How To Repair A Chewed Wire

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Whether your family walks over them or your pets chew on them, electric cords habiliment out over time. Getting replacement cords can exist expensive, just fortunately you lot tin fix most cords on your own for a fraction of the price. No matter how you lot plan on doing the repair, cut off the damaged portion first. For a simple, straightforward mode to repair a string, fit it with a new plug. If you can't find a new plug and wish to preserve the string'south length, you could apply metal solder with a soldering iron for a stronger fix. Then, plug in your repaired string to see that it works every bit well as a new one again.

1. one

   Disconnect the cord from the outlet. Brand certain it is completely unplugged earlier working on information technology. When it is plugged into an outlet, it still has an electrical current running through it. Be conscientious to avoid touching whatsoever exposed metal wires or contacts while unplugging the string. Detach any other cords or electronics connected to the wire as well.^[1]

   • If you lot're dealing with heavily-damaged cords, consider shutting off the electricity first. Shut off the fuse or circuit breaker. Information technology is usually located in a secluded spot like in the basement or a storage room.

2. two

   Inspect the cord for broken wires and other signs of damage. Feel the unabridged length of the cord to see if it feels unusually warm. Await for whatever breaks in the insulation that could prevent the string from working. Besides, cheque plug prongs to come across if they look melted or burned.^[ii]

   • Consider marking whatever damaged areas then you don't have to search for them later. If you lot see a lot of serious impairment, you may be better off purchasing a new cord instead of attempting a repair.
   • Note that cleaved extension cords cannot safely exist spliced, or joined, dorsum together. No affair how well y'all effort to reconnect the onetime wires, the cord won't be safe for use. Instead, fit it with a new plug.

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3. 3

   Repair superficial damage by wrapping it with electrical record. Take the edge of the record and place it over the cleaved casing. And so, wrap the tape around the cord a few times to seal the damage. Brand sure it'southward well-sealed, and so treat other damaged portions the same way. Electrical tape is a type of blackness vinyl that resists electricity, so it's not bad for safely wrapping up cords as long as there aren't whatsoever exposed metal wires.^[three]

   • If the cord is so damaged that you see frayed metallic, then you volition near likely have to cutting it to repair it. Tape is only practiced for insulating wires, preventing existing superficial harm to forestall it from getting worse.
   • Another option is to fit a PVC shrink tube over the damaged portion. Heat it gently to shrink it and seal off the suspension.
   • Other types of tape, including duct tape, can work. Withal, electrical tape is the best selection considering information technology is designed to work on electrical components.

4. 4

   Cut the cord on both sides of the damaged portion using pliers. Cease cutting pliers and lineman's pliers are a couple of options for cutting cleanly through electrical cords. Position the pliers past the damaged portion and sever the cord. Cut through all of the insulation and wiring with a single attempt. Then, do the same on the opposite side of the damaged portion to completely remove it.^[4]

   • Check the length of each remaining cord. If they are pretty long, you lot may be able to reuse both of them. Throw away cutting lengths that are besides short to exist useful.
   • For example, you might cut an extension string in half and reuse both parts. For smaller cords, such as from electronic devices, you lot may not demand the shorter part even if it's reusable.

5. 5

   Strip about 1 in (2.v cm) of insulation off the cord with wire strippers. Wire strippers are very useful for removing the cord'south outer casing without damaging the wires underneath it. Measure from the cutting end of the wire, taking caution to avoid removing more of the insulated casing than you lot demand to. Clamp the pliers downwardly to break the insulation, then slide information technology off the wire. Repeat this with the other one-half of the cut cord if you plan on soldering the pieces dorsum together^[5]

   • This volition reveal the electrical wires inside the cord. Wait to see 3 wires in thicker cords like extension cords. Smaller cords, such as for household accessories, incorporate fewer wires.
   • If you don't have wire strippers available, you lot could employ a utility knife or another precipitous tool. Nevertheless, be very careful to avoid damaging the electrical wires. Score the insulation until you are able to remove information technology from the string.

6. 6

   Remove insulation from each of the wires within the cord. Measure out almost ^three⁄₄  in (1.9 cm) from the cut end of each wire. Then, use the wire strippers to break through the casing. Slide the cutting insulation off when you're washed. It will expose the copper wires, which you lot can reroute to your replacement cap.^[6]

   • The wires are a little smaller than the cord, and then use wire strippers if you have them. Wire strippers are a better choice for precision than other tools, such as a utility knife, which can easily ruin the wires.
   • If yous make a mistake and cutting through the individual wires, don't worry. Your cord isn't ruined. Simply cutting out the damaged portion again.
   • If you're planning on soldering the cord lengths back together, strip the wires within both parts.

