How to Replace an Extension Cord Plug: 6 Easy Steps
What Is An Extension Cord?
An extension cord, also known as a power extender, is an electrical power cable which contains a plug on its one end and a single or multiple sockets on its other end. The extension cord allows you to use your electronic devices and appliances without needing to be in close proximity to a home power socket. Extension cords are bendy in nature and easy to move around; however, this does not mean that they cannot wear off over time. Bending and straightening an extension cord a number of times can cause the metal lining inside the cord to break apart. When this happens, it does not mean that you have to completely replace your entire extension cord system. Instead, easily replace the extension cord plug and have it working again in no time.
Related: Tips from Your Electrician: How to Use Your Extension Cords Safely.
What You Will Need:
Here's what you will need to replace your extension cord plug:
- Pliers: You will need pliers in order to cut the broken extension cord.
- A Replacement Plug: You will need to replace the existing extension cord plug in order to have a "new" and functioning extension cord.
- Utility Knife: You will need a utility knife in order to cut out the exterior part of the extension cord.
- Wire Strippers: You will need wire strippers to ensure that you cut the inside part of the wire safely and correctly, without potentially causing any further damage.
- Screwdriver: You will need a screwdriver in order to secure the plug at the end of the extension cord plug replacement process.
Is your extension cord damaged? Follow these six easy steps:
1. Safety First
First and foremost, make sure that the plug is not plugged into any power source. Replacing your extension cord while it is in power, even if it is damaged, can be potentially risky and dangerous. Avoid this by always making sure to double-check.
2. Cut Off The Damaged Plug
After you have double-checked and made sure that your damaged extension cord is not plugged into any power sources, you need to completely cut off the damaged extension cord plug. Plugs are usually recyclable, so you may want to check to see where you can recycle the parts that you will no longer be needing.
3. Remove The Exterior Part
Next, remove or "strip" the exterior part of the extension cord using your utility knife. You will want to be cautious while doing this in order to avoid damaging the existing three wires that are inside the cord. After you do this, use your wire cutter to carefully cut off the remaining damaged parts.
4. Check Your Replacement Plug
Before opening your replacement plug, make sure that it has the same voltage and amperage ratings as your existing cord. You can check to see what ratings you need by looking at your old plug. Check that your replacement plug matches these ratings. After you do so, you can open the replacement plug and start the extension cord plug replacement process.
5. Attach Your Replacement Plug - Changing A 3 Prong Plug
Open your replacement plug in order to connect it to the copper sections of your remaining extension cord. Make sure to connect each section to the correct terminal screw, and tighten each screw all the way to make sure that it is attached the right way.
Tips:
- Attach the green wire to the green grounding screw.
- Attach the white wire to the silver screw.
- Attach the black wire to the brass screw.
6. Check Your New Cord
Finally, check to make sure that your new cord works. Plug your cord into a circuit tester. If the circuit tester's lights go on, it means that your wires are connected the right way that your electrical extension cord is grounded and ready to use.
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