How to Install a 3-Prong Electrical Plug

Fix your three-point plug rather than buying a replacement.

Replacing a cord's plug is an easy fix, and it can save you from having to buy a new extension cord, lamp or appliance. Three-prong plugs include the same two straight blades that regular light-duty plugs have, plus a rounded blade that fits the round-ish hole in three-slot electrical outlets. The rounded blade is the ground, and it helps protect against shock and other hazards in the event of a ground fault or short in the circuit. If the cord you're working with has a ground wire (typically with green plastic insulation), you must use a three-prong plug for the replacement. Plugs are available in any home center or well-stocked hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Wire stripper
• Utility knife
• Three-prong (grounded) plug

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Instructions

1. Remove the old plug (if it's easy to do so) using a screwdriver. Otherwise, you can simply cut through the cord at the base of the plug. Cut off any damaged portion of the cord, using wire strippers/cutters.

2. Disassemble the new plug and/or loosen any cord-retaining screws. Feed the cord end through the back of the new plug's cover and body.

3. Cut back a few inches of the outer insulation on the cord end, using a utility knife to score the insulation, then the wire strippers to cut off the waste. Strip 1/2 to 3/4 inch of insulation from each of the three cord wires, using the wire strippers.

4. Connect each wire to the appropriate screw terminal or clamp on the plug body. Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass terminal; the white (neutral) wire to the silver terminal; and the green (ground) wire to the green or ground terminal. Tighten the screws or clamps securely, using a screwdriver.

5. Fit and secure the plug cover over the plug body. The outer cord insulation should extend up to or into the plug body. If the plug includes a clamping device for the cord, clamp the cord securely without crushing the cord by over-tightening. Test the cord in a grounded (three-slot) electrical outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the new plug carries the same voltage and amperage (amp) ratings as the cord or old plug. It should also be approximately the same size as the original plug.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Home Wiring"; Creative Publishing International; 2001