A Phillips-head screwdriver usually does the job, but you may need a flat-head one:
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the plug cover or plug jacket. Depending on the replacement plug, the screws are near the prongs or on the side of the plastic plug cover.
- Set the screws aside so you don’t lose them.
- Pull and wiggle the plug open. You should have two parts.
How do I replace a broken power plug?
Cut off the old plug from the cord, using wire-cutting pliers. Cut off any damaged portion at the end of the cord. Slide the new plug over the cut end of the cord and out of the way for now. Some plugs have two parts, with one piece containing the wiring connections and prongs and another piece...
How to replace an extension cord plug?
How to Replace an Extension Cord Plug: Step 1. Make sure the cord is unplugged from any power source. Cut off the old plug from the cord, using wire-cutting pliers. Also, cut off any damaged portion at the end of the cord. Slide the new plug over the cut end of the cord and out of the way for now.
What should I do if my plug prongs are bent?
If only the plug prongs are bent or snapped, start by replacing the plug. If the cord itself is frayed or has exposed wiring, you’ll need to replace the entire electrical cord. Replacing only the plug could leave you open to electrical shock. Safety Tip: Do not cover wire damage with electrical tape and then fix the plug.
What should I do if my Plug is not working?
If you’ve determined that the problem is with the plug, you have to either replace the plug or repair the electrical connections to it. If you can find an exact replacement for the plug, say at Radio Shack™, you might be better off simply clipping the old one and soldering on a new one.
How do you fix a broken plug end?
0:244:46How To Replace A Plug End - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt home depot or lowe's. And um put a new plug-in on this vacuum. Here's the replacement i picked upMoreAt home depot or lowe's. And um put a new plug-in on this vacuum. Here's the replacement i picked up from home depot. This is like three bucks a little bit overkill for our application.
Can a broken plug be fixed?
0:585:46How to Fix A Broken Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then just match that up at the hardware store and so the tools that you're gonna need are goingMoreAnd then just match that up at the hardware store and so the tools that you're gonna need are going to be the replacement plug something to cut the wire with and a screwdriver or a drill.
How do you fix a 3 prong plug?
0:096:423-Prong Electrical Plug Replacement! (Male End) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt now the first step is to cut off the old bad connector and you want to chop it as close as. You.MoreIt now the first step is to cut off the old bad connector and you want to chop it as close as. You. Can to the plug. Just to save as much cord as you can.
How do you fix a two prong plug?
1:162:19How to Fix a Broken Power Cord Plug Using the Leviton 2-prong Repair ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive both wire ends a few twists to bind the strands. Together. Then bend the wire into a hook in aMoreGive both wire ends a few twists to bind the strands. Together. Then bend the wire into a hook in a clockwise direction. And when you wrap it around the screw again you want to go in a clockwise.
How do you rewire a plug?
1:393:08How to change a Plug UK 3-pin - Rewire & Earthing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFinally place the cable grip back into position and tighten it with both screws on the other side ofMoreFinally place the cable grip back into position and tighten it with both screws on the other side of the plug. And this will prevent any pressure from the cord pulling on the connections.
How do you fix a broken ground prong?
2:519:58How to Replace an Electrical Plug With a Broken Ground ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFunction of this grounding pin mm-hmm. So your green is your ground and it's going to go to theMoreFunction of this grounding pin mm-hmm. So your green is your ground and it's going to go to the green screw usually to be a green screw like this okay your black goes to the gold screw.
How do you rewire a 3 prong plug?
1:092:30How To Wire a Grounded Cord Plug End - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe'll start with the ground by loosening the green screw in the green conductors copper strandedMoreWe'll start with the ground by loosening the green screw in the green conductors copper stranded wire into a clockwise hub shape slide the copper wire between the screw.
Will a plug still work without the third prong?
Again, the ground plug gives an alternative path for electricity to flow if there's an issue or fault. If you get rid of that third prong, you eliminate the safety measure. Sure—most of the time, the third prong doesn't matter at all. Your device is in good shape and is working perfectly.
How to repair an old plug?
Before you do anything, though, make sure the power adapter is not plugged into an AC outlet. To repair the old plug, you have to start by cutting off the jacket surrounding the contact points, as shown above. ...
How to repair a plug on a vinyl jacket?
To repair the old plug, you have to start by cutting off the jacket surrounding the contact points, as shown above. You can simply slice the jacket down its side with a razor blade and peel it off or cut the plug off and wiggle the metal part out of the vinyl jacket.
