The One Charger: IEC pushes universal laptop charger specification

One Charger to rule them all, One Charger to plug in, One Charger to use on all and in a universal technical specification bind them.

 

At least this is what the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) hopes tech companies might have in mind in designing newer batches of power supplies for their notebook computers. The IEC released a new Technical Specification which aims to do for the notebook what it did for mobiles. The new standard details plans for laptop chargers which can be used for different laptop models and may be easily reused or replaced.

 

Lost or busted chargers typically lead to discarded laptops, because of the difficulty in procuring a charger compatible with those devices. Tons of tech-related waste, equivalent to 500,000 cars, is generated by this phenomenon, which the commission hopes to reduce with their new specifications.

 

"A single power supply covering a wide range of notebook computers is the next step in lowering e-waste and its impact on our planet. I am proud that the IEC has yet again managed to make the best possible technical solution available," said IEC General Secretary and CEO Frans Vreeswijk.

 

It is not mandated by law for corporations to follow the law, though several organizations are purportedly examining the merits of this universal notebook charger. Furthermore, IEC acknowledges that "due to the technical realities", the charger is still "a long way from being achievable".

 

Standards for a universal mobile charger was submitted by the IEC in 2011. Their efforts, while not groundbreaking, form a part of the movement to create universal chargers for all mobile brands.

 

Officials from the European Union in September renewed their efforts to get manufacturers to include chargers compatible with any smartphones or tablets. It launched a proposal pushing for these chargers to become the industry norm which, according to the Verge's report, would reduce "unnecessary accessory clutter for consumers". — TJD, GMA News