Otis Singleton
Electric cord heads can wear out or become damaged, but they can be fixed without having to replace the entire cord. Before attempting any repair, it is important to unplug the device and turn off the power at the breaker. If the cord is old and brittle, it may be better to replace the entire cord, especially if it is a vintage appliance with a fabric-covered cord, as the insulation in old cloth wiring can break down, increasing the risk of fire. For modern cords, it is generally safe to proceed with repairing the cord by cutting out the damaged portion and fitting a new plug.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Unplug the device before working on it. If the plug is damaged but still plugged in, turn off the power at the breaker. |
| Second Step | Cut off the damaged portion of the cord. |
| Third Step | Strip the wires and splice them together, ensuring the wire colors match or that the ridge side matches the smooth side. |
| Fourth Step | Cover the repaired area with a PVC shrink tube and use a heat gun to shrink it. |
| Fifth Step | Buy a plug with the same rating as the original and connect the hot wire to the gold screw, the neutral wire to the silver, and the ground wire to the green. |
| Sixth Step | If you have a self-connecting plug, align either side of the cord with the side of the wiring channel marked with a "W." Insert the cord through the assembly clip and into the wiring channel up to the cord-stop ribs. |
| Seventh Step | If you have a terminal screw plug or a three-prong plug, follow the groove down the center of the cord, splitting the wires into a "Y" shape with each side connecting to a terminal. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cut the damaged section of the cord
Before you begin repairing your electrical cord, make sure the device is unplugged and turned off at the breaker. If the cord is old and brittle, it may be best to replace the entire cord. If you notice bare wires, this is also a sign that the cord should be replaced.
If the cord is only damaged in one section, you can cut out this section and splice the two remaining ends of the cord together. To do this, first cut the damaged section of the cord using a wire cutter. Next, separate the wires by pulling them apart about one to two inches down. Strip about one inch off the ends of the wires using a wire stripper. Twist the ends of the wires so they are tight and no longer frayed. Make a loop on each wire by wrapping it around a screwdriver.
If you want to add extra security to the connection, you can apply metal solder with a soldering iron. Cover the repaired area with a PVC shrink tube and shrink it with a heat gun. Alternatively, you can use electrical tape instead of a heat shrink tube to cover the connectors.
If you have a long cord, you can cut it and turn it into a pair of smaller cords. However, if you are left with a short length after cutting off the damage, it may be better to throw it away.
Electricity and Magnetism: A Dynamic Duo
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Strip and splice wires, matching colours
Before you begin to fix an electric cord head, make sure the device is unplugged from the power outlet. If the plug is damaged but still plugged in, turn off the power at the breaker before unplugging. Working with electrical wires is dangerous, so take all possible safety precautions to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Now, to strip and splice wires, matching colours:
Firstly, cut away the damaged part of the cord. You can use a wire cutter for this. If you have a long cord, you can cut it and turn it into a pair of smaller cords. If you’re left with a short length, it’s better to throw it away.
Next, strip the wires. Use a wire stripper to remove about half an inch to one inch of the insulation from each wire. The stripper tool has slots to match various wire gauges; use the slot that matches the wires in your cable. Twist the ends of the wires so they are tight and no longer frayed.
Then, splice the wires together, making sure the wire colours match. There are many ways to do this, from using wire caps to soldering the wires together. Butt splices, for example, are small tubes with openings on each end to insert wires. Place the exposed end of one wire in the centre of the butt splice and push it until it’s in the middle. Use a wire crimper and squeeze the handles so the wire is held in place. Put the second wire in the other side of the splice and crimp it.
Finally, cover the repaired area with a PVC shrink tube and shrink it with a heat gun. Alternatively, use electrical tape instead of a heat shrink tube to cover the connectors.
Electric and Magnetic Forces: Intrinsically Linked Phenomena
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cover the repair with PVC shrink tubing
To repair an electric cord, you can cover the repair with PVC shrink tubing. This is an excellent method for wrapping long cylindrical products and protecting them from dust, moisture, and tampering. PVC shrink tubing is a continuous roll of lay-flat PVC shrink tubing, made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is durable, flexible, and can be sealed or left open at both ends.
