Molly Ayala
Whether it's for an appliance, extension cord, or power outlet, replacing an electric plug is a straightforward task that can be done by anyone with the right tools and knowledge. This guide will cover the steps to replace a power cord plug and an electrical outlet. It is important to note that safety precautions must always be followed, and if the complexity of the repair exceeds one's knowledge and skills, a qualified technician should be consulted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace a plug | - When the appliance is not receiving power and the fuse has been replaced |
| - When the plug prongs are bent or snapped | |
| - When the plug is worn out or damaged | |
| When to call an electrician | - When there is damage to the electrical outlet, such as sparks, smoke, scorch marks, or a burning smell |
| - When the task is complex and you feel you lack the knowledge or skills to perform it safely | |
| Tools | - Phillips-head screwdriver |
| - Flat-head screwdriver | |
| - Electrical scissors, wire cutters, or sharp shears | |
| - Wire stripper, utility knife, or razor blade | |
| - Thick gloves | |
| Steps | 1. Turn off the power and unplug the device |
| 2. Remove the face plate and back plate | |
| 3. Lightly unscrew the inside of the plug to free the wires | |
| 4. Fit the wires into the correct contacts (live, neutral, and earth) and screw them in | |
| 5. Reassemble the plug by feeding the screws through the front plate to lock the back plate and wire into place | |
| 6. Check that the new plug is working by plugging the device back into a power outlet and turning on the power |
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What You'll Learn
Cut the old plug off the power cord
Before you cut the old plug off the power cord, make sure the electronic device is unplugged from the power outlet. If the face plate has screws, use a screwdriver to remove them and release the back plate. If the face plate doesn’t have screws to release the plug head, do not attempt a replacement yourself.
Once you have removed the face plate, you can cut the old plug off the power cord. Use electrical scissors, wire cutters, or sharp shears to do this. You want to cut the plug off cleanly, so be sure to use the right tools. If there is any damage to the cord close to the plug, trim those parts off as well. The cord should be smooth and undamaged all the way to the end where the plug goes. You will end up with a slightly shorter cord, but safety is paramount.
If you are using a knife or razor blade to cut the old plug off, be very careful. Wear thick gloves and place the cord on a flat surface so you don’t slip. Cut around the wire jacket with the edge of the blade.
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Prepare the wires for the new plug
Before you begin, ensure you are comfortable working with electrical wires. If you are unsure about your skills or safety, call a qualified electrician.
To prepare the wires for a new plug, start by cutting the old plug off the end of the power cord with electrical scissors, wire cutters, or sharp shears. If there is damage to the cord close to the plug, trim those parts off as well. The cord should be smooth and undamaged all the way to the end.
Next, open the new plug housing. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the plug cover or plug jacket. Depending on the replacement plug, the screws are usually near the prongs or on the side of the plastic plug cover. Set the screws aside, then pull and wiggle the plug open.
Now, you should see two or three wires inside the cord: the live wire, the neutral wire, and possibly the earth wire. If you see any inner wires, cut their ends off so they are not too long. Then, use a wire stripper to strip off about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of insulation from the end of each wire to expose the copper underneath. Be sure to separate the wires so they are not touching.
Finally, bend the copper portion of each wire into a U-shape or a hook. This will make it easier to attach them to the new plug securely.
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Connect the wires to the new plug
Connecting the wires to the new plug is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it:
Firstly, it is important to identify the different wires and their roles. The ground wire is typically green, the neutral wire is white or blue, and the hot wire is black. Modern plugs usually have three prongs, each connected to one of these wires. However, some older devices may only have a two-pronged cord, which omits the ground wire.
Before connecting the wires, ensure that you have stripped and prepared them correctly. Use a wire cutter or sharp shears to cut the old plug off the end of the power cord. Then, shave off about half an inch of insulation from each wire, exposing the copper underneath. Be cautious not to cut too deeply, as you want to avoid exposing the inner wires when installing the new plug. Separate the wires to prevent them from touching.
Now, you can start connecting the wires to the new plug. Bend the copper portion of each wire into a U-shape or a hook, as this will make it easier to attach them securely. If your device has a ground wire, connect it to the gold contact point on the new plug and secure it with your screwdriver. Then, connect the neutral wire to the corresponding contact point and secure it in the same way. If your device only has two wires, simply skip the step for the ground wire.
Finally, reassemble the plug by feeding the screws through the front plate to lock the back plate and wires into place. Ensure that all the screws are tightened securely before use.
It is important to note that electrical work can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always ensure that the power is turned off before beginning any work, and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncomfortable with the process.
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Secure the new plug
Once you've cut the old plug off the power cord, you can fit the new plug. Open the new plug housing to fit it onto the cord. You'll need a screwdriver to do this—a Phillips-head screwdriver usually works, but you may need a flat-head one. Unscrew the plug cover or plug jacket, and set the screws aside. Pull and wiggle the plug open so that you have two parts. Now, it's time to put the plug back together on the electrical cord.
If you cut too far back and can still see the inner wires when you put the new plug on, cut the ends off the wires so they aren't too long. If you don't have a wire stripper, you could use a utility knife or razor blade. Cut around the wire jacket with the edge of the blade, being very careful. Wear thick gloves and place the cord on a flat surface so you don't slip.
Shave off 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of insulation on each wire. When you remove the outer jacket, you'll expose two or three wires inside the cord. Separate the wires so they aren't touching. Then, use the wire stripper to strip 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) off the end of each wire to expose the copper underneath.
Now, bend the copper portion of each wire into a U-shape. Grab the end of each wire and bend it backward to make a hook. This makes attaching them to the new plug much easier and more secure.
Finally, screw the new plug back together.
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Test the new plug
Once you have fitted the new plug, it is important to test it to ensure it is working correctly.
First, plug your electronic device back into a power outlet and turn on the power. If your device is receiving power, then the new plug is working. If your device is still not receiving power, then you may need to call a qualified electrician.
If you are replacing an electrical outlet, you can test it with a voltage tester. If you have seen sparks, smoke, scorch marks, or noticed a burning smell, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Call a professional as soon as possible.
If you are confident in your ability to replace the plug yourself, you should test the outlet before you begin. Turn off the power for the circuit at the breaker box and test with a voltage tester to confirm. If the tester shows current, you may have flipped the wrong breaker switch. Check the service panel and turn off another circuit that may be powering the outlet. Test again and only proceed if the tester shows no current.
If you are replacing the plug on an electrical cord, ensure you do not cut the cord further back than necessary. If you cut too far back and can still see the inner wires when you put the new plug on, cut the ends off the wires so they are not too long.
If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is always best to contact a qualified electrician.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electronic device isn't receiving power and the fuse has been replaced, you may need to replace the plug. If the face plate doesn't have screws to release the plug head, do not attempt a replacement yourself.
You will need a Philips-head screwdriver, electrical scissors, wire cutters, or a sharp pair of shears. You may also need a utility knife or razor blade, and thick gloves.
First, cut the plug off the end of the power cord, ensuring you don't cut into any wires. Next, open the new plug housing and pull it open. Connect the wires to the new plug, matching the colours of the cables. Finally, reassemble the plug by feeding the screws through the front plate and tightening them.
If the cord is frayed or has exposed wiring, you will need to replace the entire cord. You will need to purchase a new cord and plug, and attach them together. Follow the steps for replacing a plug to attach it to the appliance.
