How to Decide Which Plug to Use for an Appliance

Bad plugs are a major cause of appliance failure. You should replace any plug that is cracked or has loose prongs. Generally, you should replace one plug with the same type of plug. Here's what you should know about deciding which plug to use for an appliance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Unplug your appliance.

2. Look at which type of plug is being used for your appliance. In most cases, you should use the same kind of plug for that appliance.

3. Use a flat-cord plug, for any standard lamps and light-duty appliances. Use quick-connect plugs for extremely light-weight and light-duty appliances.

4. Buy a round-cord plug for standard and heavy-duty large appliances. Heavy-duty round-cord plugs may feature a prong configuration that is specific to that particular large appliance. These can be bought in generic form at your local appliance or electrical retailer.

5. Purchase twist-lock plugs for twist-lock outlets. These twist-lock plugs must match perfectly with their outlets. In these cases, you need to make sure you match your plugs with the outlet instead of with your appliance.

6. Use heater plugs for fryers and other appliances that heat objects. Heater plugs connect detachable cords with their appliances.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to replace a plug, cut off the old plug with electrical wires and cut off about an inch of wire insulation to feed the cord into the new plug.
• Never inspect a plug or a wall outlet without first unplugging it and perhaps turning off the circuitry to that part of your home.