How to Wire a Hot Plate

A hot plate is a small appliance that has an electric heat element, and is used for cooking. The element is a spiral-shaped coil usually controlled by a rheostat, much like an ordinary electric kitchen stove. Some hot plates are manufactured with two elements and are often used as food warmers when large meals are prepared. After repeated use, the cord may become frayed or otherwise damaged. Replacing the cord on a hot plate is a wiring job you can do with a screwdriver in 30 minutes or less.

Step 1

Unplug the hot plate from the electric outlet.

Step 2

Locate the screws which secure the outer body of the hot plate to its framework. Also check for screws on the bottom feet of the hot plate.

Step 3

Remove the screws with the appropriate screwdriver and set them aside.

Step 4

Lift the outer body of the hot plate from its frame.

Step 5

Locate the electric hot plate terminal bus by following the power cord wires.

Step 6

Remove the wire stress clamp screw with a screwdriver. The wire clamp is located just below the terminal bus. Remove the clamp from the old cord by prying it open with your fingers.

Step 7

Disconnect the three power cord wires from the terminal bus. Turn each terminal screw in a counterclockwise direction with a screwdriver until it is loose enough to remove the wires.

Step 8

Connect the black wire of the new cord to the L1 terminal of the bus. Tighten the L1 terminal screw by turning it clockwise.

Step 9

Connect the white wire to the N terminal of the bus. Tighten the N terminal screw.

Step 10

Connect the green ground wire to the G terminal of the bus. Tighten the ground terminal screw.

Step 11

Place the stress clamp onto the new cord and squeeze it together with your fingers.

Step 12

Secure the stress clamp with the screw in the same location it was removed from. Tighten the clamp screw with a screwdriver.

Step 13

Check all the connections once more for security.

Step 14

Place the body of the hot plate back in position onto its frame.

Step 15

Line up the screw holes of the body and the frame. Install each of the screws and tighten clockwise with a screwdriver.