orientations, supported power levels, sleep, battery transition and sustained charging. Stop the test if abnormal heating returns.

For an assessment of your USB-C laptop, contact AEPC in Burswood or call 027 908 8880. Provide the model and the conditions that reproduce this problem. Workshop visits are by appointment.