Why should I stop wiggling my plug?
And by the way, you should stop wiggling the plug and either fix it or replace the power adapter because wiggling the plug can damage the socket in your notebook computer, and repairing that is a complicated and risky process. It’s always best if you can confirm where the problem is before beginning a repair.
How to remove solder from a wick?
Solder wick is flat braided copper used to remove solder. You simply place it over the old solder and press down on it with a hot soldering iron. The wick will soak up the solder when it melts. Then you cut off the used portion of the wick and throw it away.
What to do if power adapter isn't working?
Even though you could do more harm than good, if the power adapter isn’t working, you’ve got nothing to lose. If you’ve determined that the problem is with the plug, you have to either replace the plug or repair the electrical connections to it.
How to get wire out of a sleeve?
To get the wire out, it’s best to “un-crimp” the sleeve by squeezing it back into a circle with needle-nose pliers. Just don’t damage the sleeve. If the center wire is soldered in place you have to heat it up with a soldering iron and pull it out once the old solder is melted.
Why is a vinyl jacket molded around a plug?
At the factory, the wires coming from the cord are soldered and/or crimped to contacts on the metal portion of the plug, and then a vinyl jacket is molded around the assembly to provide strength and to form a grip. Too much flexing of the cord causes the connections between the plug and cord to fail inside the molded jacket.
How many terminals does a plug have?
Depending on the cord type, the plug will have 2 or 3 terminals, each with a screw and a small metal covering. These are on different sides of the plug so the wires don't touch each other. Locate all the terminals by looking all around the plug housing.
Can you cut wires with scissors?
Don’t use scissors or anything else that isn’t designed for cutting wires. You need to get a clean cut to avoid damaging the cord. Some appliances have removable plugs. In this case, remove the old plug by removing the screws holding the body together and open it up.
How to tighten a plug clamp?
Tighten the plug clamp onto the cord, using a screwdriver. If the plug is in two parts , slide the outer shell up to the wired portion the plug and join the two parts with the provided screws , then tighten the cord clamp on the body.
Why do plugs have an indicator?
The new male or female plug will usually have an indicator line on it to show how much insulation to strip for optimum connection. Most newer plugs have a clamping connection that the wire slides straight into before tightening the screw. This eliminates the need for wrapping the bare wire around the screws.
What happens when you pull out a cord?
Eventually, this stretches out the cord wires and separates the sheathing, or outer jacket, from the plug, exposing the cord wires. One more result of wear and tear is the ground prong coming loose. When any of these forms of damage occurs, ...
Can you tie a black cord into an underwriter's knot?
This provides added protection against the cord wires separating from the plug connections if the cord is tugged. If there isn't enough room for an underwriter's knot, it's okay not to make one, as long as the plug has a clamping device for securing the cord.
Can you replace an extension cord with electrical tape?
Cords with damaged sheathing, exposed wires, or other damage to the cord itself should be replaced. Just wrapping the damaged cord with electrical tape isn't good enough. You don't know how much damage the cord has suffered, and electrical tape provides unreliable protection against shock.
Types of Electrical Plugs
You can figure out what type of plug you have by looking at the prongs and the screws on it. There are three major types of straight blade electrical plugs: self-connecting, terminal screw and three-prong.
Vintage Plugs and Fabric Electrical Cords
Antiques or vintage appliances often have a fabric-covered power cord. On these items, it’s likely best to replace the whole cord instead of just the plug. A cloth-covered wire may look beautiful, but proceed with caution. The insulation in old cloth wiring deteriorates over time. As the insulation breaks down, the fire hazard goes up.
Assess the Damage
If your cord is not cloth or fabric, examine it closely. Assess the damage to the plug and cord while the appliance is unplugged.
Prepare Replacement Plug
Make sure the plug matches the voltage rating and amperage of the wire. The number should be printed on the old and new plugs, so just make sure they match. Don’t replace a three-prong plug with a two-prong plug or vice versa. If you’re replacing a polarized plug, make sure the new plug is polarized too.
Cut Off Old Plug
Once you’ve determined that the plug is the only damaged area, it’s time to remove it:
Open Plug Cover
Open the new plug housing to fit it onto the cord. A Phillips-head screwdriver usually does the job, but you may need a flat-head one:
Insert Cord Through Plastic Plug Cover
Now it’s time to put the plug back together on the electrical cord. Thread the cut end of the cord through the plastic cover.