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1. i

   Select a new plug with the same number of prongs equally the old one. Fixing a cord without soldering involves installing a new plug. The new plug has to match the quondam one, but there are diverse types of plugs. Try to go an identical plug that is the same shape and has the same number of prongs. Friction match the amp rating as well, which will likely be printed on the plugs.^[vii]

   • Installing a new plug is the simplest solution for nearly types of cords, including extension cords. Yet, for some accessory cords, y'all may non exist able to notice or install a matching plug. Try soldering instead.
   • Take the plug with y'all to a domicile improvement store to assist observe a matching replacement. Sometimes you tin can pull the plug off or unscrew information technology from the old cord.
   • Many appliances and older extension cords utilize what is known as polarized cords and caps. The caps connect to a flat 2-wire cord. To place information technology, look for a ridge along the length of the string, printed identifying data on the cord, or aureate and silvery conductors on the plug.
   • Plugs can exist purchased online or at home comeback stores along with all the other tools needed for the repair.

2. ii

   Inspect the replacement cord cap for labels showing where each wire fits. String caps have several unlike slots with screws used to concur the wires in place. These slots can vary depending on the kind of cap y'all're using. The slots may have labels like "black" and "white" that correspond to the wires within the electrical cord. Lucifer the labels to the colour of the insulation on each wire.^[8]

   • If the cap doesn't have labels, check the screws. The blackness power wire connects to the orange brass screw. The white neutral wire connects to the silver screw. Finally, the light-green ground wire connects to the green screw.
   • Note that the wire colors may differ depending on the cord or electric code in your expanse. For example, in Europe, the power wire is often brown or black. Blueish is for the neutral wire, while yellow and green are for the ground wire.
   • The wires have to exist plugged into the proper spots in guild for the cord to work correctly. Putting them in the wrong places is dangerous! It could damage electronic devices or fifty-fifty increment the run a risk of electrical shock.

3. 3

   Tuck the ends of the exposed wires clockwise effectually the screws. Piece of work on the wires 1 at a fourth dimension, connecting them to the appropriate cap terminals. Continue each wire secure by twisting the exposed strands together first. So, begin wrapping the wires clockwise effectually the screws. Most plugs have pocket-size notches you tin use to hold the wires in position, keeping them close to the screws.^[9]

   • Make sure all the wire strands have been twisted together and are secured under their respective terminals. If they are loose, they could crusade the cord to curt circuit.
   • The exposed parts of the wires cannot impact one another. If they are touching, tuck them in closely confronting the cap and screws before using the string.

4. four

   Turn the screws clockwise to pin the wires to the cap. Use a Phillips screwdriver on each screw. Once you tighten the screws, you lot won't be able to move the wires. Check them over to make sure they are well-positioned and secure. If y'all need to brand adjustments, loosen the screws by turning them counterclockwise.^[ten]

   • Check your work before moving on. Whatever wire strands all the same outside of the screw terminals are a trouble. Yous might impairment them by attempting to fit the other half of the plug over them.

5. v

   Fit the plug housing over the cap and screw it in place. Slide the other half of the plug along the cord and onto the cap. It will fit over the cap, keeping the wires well-protected. Inspect the outside portion of the housing for a small-scale hole where you tin fit a screw. Place the screw that came included with the new plug, then turn it clockwise to tighten it.^[11]

   • Take care not to overtighten the screw connector. Information technology could crush the plug casing or the wires within, creating a new chance for anyone that comes into contact with it. Tighten information technology simply enough to keep the plug halves secure.

6. half-dozen

   Test the string by plugging it into a functional outlet. If possible, shut off power to the outlet before plugging in the repaired cord. Make sure you deactivate power to the room or excursion where you plan on using the cord. Then, turn it back on once y'all're ready for the test. Stay away from the repaired portion until you're certain the string is working without consequence. If you don't see anything unusual, and so the repair was a success!^[12]

   • If you notice a hissing audio, smoke, or other problems, shut off the ability right away. For your own safety, practice not touch on the cord until you accept deactivated the power.
   • If the cord doesn't work and you're sure y'all repaired information technology correctly, the problem could exist the outlet. Outlets wear out over time and need to be replaced and then the metal contacts firmly connect to the plug.

