Extension cords will not last forever and when you find one that gets cracked or has other damage, it is time to replace it. Here we are going to show you how to do just that. You will need a utility knife, wire cutter, wire strippers, and new plug.



1) Use some pliers and cut the old plug from the end of the cord. Make a clean straight cut to make the wires on the inside all the same length.


2) Take the outer covering of the wire and peel it back a maximum of two inches. Use a utility knife similar to one used to cut carpet. Do not cut into the insulation of the wires inside the cover of the cable.



3) If you have wire strippers, great, but if you do not use the utility knife again and cut the insulation from the three wires inside the extension cord that you have just exposed. Do not remove more than three quarters of an inch of insulation.



4) Twist the wires to prep them for the new plug. After twisting them you can make a knot with the black and white wires to keep the plug from pulling loose from the end of the cord. If your plug is a good one you will not need to do this. Disassemble the new plug you bought and connect the black wire to the brass colored terminal in the plug. Connect the white wire to the silver colored terminal and the ground goes to the last one. Make the connections tight with your screwdriver. Do not forget to slide the outer cover of the new plug down the cable before you start making connections with wires. Make sure your connections are secure and that no pieces of wires are hanging out where they should not be. Assemble the plug again.



5) The plug should have three or so screws that are used to assemble it. Tighten these with good force. Tighten the clamp that holds the extension cord to the plug with good force also, and you are done.



A safe extension cord is a way to avoid fire hazards in your home.