How to Repair a Vacuum Cleaner Cord
 ';
|
I have a vacuum cleaner, the plug was acting up, it started to smoke and melted into the socket. Can this be fixed? © By: Dave Rongey |
Repair a Vacuum Cleaner Cord
Electrical Question: I have a vacuum cleaner, the plug was acting up, it started to smoke and melted into the socket. Can this be fixed?
Rick in Pennsylvania asks:
- I have a Kirby vacuum cleaner, the plug was acting up, only supplying electric to the vacuum when it was in a hand held, bent position.
- I used it the other day and the one metal part of the plug that goes into the receptacle started to smoke and melted into the socket.
- I cut off the end, of course after I unplugged it, I cut off the end about 4 inches from the plug and was going to just attach an new plug, do you think that would be safe or should I trash the machine.
- It’s a 2004 Kirby and it doesn’t have two different size ends, you can plug it in either way.
Thank you for your time.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Rick.
Repair a Damaged Cord on a Vacuum Cleaner
Application: Repair a Vacuum Cleaner Cord.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Outlet, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Outlet should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
How to Repair a Damaged Cord for a Vacuum Cleaner
A Damaged Vacuum Cleaner Cord
- Rick, from the information you have provided, No – don’t trash the vacuum cleaner, the cord can be repaired!
Why a Vacuum Cleaner Cord Goes Bad
- This is a very common problem that affects so many electrical devices, such as:
- kitchen appliances
- crock pot cord
- blow dryer cord
- drill cord
- saw cord
- computer power supply cord
- headphone cord
- Basically, anything that has a wire attached and the wire is moved around a lot, or the wire is bent at a sharp angle, the cord can get damaged and eventually the device will stop working.
- Commonly one of the wires breaks inside the cord insulation where the cord is bent or flexed back an forth a lot where it is plugged into the wall, or attached to the device. The repair job is relatively simple, as you have discovered.
Repairing the Vacuum Cleaner Cord
- It just sounds like a wire broke inside the insulation.
- Unplug the device.
- Cut out the bad section of cord wire.
- Rewire the plug or cord section.
- You have just fixed the problem. (atta-boy – way to go!).
So Rick, (and everyone else) – Keep the equipment or appliance (In this case, Rick’s Kirby!
NOTE: Yes – if the old unit is really old (and fried), then you may want to upgrade to a new model!
More about Electrical Repairs and Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
How to Install Bedroom Electrical Wiring
Bedroom Electrical Wiring Requirements
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bedroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
Home Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Articles covering several topics of Home Electrical Safety and Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety.
And a new approach to keep kids and electricity apart with hopes to prevent children from being injured by electricity.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
More articles about Electrical Repair, Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
Can I Wire my Dryer to my Range Outlet? |
Home Generator and Transfer Switch Connection Video |
