How to Repair An Extension Cord

How to Repair An Extension Cord - Replace The Plug!

Рет қаралды 94,777

Күн бұрын

If you have a damage electrical cord, repairing it by simply replacing the plug is far easier than you may think, and cheaper, too! In this video I cover all the background information a complete novice needs to understand to safely repair the most common types of electrical cords in North America.
#ExtensionCord #ElectricalCord #ReplaceThePlug
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🔗 How I Store Extension Cords: • Extension Cord Pro Tips
🔗 More Info On NEMA Standards: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_co...
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CHAPTERS
🕐 0:00 Introduction
🕐 0:58 Types Of Replacement Plugs
🕐 1:40 Tools Required
🕐 2:15 Which Plug Do You Need?
🕐 4:32 Types Of Internal Connections
🕐 4:57 Replacing a 2 Prong (NEMA 1-15) Plug
🕐 6:45 Screw On Connections
🕐 8:58 Replacing a 3 Prong (NEMA 5-15) Plug
🕐 10:58 Clamp Connections
🕐 13:00 Lighted Plugs
🕐 16:20 Testing The Repair
🕐 17:27 Conclusion
🕐 18:06 Bloopers
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MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
🎵 Bouncing Shoes - Earle Belo - www.epidemicsound.com/track/9...
🎵 Bits and Pieces - Mica Emory - www.epidemicsound.com/track/w...
🎵 Different Type Of Vibeo - Matt Large - www.epidemicsound.com/track/c...
🎵 West Coast - Ch@nterelle - www.epidemicsound.com/track/N...
🎵 Go With It - Daxten - www.epidemicsound.com/track/5...
🎵 Lotus - Magnofield - www.epidemicsound.com/track/K...
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The content provided in this video is for informational use only. Video content is provided at the viewers own risk and the viewer will not hold the parties involved in creating, producing or delivering this information liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting in any way from any errors in or omissions from the information. Thanks for understanding.

Пікірлер: 111

@len9518 2 жыл бұрын

As elementary as this is, your video, explains and shows it best.

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Len!

@user-gv6iv2rx7u 9 ай бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY12:58

@midnight121190 Жыл бұрын

I love that you’re wearing an essential craftsman shirt!!

@andiharp9275 5 ай бұрын

I really like how simple his explanations were, n how he accompanied them with great close-ups as he went through the steps - so, really great timing... 👍 It was also nice that he didn't do a rush job. Also, he didn't "talk down" to his viewers, as if they were total idiots. He was very respectful in this. I have replaced plug ends, n helped my son with his endeavors of replacing a couple in the recent past. Sadly, one end got hot n melted on one of them. So, because I wasn't real familiar with the style he used, I searched n came across this video - after checking out another one that was not very helpful. This video helped to figure out where he went awry. 😆 I don't know how I could have missed it when my son replaced the plug. 😢 Niw off to replace it again, with confidence. 😉 Thank you for a well done video. ✌️

@AmplifyDIY 5 ай бұрын

You've made my day, Andi! Thank you!

@hughw2427 2 жыл бұрын

This is a very thoughtfully made video. He explains and demonstrates everything so well and up close. I've never repaired an extension cord but after watching this, I think I could do it with no problems. Excellent video!

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you, Hugh!

@dougc78 2 жыл бұрын

Simple, straightforward, informative & clearly delivered! Thanks for sharing.

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, Doug!

@HiteshDesaIAUM Жыл бұрын

You have given us perfect information for joining cables in different plug. I appreciated.

@alisonwilliams9465 Жыл бұрын

Saved myself some money, replacing my vacuum cord myself, thanks to your excellent instructions.

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Awesome, Alison!

@steveweber7902 Жыл бұрын

great video I never usually touch electric projects but I tried this time. I changed a pug on a extension cord and followed your instructions and everything went well. my extension cord is working again. thanks for the excellent instructions.

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad it helped, Steve. Nice job!

@steveweber7902 Жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY thanks. I usually don't fool around with electric but I gave it a shot & it worked out. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY. 🎄

@jamesD104 2 жыл бұрын

Very well done, thank you.

@lynnepear Жыл бұрын

Nicely done!

@canstaff Жыл бұрын

You just got a new subscriber to your channel! You have amazing Videos and so educational even to an average knowledgeable homeowner as myself. Keep up the good work!

@MySugarCookiesCo 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. This video is really helpful!

@marymcclanahan1757 2 жыл бұрын

I think your presentation was perfect! Thanks!

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so, Mary!

