How to Replace a Plug

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

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Outlet Plugs
• Screwdriver Sets
• Wire Strippers

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.

2. Select a heavy-duty plug; it may cost a little extra, but the plug will last much longer.

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.)

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.

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.

6. Put the cover back on and snap or screw it into place. Your cord is ready to be plugged in.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that no bare wires are touching anything other than the attachment they're supposed to be touching.