How to Repair a Cut Extension Cord
Extension cords are useful pieces of equipment, especially for electrical tools like hedge trimmers, weed-eaters and leaf blowers. Extension cords do, however, go through a significant amount of wear and tear, especially when used outside in the elements. Accidents do happen, and every now and then an extension cord can be sliced or cut in two while performing lawn maintenance. Basic knowledge of wire connection is all that is required to properly repair a cut extension cord.
Strip the outer plastic coating of the wire binding off at a length of 1 inch, for both sections of wire to be reconnected. The extension cord will have either two or three wires inside the outer binding, normally coated with white, black and green plastic.
Bend the inner wires apart from one another. Use the wire stripper and select the appropriate size gauge hole to strip the wires. Strip the smaller wires' outer plastic coating at a length of 1 inch. Repeat for the other section of wire. There should now be exposed copper or metal wires for both sections to be connected.
- Extension cords are useful pieces of equipment, especially for electrical tools like hedge trimmers, weed-eaters and leaf blowers.
- Strip the outer plastic coating of the wire binding off at a length of 1 inch, for both sections of wire to be reconnected.
Twist the copper wires together using the color-coded plastic as a guide. Twist black to black, white to white, and green to green. Bend the twisted part of the wire back over the plastic coatings of the corresponding wires. This will help straighten the wires a bit.
Tape each individual inner wire with black electrical tape. Ensure that no copper or metal is exposed.
Apply electrical tape to the outer wire binding and wrap around thoroughly until the spliced wires are bundled together.
- Twist the copper wires together using the color-coded plastic as a guide.
Splice An Extension Cord
Extension cords are the workhorses of do-it-yourselfers everywhere. Occasionally you may need to splice and extension cord, either because of damage to one of the cords or the need for a longer line. Use a utility knife to cut through the cord cleanly and expose the inner wires. Strip off some insulation. You should see a black, white and possibly a green grounding wire. Cover all connections individually with black electrical tape. Next, cover the entire bundle of wires in tape. This splice will be safe for use in dry conditions.
- Extension cords are the workhorses of do-it-yourselfers everywhere.
- Occasionally you may need to splice and extension cord, either because of damage to one of the cords or the need for a longer line.
Tip
Ensure that wires are taped securely to ensure that wires will not become crossed.
Warning
Never try to fix an extension cord while plugged into a wall.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- Ensure that wires are taped securely to ensure that wires will not become crossed.
Warnings
- Never try to fix an extension cord while plugged into a wall.