@freddie4126 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding instructional video!

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@heyitsrick5701 Жыл бұрын

Great job on this video. Tks!

@KathrynFritze Ай бұрын

Excellent tutorial. Thanks

@larryv4249 2 жыл бұрын

Your tone, tenor, and cadence are perfect for this sort of video. I am wondering if UL or ETL listing for these cord ends are important, or even required. Looking forward to your next video.

@pedrorojas6934 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this Excellent video with good Explanation I learn so much!

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Pedro! I'm glad you found it helpful!

@johnupchurch7685 Жыл бұрын

Very good video!

@jim7smith Жыл бұрын

Well done!

@missmiller7829 Жыл бұрын

Those two downvote were done by accident because this video is Grade A+

@cynical1877 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir.

@mogarvey3007 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much I've learned alot

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

@CindySalazar-oy9gb 8 ай бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH

@kristinetarantino3458 4 ай бұрын

Very well explained 😊

@AmplifyDIY 4 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot 😊

@retire-man Жыл бұрын

Well done

@ob5006 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much with your instructions I fixed the extension cord.... By myself

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Great job!

@Jan-kw7cz 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for making a scary DIY entirely reasonable.

@jjjacer 2 жыл бұрын

@4:35, i wish me local stores had that type for 2 prong, only ones i could find used friction and pressure from the cable to the prongs via the casing, fine i guess for a lamp cord, but not something i would like in a high traffic area.

@jonf7659 Жыл бұрын

These videos are great--thanks! What if I have the opposite problem--cord damage close to the appliance? I guess I could always open it up and see if there are similar terminals to secure the wires to....

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Yeah, if you have damage close to the appliance, I'd disassemble the appliance and see how the power cord is connected inside. It's likely you'll be able to simply cut the cord just past the damaged area, remove the short part that is connected tot he appliance with the damage, and re-connect the cord however it was previously attached. I've done this with a skill saw, and it still works great today. Thanks for watching!

@jonf7659 Жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY Sounds good; I'll give that a shot. Thanks again!

@MarkChristopherpens Жыл бұрын

Good b'y. Just finished watching the Canada USA World Jr semi final. How u guys doing? Still b coming home tomorrow?

@pisces8160 Жыл бұрын

Very well presented! You're an excellent teacher!!!

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😃

@dfudge007ca 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video. The one question I didn't get answered it around amps. I have an extension cord that is rated at 13 amps. Is it safe to replace the male end with a 15 amp plug? I ask because I can't find a 13 amp replacement plug. Thanks in advance!

@AmplifyDIY 6 ай бұрын

Yes, I think you'll be fine using a 15A end on a 13A cord. Just remember that the cord is the limiting factor on any load you attach. Good luck!

@middlecrossranch3977 2 жыл бұрын

Are there any extension cord ends that are look good after they’re on your cord, like the factory ones?

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Midle Cross - there are some that are less bulky. In my area both Home Depot and Lowes have some. Here is one on Amazon as well (affiliate link): amzn.to/3xm82cf

@artriumph 3 ай бұрын

Great video. I have heavy duty extension cord that needs a new male end. The wire that goes to the ground is actually pink not green. Is that unusual? Thank you.

@AmplifyDIY 3 ай бұрын

Manufacturers use all kinds of colors internally. Just make sure it really is going where you expect, and ignore the colors. Good luck!

@leohorishny9561 11 ай бұрын

I appreciate your instruction, but when you replaced the 3 prong male end plug, you inserted the ground and neutral wires in the left side of the plate, but the hot wire you inserted it in the right side; after your pointing out in the prior plug it is important to place the wire so that it's partly secured with rotation of the screw, I expected to see that followed with the other plug attachment screws.🤔

@AmplifyDIY 11 ай бұрын

Ah, you must be referring to around the 11:15 mark of the video, right? Notice that those connectors are actually a clamping style: the conductor does not wrap around (or even really touch) the barrel of the screw; rather, there is a plate that the screw clamps down on the wire to sandwich the conductor between it and a backing plate. On this style, it does not matter which side of the screw the conductor enters the clamping plate. Good eye for detail, and thanks for watching!

@echt114 5 ай бұрын

Will this completely solve the issue with connectors that are getting too hot? I notice some of the 15 amp connectors are bigger than others, do you need the big ones or will the smaller ones do just as well?

@AmplifyDIY 5 ай бұрын

As long as it is rated for the load, it should be fine. if something is getting too hot, then consider upgrading to a higher-amperage circuit and use an extension cord rated for a higher load.

