Power Cords (72 items found) Show
Jump to Specific Section 1 Types of Electrical PlugsYou 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. Self-connecting plugs snap on easily and are seen on appliances like lamps.
Terminal screw plugs have screws on the prongs.
Three-prong plugs are used for appliances that pull more power than minor ones do.
2 Polarized and Non-Polarized PlugsPolarized plugs have one prong blade bigger than the other.
Non-polarized plugs have two prong blades that are the same size.
Polarized plugs show you which side is the hot side of the circuit and which is the neutral.
Polarized plugs are safer than non-polarized ones because of possible reversed polarity and an open circuit. If the hot and neutral tines on the plug don’t match the hot and neutral slots on the outlet, electricity could arc out. With modern cords, it’s less of a concern because of better wire insulation. However, with vintage appliances, it's good to be aware of this issue. 3 Vintage Plugs and Fabric Electrical CordsAntiques and 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. Proceed with caution when replacing cloth-covered wires. The insulation in old cloth wiring deteriorates over time. As the insulation breaks down, the fire hazard goes up. Asbestos was used as an insulator in appliances made prior to the 1980s. Cutting into a cloth cord to remove the plug may release those fibers into the air. Avoid replacing plugs on cloth vintage two-pin power cords for antique heaters or irons. They could contain asbestos and should be replaced by a professional. It may be in any fabric cord, but the odds are greater for heat-generating appliances. 4 Assess the DamageIf your cord is not cloth or fabric, examine it closely. Assess the damage to the plug and cord while the appliance is unplugged.
Tip: Do not wrap damaged or exposed wiring in electrical tape and then fix the plug. This could create a fire hazard or the potential for electrical shock. 5 Prepare the Replacement PlugMake 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. 6 Cut Off the Old PlugOnce you’ve determined that the plug is the only damaged area, it’s time to remove it: If your plug is polarized, mark the side with the wider prong with tape on the cord. Using electrical scissors, wire cutters or a pair of sharp shears, cleanly cut the plug off the end of the power cord. You don’t need to slit the insulation or remove any material or wire right now. If there are nicks in the cord close to the plug, trim those parts off as well. The cord should be smooth and undamaged all the way until the end where the plug goes. You’ll end up with a slightly shorter cord, but it’s best to be safe. 7 Open the New Plug CoverOpen 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:
8 Insert Cord Through the Plastic Plug CoverNow it’s time to put the plug back together on the electrical cord. Thread the cut end of the cord through the plastic cover. If you have a terminal screw plug or a three-prong plug, skip to Step 9. If you have a self-connecting plug, follow these steps:
9 Wrap Wires Around Terminal ScrewsSkip this step for a self-connecting plug. If you have a terminal screw plug or a three-prong plug, read on. For a terminal screw plug:
For a three-prong plug:
For a self-connecting plug, press down on the cord to seat it in the wiring channel. Sandwich the plastic pieces together around the cord and press until they snap into place. For a terminal screw plug or a three-prong plug, slide the prong blades down so they snap into the plastic plug jacket. With the screws you set aside in Step 7, screw together the prong piece and the plastic jacket. 11 Plug In Your ApplianceCheck your work by plugging in the appliance. It should be functional again. If not, you may want to consult a professional to troubleshoot the issue. They may need to address hidden electrical problems in the appliance. Once you know how to replace a power cord plug, you can extend the life of your electrical devices. Maintain your home just the way you like it by keeping your appliances running longer. Need help identifying a tool or material for replacing a power cord plug? Find products fast with image search in The Home Depot Mobile App. Snap a picture of an item you want to buy, and we'll show you similar products. Can I use a different power cord for my TV?However, you should be just fine using any power cable that fits into the TV. You can even use a power cord for another TV brand or from another type of device. The cables are designed to work as long as they fit together.
Can you fix a broken TV cord?For a simple, straightforward way to repair a cord, fit it with a new plug. If you can't find a new plug and wish to preserve the cord's length, you could apply metal solder with a soldering iron for a stronger fix. Then, plug in your repaired cord to see that it works as well as a new one again.
What happens if yours power cable is broken?Power cords that become broken or uncovered can create major electrical issues. These issues include improper power flow or haphazard power delivery to your device. In turn, these faulty electrical flows lead to power spikes that create significant heat and fry internal components, leaving your laptop or PC unusable.
What are TV power cables called?C13/C14 is also called a Universal Power Cord, being the current standard for TVs and desktop computers. Some smaller devices, like older laptop power supplies, may have a C13/C14 but for the most part, these smaller devices now use downsized options like C5/C6.
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