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1. i

   Set up a ventilated piece of work infinite that is heat-resistant, if possible. Cull a spot with a ventilation fan or at to the lowest degree some windows yous tin open to let out any fume from the soldering iron. Apply a fire-condom table or workbench to protect against burns from the metal solder and soldering iron. If yous have a stainless steel or ceramic surface, yous tin can use information technology. Another selection is to spread a heat-resistant material, such as a drinking glass soldering mat, where you plan on repairing the cord.^[13]

   • Keep a cover and represent the soldering iron nearby. That way, you lot don't have to worry about information technology touching and dissentious your work surface.
   • Tile, brick, and stone are a couple of types of fleck metal you can utilize to protect tables from dripping metal. Most materials are safe to employ as long as you keep the soldering iron from them.
   • Soldering is a great way to repair valuable cords when you don't want to purchase a new plug or tin't detect a suitable one. It works for all types of cords, merely information technology's often best for single-wire cords with a permanently-attached plug.

2. 2

   Slip a PVC shrink tube over the wire to utilise later on. A PVC shrink tube is like a slice of plastic that protects and insulates exposed wires. They come in dissimilar sizes, so choose one that is at least as big as the area y'all wish to repair. A 1 in (two.5 cm) tube is enough for most repairs. After choosing a tube, slide it along one of the cords so it's out of the manner, leaving the cutting and stripped wires exposed.^[14]

   • If yous don't put the tube on the cord now, you won't be able to do information technology later. Make certain you get one that is the proper size for the repair!
   • The tubes and other fabric needed for the repair are available online or at most hardware stores.

3. 3

   Select 63/37 lead solder for an easy textile to work with. Solder is a type of metal used to join wires together. A 63/37 solder wire is made of 63% can and 37% pb, which both cook at a low temperature for a quick but potent set up. It melts at almost 361 °F (183 °C). It's beginner-friendly and often used to repair electronics.^[xv]

   • Note that you may detect solder with other percentages. They are all slightly unlike. Although they can be used, stick to a 63/37 lead solder wire for a straightforward repair.
   • There are as well lead-free solder wires. These wires are environmentally prophylactic simply melt at a higher temperature. If you decide to use one, note that it melts at a temperature nearly fifty°F (thirty°C) higher than lead solder.

4. 4

   Put on a pair of safety spectacles earlier operating a soldering atomic number 26. Habiliment the glasses for protection in case the melted metal splashes on yous. As well, consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and airtight-toe shoes for additional protection. Cover upward equally much as possible to avoid burns!^[xvi]

   • Be aware of the smoke released during the soldering process, especially if you're working with lead. Work outdoors or in an otherwise ventilated area while wearing a dust mask.
   • Keep other people and pets out of the area until you're finished and accept given the soldering iron plenty of fourth dimension to cool off.

5. v

   Twist the exposed ends of the string'due south internal wires together. Cut out the damaged portion and strip the wires before doing this. Then, lucifer the wires inside the severed cord according to the color of their insulation. Depending on the cord you're fixing, you might see more than 1 colour, such as red and blue. Twist the cerise wires together, then twist the blue wires together, keeping the colors split.^[17]

   • Note that thicker cords, such as extension cords, have more than 1 internal wire. The wire colors have to match or else you could brusk-circuit the system. Smaller cords, such every bit your boilerplate lamp cord or phone charger, only have one wire.
   • It is possible to solder wires by laying the exposed ends side by side. All the same, it's usually easier to twist them together and then coat them with solder.

6. vi

   Melt solder over the acme of the wires to glaze them. Hold the tip of the solder wire at a 45-degree angle above the exposed wires. Then, raise the heated soldering iron upward toward the wire, holding information technology at an reverse 45-caste angle. Gently cook the soldering fabric so it drips onto the exposed wires. Continue moving the solder wire and soldering iron back and forth until the exposed wires are coated in the solder.^[18]

   • The goal is to melt the soldering fabric, non the repaired wires. To avoid melting them, don't allow the soldering fe linger in one spot. Also, avoid touching information technology to the wires.
   • You could get a soldering pencil instead of a regular soldering atomic number 26. Information technology is smaller and easier to control, which can be important when working with small wires. Concur it similar a pencil.

7. 7

   Let the soldered wires cool for nigh ii minutes. Leave them alone until they go absurd to the touch. While the repair cools, turn off your soldering iron and set it bated in a safe spot, such as a holder. Keep the repaired cord undisturbed and so the solder sets properly.^[19]

   • If the solder doesn't have fourth dimension to cool, it will be besides brittle and the wires may come apart again.

8. viii

   Heat the PVC tube gently afterwards sliding it over the solder. Movement the PVC tube downward cord, positioning it so it completely covers the repaired surface area. To keep information technology from burning, get a pilus dryer or another source of gentle simply consistent warmth. Hold it about 5 in (13 cm) back from the string. Move it back and forth to estrus the tube until it shrinks and fits tightly over the soldered area.^[20]

   • If you lot don't have a hair dryer or a estrus gun, you could attempt using a lighter. Exist very careful to avert called-for the tube.