@echt114 5 ай бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY Thanks for the reply. I've had extension cords that ARE rated for the load (1500 watts, continuous use) that do just fine at that level and stay cold, but another cord with same specifications will get hot at the connector. I've been told that it's all about how the plastic is molded onto it and that it's somehow leaking or meeting resistance. Theoretically, it seems these new connectors would solve it, but I didn't know about the plastic inside them and whether it mattered how big it was etc.

@Marlin101084 2 жыл бұрын

While I do like the method of cord storage, I only usednit a few times before being annoyednby it. It's cumbersome for something that isn't being pulled out frequently, or for any cord 50+ ft in length. I have subscribed to the method I learned to coil audio cables in a Tech Theater class in high school 20 years ago. One normal loop, then underhand twist with the next loop. Alternate with each loop. You can take the finished coiled cord, toss the whole thing out or pull just part of it, no twists in the cord. I do this with every type of cord over 15-20 feet now, maybe even shorter if I'm making a small diameter coil like with ethernet cables. I wish I had an example vid to link. There is another great method for really long cables that are used frequently, modeled after how parachutes lines are bundled after a jump. Ends up looking like a figure-8, and is very quick and more compact than the method shown here, also.

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Marlin - I use the method of one normal, one underhand when I store things like larger garden hoses, air hoses, etc. Since I rarely pull out an extension cord like this, I like the method I showed so I can just throw them in a pile into a storage tub, or hang them all from a hook in the garage and nothing ever tangles up. Thanks for watching, and for the tips!

@Marlin101084 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY I would agree, throwing multiple cords in a bin like this can be useful. Coils can prevent other cords from occupying the central space, and this method should avoid most tangles even with a hasty toss and being stuffed into a bin. It is definitely worlds better than many ways we see, like wrapping around the hand and elbow! I normally don't store too much together that way, but when I have a handful of smaller diameter cables together in my work bag, the coils make them easier to dofferentiate.

@LUISDURAN-ny6ot 7 ай бұрын

👍 👌

@joshuasmith1215 6 ай бұрын

I always feel like when I tighten the clamshell style onto the cord I'm cutting through it. Makes me nervous. You don't do any special tricks when looping stranded wire around a screw?

@AmplifyDIY 6 ай бұрын

No special tricks other than make sure to loop it in the direction the screw will tighten (clockwise). I've never had a clamshell cut through the insulation. Thanks for watching!

@lasskinn474 2 жыл бұрын

The plugs on the shelf are marked up like 4x plus from asia it seems(even compared to similar store in asia. And yea usa style plugs too)

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Some plugs here are quite expensive. Cheap ones are just a few bucks though... but yeah, local economies, different currencies, etc... stuff is usually more expensive here than in Asia.

@lasskinn474 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY the few bucks is the 4x. Depends how many you buy here or where from though. The electronics shop near me in thailand has them yellow plus rubber ones in dozens under a buck. Crusty hard plastic two pins 30 cents or so. Same shop has arduino and esp stuff on the shelf too along with ac control boards and a components desk etc. It's pretty sweet.

@luckylaura4821 Жыл бұрын

why didnt you do the black 3 prong - it is VERY difficult to get all the wires (since there are 3) arranged so the "closing" screw engages. That's what I wanted to see.

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Hi Laura - apologies that I did not show the specific situation you are facing. I hope you were able to get your cord repaired.

@dm1445 Жыл бұрын

So is that safe to do to a surge protector plug?

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Hi DM - yes, it's fine. Thanks for watching!

@user-yn1ko1ch3b 3 ай бұрын

I find when daisy chain stitching cords , they're always kinky when in use .

@AmplifyDIY 3 ай бұрын

Mine do that a little in cold weather, but not in the summer. Depends on the temperature as well as the type of material used in the cord construction. Thanks for watching!

@Umansky2 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@misterlift2637 2 жыл бұрын

Can you replace a plug end that is rated for 10 amps with a 15 amp plug end?

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mister Lift - yes, you can replace a plug that is rated for more amps. Just don't replace it with one that is rated for less. Great question!

@misterlift2637 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY thank you!

@rogeramadon4064 Жыл бұрын

Great video - You would make a good teacher! What if you have a 3 wire (flat) extension cord, but they have no colored wires wrapping them and they are all the same?

