Safety First For The Handyman
Topics: electrical home repair, electric general repair, electric repair tool, electrician
A mistreated connecting cord is often the cause of an appliance’s breakdown. See that wires are well-insulated and don’t abuse them
When a plug is removed from its outlet, a knot often forms in the cord because of the curl in the wire. Open it before reinserting the plug. If knotted cord is yanked, it can sever the wire within the cord.
Some floor lamps provide no protection for the wire at point of emergence. Moving the lamp just a few times when cleaning the room will cause a short circuit. A layer of tape is an effective preventive measure.
Don’t let a cord get pinched in a section of a dropleaf table,- if the wire is crushed, remove wall plug before touching it because strands sticking through insulation might well be “hot.” Reinforce damaged section with layer of tape of nearest matching color. For white cord, white adhesive tape from the family medicine chest is ideal. Colored “Scotch” tape is also OK.
Many attachment plugs are made very cheaply of fragile compositions known in the trade as “molded mud.” !t is little wonder that they break up when stepped on or burn up when subjected to heavy current overloads. When buying replacement plugs, look for smooth, well-formed bodies, securely fastened prongs, terminal screws with broad heads, and fiber protection washers to fit over prongs and terminals, for your protection.
Never attempt to salvage a damaged plug by fastening the pieces together with tape or string. If the connecting cord is still in good condition, cut it off close to the plug, and discard the pieces of the latter. Use diagonal cutters, or heavier “electrician’s pliers.” Examine wire carefully and trim off any sections near the end that show signs of crushing or bruising; these can be dangerous when you use the plug in the future.
In preparing old cord for new attachment plug, first separate the ends a distance of about an inch and a half. Some cords require a sharp knife for this job; others in common use can be “zipped” apart without tools. Be especially careful not to damage insulation covering on each one of the individual wires.
Using the sharp edge of knife, pare off insulation on each end of wire a distance of about a half inch.
The next step in attaching a new plug is to twist together the loose strands at end of wires.
With back edge of knife, scrape end of wires clean and bright. Don’t touch with fingers after this.
Apply thin coat of solder to each wire. This stiffens wires and makes them easier to fasten under the plug.
Immediately after soldering the loose end strands of the wire, poke the cord through the attachment plug. Try to use one with a long neck or handle, which is very convenient for removing purposes.
Starting from the pared ends of the wires, apply a layer of strong electrical tape back along the cord a distance equal to the length of the plug plus about a half inch. This tape will reinforce the insulation.
The wires are much easier to connect under the terminal screws of the attachment plug if they are first formed into U-shaped loops. Use long-nosed pliers to close the loops under screws and tighten.
When securing the wires under the terminal screws, make certain that no loose strands stick out. These are often the cause of overheating at the plug or of blown-out fuses. If appliance is of portable type and plug is inserted and removed frequently, make periodic examination of terminals and tighten again if necessary.
An old unused lamp may be restored to service by following simple directions in replacing the cord. Often., that’s all there is wrong with lamp.
Take some extra care with electrical cords and your appliances will give longer service.
Announcing: How To Fix Minor Electrical Repairs And Save Hundreds Of Dollars On Bills
Click here for FREE online Ebook
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Choosing The Appropriate Birthday Invitation Wording: What Is Enough And What Is Too Much (1)
Let's face it; some people (or most people) are not comfortable talking about their age or even revealing it to others. If the celebrant is beyond 18 years of age, the standard rule is not to mention his or her age on the invitation.
Home Based Businesses For Moms (2)
Taking Surveys. Tons of survey companies exist on the Internet. Some of them claim you can make hundreds of dollars, though that is unlikely. The average survey on the Internet will pay somewhere between a dollar and $20.
Making Your Very Own Hats (3)
Blocking Veils And Whimseys Method For Veiling Lap and join veiling ends, one over the other, and sew with a fine running stitch. Then gather around one side of veiling, pull thread tight and fasten thread.
How To Entice Visitors To Your Site (4)
Coupons provide you with a competitive edge. If you understand the psychological benefits that saving money with a coupon and your competition doesn't, you have an edge. 4.
Make A Fortune With Other People's Products (5)
Then you may find yourself getting wealthy online over a reasonable period of time, say one to three years! The key is: don't quit and dream big! Don Alexander is owner of leading-online-business.com and writes on a variety of subjects.
Equestrian Self-discipline: Discover The 5 Secrets Of Enduring Motivation (6)
See the big picture. Remember that this task is only one part of a larger puzzle. It's hard to get inspired about cleaning tack, until you envision yourself accepting the winner's trophy sitting on this very same shining, immaculate saddle.
How To Have More Fun Investing (7)
Just do what works for you and keeps you interested while following time tested fundamentals. Happy investing. Scott Johns conducts research and analysis of stock market picks and trends.
First Time Home Buyer Mistakes (8)
Considering that a home is one of the most significant purchases of your life it is important to work with a realtor who can help you plan appropriately to make sure that your buying experience is the best possible.
Earn Money Online Today (9)
If you have ever been suckered by an online company you know exactly what I'm talking about. The key to making money online is to become educated on how to market online.
Blog Traffic Methods (10)
All the methods that work with a website will also work with a blog. Those methods would include pay per click advertising, article marketing, PR releases, paid advertising, and search engine optimization.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Yes, You Can Have It All (1)
DeMille, however, I would insist on not having my camera close-up that day. Many people think of advertising as a 'glamorous' business and while I was on Madison Avenue, it was glamorous.
Want To Know More About Alligators (2)
The Chinese alligators have a light pattern skin, alligators which live in algae growing water are greenish black and in high tannic acid water which is released from hanging trees have a darker skin.
Professional Bowling Around The World (3)
This is the common reference that Canadian use for the sport that Americans call bowling. The same ten-pen concept applies but in some countries people play professionally with pins that look small and squatty.
Obtaining Personal Insurance For Automobiles (4)
Further discounts accrue with other personal insurance policies that are obtained through the same carrier such as a life insurance policy or the policies they carry for rental property. Insurance companies want to keep customers coming back year after year and they will do what they can to guide families into making the right choices for all personal insurance needs.
Ad Agencies: Separating The Divas From The Pros (5)
Design firms need to think more like consultants and less like Wal-mart: "Attention All Customers: brochures can be found in isle 3, Websites found in isle 8... " A designer should always consider the client and the business goal the project is meant to achieve.
Debt: It All Adds Up In The End (6)
These lists do not have to be accounting marvels; they simply need to identify the purchases that are made each day. An easy way to keep track of daily expenses is to buy a small notebook, the kind that will easily fit into a pocket or purse, and when a purchase is made it is logged into the notebook.
Conquer Your Learning Disability To Be Successful At Work (7)
Things that normal adults take for granted have to be carefully thought through. Getting emotionally involved with another person and starting a relationship could be deadly for a learning-disabled person who is not able to cope with the uncertainties of emotions.
It's All About The Money, Isn't It (8)
The most valuable education I have ever received had been through the jobs I acquired early in my career receiving the guidance of some of the most talented Art Directors in New York.
How To Become A Home Health Care Nurse (9)
Topics: home health care nurse, visiting nurse, nursing, types of nursing, alternative nursing Home Health Care Basics Home health care nursing is a growing industry, with a large number of patients and their families opting for home-based health care.
Secrets To Being Successful Online (10)
8. Affiliates - how by leveraging off others you can generate more income than you ever can alone. A good training program will show you how to implement an affiliate program into your online business.