9. nine

   Test the cord by plugging it into an electric outlet. Shut off the electricity to the outlet by flipping the respective switch in your dwelling house'due south fuse or circuit breaker box. Then, plug the wire in and reactivate the electricity. Watch the wire for smoke or other problems. If it seems to be working without a problem, so consider it repaired.^[21]

   • Turn off the electricity right away if y'all detect hissing or other problems. Continuing to use the string could lead to a burn down or electrical shock. You lot most likely will demand to supersede it.

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Add together New Question

• Question

  How do I set a punctured wire?

  

  Punctures, like cuts to insulation, present a condom business organisation to anyone handling it while energized. No cord should be repaired. Cut the bad function of the cord out and brand the original cord into two shorter cords.

• Question

  What color is the hot wire of a three prong extension cord?

  

  The black wire is the hot wire. If wired correctly, the top left of the plug is hot, top correct is neutral (white), and the bottom round plug is the basis wire (green).

• Question

  How do I open the extension cord at the head office (stop things are plugged into)?

  

  Most cord caps with terminals inside will come autonomously either past removing a spiral, squeezing the blades towards each other, or some other means. There should have been instructions included with the cord cap.

• Question

  How practice I connect the four wires inside the cord when the replacement plug has simply iii places to hook the wires?

  

  Yous must e'er match the replacement cord caps to the original. All conductors must exist terminated to the proper terminal screw. If not, it will non work properly and/or constitute a safety adventure.

• Question

  How can I repair copper electrical cords?

  

  Cords should never be repaired, regardless of the conductor fabric. They tin can only exist shortened with a replacement string cap.

• Question

  How practice I repair a burnt electrical cord?

  

  Ends can be replaced using parts at the hardware store. The burnt part can exist cutting out and spliced back together using solder and heatshrink. 2 wire cords demand to be marked so you lot proceed the hot and neutral in right orientation. 3 wire cords are usually colour coded.

• Question

  Can yous repair a chewed cord?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  If the outer sheath of a cord is chewed up, only the internal wires aren't severed or damaged, yous can repair the superficial harm hands. Outset by unplugging the cord and so you don't accidentally stupor yourself. Wrap electrical record around the cord a few times to seal the damage. Make sure it'southward well-sealed and cover all of the damaged areas with the tape to fully insulate the cord. Y'all can then plug information technology dorsum in and see if it works.

• Question

  How do yous supplant a power cord plug?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Reply

  Choose a new plug with the same number of prongs as the quondam i. Read the labels on the new cord cap to meet where each wire fits. Cut off the cord from the quondam plug just below where it connects to it. Then, tuck the ends of the exposed wires clockwise effectually the screws. Piece of work on the wires 1 at a time, connecting them to the appropriate cap terminals. Keep each wire secure by twisting the exposed strands together first. Begin wrapping the wires clockwise around the screws. Turn the screws clockwise to pin the wires to the cap with a Phillips screwdriver. Then, fit the plug housing over the cap and screw it in identify.

• Question

  Is information technology safe to put electrical tape over exposed wires?

  

  Drew Hawkins1

  Community Answer

  Yes, information technology'south totally safety to put electric tape over exposed wires. In fact, that'south what information technology's designed for. Simply make sure you lot unplug or shut off power then at that place isn't electricity flowing through the wires so you tin avoid shocking yourself. Accept the edge of the tape and identify it over the cleaved casing. So, wrap the tape around the cord a few times to seal the damage.

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• You can exam cords past using a continuity tester or multimeter. Utilise the testing probes to look for a continuity of 0 ohms, indicating that the repaired string is working properly.

• If yous have a long cord, y'all tin cut information technology and turn it into a pair of smaller cords. If you're left with a short length subsequently cutting off the damage, then you lot're ofttimes improve off throwing it away.

• Ever check to make sure you're using the right plug for the cord you're fixing. If you use the incorrect type of plug, information technology could cause electrical damage to the wires.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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• Working with electrical wires is dangerous, so have all possible prophylactic precautions to avoid the risk of electrical daze. Never handle a alive wire!

• Co-ordinate to the National Electric Code, splicing extension cords is unsafe. Repairs can but exist done by cutting out the damaged portion and fitting a new plug.

• For safety, do non attempt to fix external cords by twisting them together, capping them with wire nuts, and roofing them with electrical record. This will work for splicing wires inside your wall or junction box, but information technology doesn't insulate external cords to prevent fires or electric stupor.^[22]

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Things You'll Demand

• Wire cutters, pliers, or utility knife
• Wire strippers

• Wire plug
• Phillips screwdriver

• PVC compress tube
• 63/37 atomic number 82 solder
• Soldering iron or pencil
• Oestrus gun, blow dryer, or lighter

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