Things You'll Need:
- Outlet Plugs
- Screwdriver Sets
- Wire Strippers
- Wire Strippers
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Step 1
Decide whether you need a two-pronged plug (ungrounded) or a three-pronged plug (grounded). Replacement plugs can be purchased at hardware stores, lumberyards and home-improvement centers. If you have doubts about the exact plug you need, cut the old one off and take it and a short portion of the cord with you.
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Step 2
Select a heavy-duty plug; it may cost a little extra, but the plug will last much longer.
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Step 3
Open up the outside cover of the replacement plug. (Most have a screw or two that hold them closed, or feature a snap-lock system that can be pried open with a thin-bladed screwdriver.)
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Step 4
Cut off the old plug, if you haven't done so already. With a wire stripper, strip each wire in the cord to which you're attaching the new plug with a wire stripper. About 1/2 to 3/4 inch of bare wire is all that's needed.
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Step 5
Attach one wire under the screws at the end of each plug prong. If it's a two-pronged plug, it doesn't matter which wire is hooked to which prong. The cord will work either way. If it's a three-wire grounded plug, you'll need to be sure that the ground wire (with green insulation) is attached to the ground prong, which is the round prong. The other two can be attached either way.
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Step 6
Put the cover back on and snap or screw it into place. Your cord is ready to be plugged in.
Comments
jingraham said
on 8/22/2009 *PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS ARTICLE* It is not correct! It does matter which wires connect to which prongs.
Frozo said
on 11/28/2008 Jeeez... How about: STEP ONE: MAKE SURE YOU CUT THE POWER TO THE SWITCH FROM THE CIRCUIT BREAKER/FUSE BOX!
Wow.
UNCC2353 said
on 3/10/2008 This is not correct on how to replace a plug. The white and black wires need to be attached to the right screws on the plug. The neutral side or white wire is a silver looking screw. The black or hot wire is a brass looking screw and of course the ground is green. If the cord is not wired this way it creates a reversed polarity. This will cause a GFI circuit not to work properly