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Hi Roger - are there any colors wrapping the individual wires *inside* the insulation? If you strip off the outer jacket of insulation, do you find any colors at all? If not, sounds like you need to perform a "continuity test" with the cord, to determine exactly which of the 3 conductors connects to which of the 3 prongs of the cord - i.e., which is hot, neutral, and ground. If you have a simple multi-tester, you can easily perform a continuity test. I don't have a video on exactly how to do this, but I'm sure there are tons. Just search for "how to perform a continuity test" for instructions. Good luck!

@rogeramadon4064 Жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY No - the 3 wires on the extension cord that I was replacing the male end plug had NO colors wrapping the individual wires. I did perform a continuity test, and STILL got the 3 wires mixed up. Thank God I have a good tester that I can plug into it which informed me I had the "hot" and "neutral" wires reversed. I switched them over and good to go - Up and running again. Thanks again for you informative video and guidance!

@williamthomas8135 Жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY I do not see any inner colored sheathing. Does that mean polarity doesn't matter for this florescent light?

@robertjoseph1592 2 жыл бұрын

A square head (Robertson) or ECX screwdriver works better on these types of screws. Most 11 in 1 screwdrivers will have one or both of those tips and can be had for around $10.

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

Great tip - thank you!

@mikebennett9270 5 ай бұрын

Go Blues!

@AmplifyDIY 5 ай бұрын

Honk. HONK. **HONK!!!!**

@Lenbo1977 Жыл бұрын

awesome presentation...but i could help to realize that on the second repair u cut off a damage female end then put a male end in its place....lol

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Heh. The risks of cutting a bunch of different takes together in a video. :-) When I was finished, I had a correctly assembled cord with *both* ends replace, one female, one male... but while producing the video, I did cut off both ends and install new replacements multiple times to get the right takes / usable video. Thanks for watching!

@bettinashope9637 3 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤

@johnrkd7960 Жыл бұрын

I have a cord that has 2 grey wires 1 black - never seen this please help

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

Hi John - the black is probably ground, the 2 grey are probably the hot and neutral for the A/C... but it's really anyone's guess which is actually which with non-standard wiring colors like that. You really should do a continuity test between the poles of the good end of your cord and each conductor to determine exactly which conductor matches up with which part of the plug. You'll need at least a cheap little multimeter to do a continuity test. Good luck!

@johnrkd7960 Жыл бұрын

@@AmplifyDIY thanks

@user-gv6iv2rx7u 9 ай бұрын

😮

@cjgrills Жыл бұрын

is there any danger of purchasing a female end that will not fit in your tool?

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure I understand your question....

@missmiller7829 Жыл бұрын

Holy sh*t.... did you see those prices!!!?

@AmplifyDIY Жыл бұрын

For a long time, it was cheaper to just replace stuff... but with the way the world has turned upside down over the last few years, it makes a LOT more sense to repair a lot of things that formerly would have been simply replaced. Thanks for watching!

@adolffpptv7094 10 ай бұрын

What Happens when you have 3 conductors which includes 1 blue and two black

@ZheKing 5 ай бұрын

Some of those ends are more than a whole new extension cord it seems

@AmplifyDIY 5 ай бұрын

It really depends. A high-quality end replacement may cost nearly the same as a super low-quality (and short) extension cord... I'd rather have the higher quality (i.e., can safely handle higher loads) solution. Thanks for watching!

@crazykittenvideos855 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed the video but UK plugs are much better than the US ones. The plugs cannot drop out of wall sockets or even get pulled out by the cable. The earth pin is longer and opens guards in front of the live and neutral ensuring no child can poke anything into it. If you haven’t visited the UK, the plugs are great but the weather isn’t! Love the channel 😃

@AmplifyDIY 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen several folks on KZfaq (@ElectroBoom comes to mind) who have done a fantastic job explaining why UK plugs really are far superior... and I agree. But you gotta play the hand you are dealt, right? Your umbrellas are likely far better than ours as well. ;-) Thanks for watching!

@Marlin101084 2 жыл бұрын

There are tamper-resistant (TR) outlets in the US that are required by code in most residential work now. I replaced about 30 outlets in my home with this design when my child started crawling. What you describe sounds similar, but these require both hot & neutral prongs to be inserted equally to have a set of shutters covering both openings slide past each other and allow the prong to enter. It prevents inserting an object into either of the slots individually (ground doesn't matter). (Poorly made ones from early designs made many people hate the idea, as the operation would bind and make it difficult to insert a plug. Newer ones are much better.) I'm curious how this compares to what you describe! Of course, this doesn't protect against cord becoming partially removed and objects contacting the expose prongs from the device plug. That is definitely a design advantage in favor of UK plugs.