To use PVC shrink tubing to repair an electric cord, first, ensure you have the right size for the repair. The tubing should be long enough to cover the repair with some excess on either side. Then, slide the tubing over the repair. If you are using a heat gun, apply heat to the tube until it shrinks, rotating the cord to ensure the heat is applied evenly.
PVC shrink tubing is a cost-effective option, as you can buy a roll and use it for multiple repairs, and it is also a safe option for bundling items together during transport. It is important to note that PVC shrink tubing releases a small amount of odour when sealing, so proper ventilation is necessary.
Compared to other tubing, PVC is a more affordable option that is just as durable. It is also beginner-friendly, with most repairs requiring only a few simple steps.
Electric Parking Brake: Standard Feature in Chevy Cruze?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use metal solder for a stronger fix
If you are repairing an electric cord and want to preserve its length, metal solder can be applied for a stronger fix. Solder is a type of metal used to join wires together. A 63/37 solder wire, made of 63% tin and 37% lead, is a good option for beginners as it melts at a low temperature (361 °F or 183 °C) and is often used for repairing electronics.
To begin, set up a ventilated workspace that is heat-resistant. Choose a spot with a ventilation fan or open windows to let out any smoke from the soldering iron. Use a fire-safe table or workbench to protect against burns from the metal solder and soldering iron. You can also use a stainless steel or ceramic surface, or spread out a heat-resistant material, such as a glass soldering mat, on your work surface.
Before you start soldering, cut away the damaged part of the cord. Strip the wires and splice them together, ensuring that the wire colours match or that you match the ridge side with the smooth side. Twist the exposed ends of the wires together. Then, apply metal solder with a soldering iron. After the solder has cooled, slide a PVC heat shrink tube over the repaired area and use a heat gun to shrink it. You can also use electrical tape instead of a heat shrink tube.
Finally, plug in your repaired cord to see if it works. If the cord doesn't work, the problem could be with the outlet.
Electrical Work in Pole Barns: DIY or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Test the repaired cord with a continuity tester
Before testing the repaired cord with a continuity tester, it is important to understand what continuity is. Continuity refers to how much resistance there is in a closed electrical current. Testing continuity is crucial when repairing electrical components to prevent fires, shocks, or damage to devices.
To test the repaired cord with a continuity tester, follow these steps:
- Ensure the multimeter is set to the continuity setting. This setting is usually symbolized by a diode or sound wave symbol. If your multimeter does not have a dedicated continuity setting, turn the dial to the lowest number in resistance mode (measured in ohms).
- Verify that the multimeter is working correctly by touching the metal parts of the terminals together. The multimeter should beep, indicating continuity.
- Disconnect the repaired cord from any power source to prevent shocks or fires.
- Touch one of the multimeter probes to one end of the repaired cord, and the other probe to the other end.
- If the multimeter beeps continuously, it indicates an adequate electrical connection, and the cord is functioning properly.
- If the multimeter does not beep or only beeps briefly, there may be a break in the circuit, and the cord is not functioning properly.
It is important to note that a multimeter is a useful tool for diagnosing cord problems and can save you the cost of investing in separate ammeters, ohmmeters, and voltmeters. However, for major repairs or complex issues, it is recommended to engage a licensed electrician.
Electric Buses: Greener Option or Environmental Disaster?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If the cord is old and brittle, it's best to replace the whole cord. If your pet has chewed near the end of the cord, close to the plug, you should cut the cord and replace the plug. If your pet has chewed the middle of the cord, cut out the chewed section and splice the two cords together.
Unplug the device before working on it. If the plug is damaged but still plugged into an outlet, turn off the power at the breaker before unplugging.
First, cut away the damaged part of the cord. Strip the wires and splice them together, ensuring the wire colours match. Cover the repaired area with a PVC shrink tube and shrink it with a heat gun. Alternatively, use electrical tape.
63/37 lead solder is beginner-friendly and often used to repair electronics. It is made of 63% tin and 37% lead, which melt at a low temperature for a quick but strong fix.
