Electrical Repairs

Repairing an electrical plug can seem like an average home repair, but care must always be taken when working with electrical cords and electricity. Electrical cords or extension cords are very...

Basic household extension cords are made with wires that will support a standard 20 amp flow. Heavier extension cords for the shop or garage can be found that will support a 30 to 40 amp flow...

When your line is dead, noisy, or having some other issue, how can you decide if the problem is due to something inside (where you may have to have it fixed on your nickel), or outside (so the...

A number of things can cause an electrical device, such as a lamp, vacuum cleaner or small kitchen appliance, to stop working. Especially if it is a complex piece of equipment, like a computer or...

Wear and tear on electrical cords is nothing new to the homeowner. Whether it is a lamp cord that keeps getting tripped over or an appliance cord that is worn from moving around, following a few...

Sometimes after years of use, electrical plugs can wear down. They may not stay securely in a socket, or loose wires in the plug may cause your device to turn on and off erratically. Instead of...

There are a number of things to check if a Coleman Powermate Generator isn't working. Check the compression of the fuel lines running through the carburetor. The line itself is hidden, but a small...

If you pick up the telephone and get static, an intermittent connection or no dial tone, don't throw away your handset until you check your phone jack. Telephone jacks can stop functioning for a...

Outdoor extension cords are such a part of our everyday lives at home and work that we often forget they need a little care and sometimes repair. Whether you're running the vacuum to clean the car...

The male power plug is, for many electrical devices, the component that fails first, long before the appliance is no longer serviceable. The plug is the part of a lamp or appliance that often...

The reasons for wiring two outlets using one power source are numerous. Perhaps you need two outlets behind the TV, or maybe you need one where there isn't one available. For whatever reason, you...

When portable electronic devices stop working, the problem may be in the power supply rather than the device itself. These power supplies, often called "wall warts," can be tested and replaced if...

Lamp cords are always in the way. Whether they've been stepped on or have damaged by furniture, it's common for cords to need repair or replacement.

Telephone cable uses plugs on its ends to connect the telephone to the telephone jack. This cable is readily available in pre-measured lengths with the plugs already installed. For a custom...

Replacing the plug on a vacuum cleaner involves the same steps as replacing the plug on any 110 volt household appliance. In addition to reviewing that procedure we'll take a look at what causes...

Have some basic tools handy: a small flat-blade screwdriver, sewing-machine oil, a thin green fiber cleaning pad, and a test light. Confirm the problem is not just a burned out bulb. If you find...

For the most part, your home's outlets are reliable--and if used properly they can last for a very long time. But you will eventually notice that if you use one outlet more often than another--it...

Electrical plugs terminate electrical cords or wires, allowing them to be plugged into an electrical source, like a wall socket or extension cord. Broken or worn out electrical plugs are not...

Whether you would like to change one bad plug or your whole house out, changing a receptacle in your home can be simple if the proper steps are used.

Electric clothes dryers use a high-voltage 220-volt connection for power that requires a special plug. For safety in transport, the plug is not usually attached when you purchase a dryer. If...

Whether you're lighting up your Christmas tree or powering a saw, if you're not near a wall outlet you need an extension cord. Extension cords have three parts: a male plug that connects to your...

Most new clothes dryers come with the power plug already installed. Some electrical cords come with a three-wire male plug, some with a four-wire type. The three-wire plug carries 240 volts...

Extension cords are an essential tool around the house. You can use them both indoors and outdoors to extend power to a hard-to-reach spot, whether it's plugging in a lamp in the den or powering a...

The fuse installed in an electrical plug is a vital safety device. A filament inside the fuse is designed to melt and cut the circuit if the current gets too high. This prevents damage to the...

Portable generators are great for emergency situations where you need power quickly. They also help if the power goes out at home, and there is a need to keep one or two things running. And in...

We rely on electrical devices for consistent performance; however, that's not always what we get. Sometimes when plugging an apparatus into an electric socket there's a blue flash with a loud pop...

If you have an old electric plug that's cracked, discolored, or doesn't hold a plug well, it's time to replace it. Wiring a new electric wall plug is a basic piece of home electrical repair that...

Having a knowledge of basic home wiring can be a money saver. The ability to fix or install basic electrical components like wall switches or wall plugs will save you many expensive visits by...

This article will help you repair most electrical plugs. I just repaired the plug for my laptop and saved myself the expense of buying a new power supply.

Extension cords take alot of abuse. they often incur damage while being used around the house and yard. Crushed connectors and broken blades can not be only keep your cord from working, they can...

If you have a perfectly good electrical appliance, such as a lamp or sewing machine, but the plug has gotten frayed and worn, you can replace it yourself and safe yourself the cost of a repair...

You might see it on a shelf at a thrift store or come across it at a garage sale. The perfect lamp for your home but the electrical cord is either missing or frayed. The same problem can exist...

Buying pre-made telephone cables at a store may be fine for most applications, but if you need to wire many phones, or if you have long distances to cover with wire, it may be a good idea to make...

Learn how to use a plug tester in this free online DIY home improvement video on basic electrical work.

If you're looking for a standard extension cord for use at home, look no further than a flat cable. Quick-connect plugs stand out as the simplest ones to install. These plugs go well with cables...

Wiring a UK plug correctly is a snap, and you'll soon gain enough confidence to wire plugs as if you've been doing it all your life. Just a few simple steps is all it takes. Today, you will learn...

Electrical outlets and switches provide access for power to our homes and offices. We take for granted that when we flip on a switch, we'll have light. It's a different story, however, if nothing...

Are you tired of having to connect multiple extension cords when performing a job that requires electricity--and there is no outlet nearby? Not only can that get frustrating, but it can be...

Extension cords do not last forever. They get exposed to harsh elements while supplying electric to your holiday lighting. As a result of this damaging lifestyle, your extension cord may begin to...

When an electrical plug becomes worn or damaged, it poses a risk of fire. Instead of throwing the whole item away, you can simply replace the plug. Since there are several different types of...

Simple box and oscillating fans usually last a long time and are pretty much trouble free. The electrical cords that power them are exposed to much wear and damage, and usually wear out before the...

Worn and frayed electric plugs aren't just an aesthetic problem--they also can be a fire hazard. Look for damage to the cord or plug, a cord or plug that's too warm to the touch, and electricity...

Major appliances in the home are built to meet the criteria of Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. They are designed to prevent electrical shock when used as intended. All such appliances...

Working with electricity can pose risks. For that reason, you should always check the electric cord to your power tool before using it.

A plug with a cracked or broken housing, a missing insulating cover or loose, badly bent prongs may present a fire or shock hazard or both; unplug it immediately and replace it. You might also...

The most common problem with lamps is a faulty socket or switch within that socket. Loose or faulty wiring comes next. Use this eHow as a guide to help you figure out what might be wrong with your...

Instead of tossing out a lamp, appliance or extension cord with a damaged plug, follow these steps to replace the plug.