How to Repair An Extension Cord - Replace The Plug!

[@len9518]

As elementary as this is, your video, explains and shows it best.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thank you very much, Len!

[@PatrickBain-l5g]

​@@AmplifyDIY12:58

[@midnight121190]

I love that you’re wearing an essential craftsman shirt!!

[@andiharp9275]

I really like how simple his explanations were, n how he accompanied them with great close-ups as he went through the steps - so, really great timing... 👍 It was also nice that he didn't do a rush job. Also, he didn't "talk down" to his viewers, as if they were total idiots. He was very respectful in this. I have replaced plug ends, n helped my son with his endeavors of replacing a couple in the recent past. Sadly, one end got hot n melted on one of them. So, because I wasn't real familiar with the style he used, I searched n came across this video - after checking out another one that was not very helpful. This video helped to figure out where he went awry. 😆 I don't know how I could have missed it when my son replaced the plug. 😢 Niw off to replace it again, with confidence. 😉 Thank you for a well done video. ✌️

[@AmplifyDIY]

You've made my day, Andi! Thank you!

[@hughw2427]

This is a very thoughtfully made video. He explains and demonstrates everything so well and up close. I've never repaired an extension cord but after watching this, I think I could do it with no problems. Excellent video!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Wow, thank you, Hugh!

[@dougc78]

Simple, straightforward, informative & clearly delivered! Thanks for sharing.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it, Doug!

[@HiteshDesaIAUM]

You have given us perfect information for joining cables in different plug. I appreciated.

[@gspam1781]

Best tutorial on KZbin. Well done!

[@steveweber7902]

great video I never usually touch electric projects but I tried this time. I changed a pug on a extension cord and followed your instructions and everything went well. my extension cord is working again. thanks for the excellent instructions.

[@AmplifyDIY]

I'm so glad it helped, Steve. Nice job!

[@steveweber7902]

@@AmplifyDIY thanks. I usually don't fool around with electric but I gave it a shot & it worked out. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY. 🎄

[@d.mar.2624]

Thanks for posting. I seen this video yesterday and I did the replacement just a few minutes ago. I was about to throw away a 150ft extension cord because the ground prong snapped off. I seen this video and was able to save it for cheaper than buying a new extension cord.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Great job!

[@alisonwilliams9465]

Saved myself some money, replacing my vacuum cord myself, thanks to your excellent instructions.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Awesome, Alison!

[@nothankyou5524]

No disrespect to anyone, but anyone learning should see this one. I may have already said that here, the last time it popped up. Subscribed and gonna watch again. Best wishes.

[@canstaff]

You just got a new subscriber to your channel! You have amazing Videos and so educational even to an average knowledgeable homeowner as myself. Keep up the good work!

[@pedromiguel3227]

Good show. Thanks for the education. You’re a good coach.

[@AmplifyDIY]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@bigmamag7165]

Thank you for this very detail video.

[@tootsiefirst]

Excellent job and instructions!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thank you!

[@jjjacer]

@4:35, i wish me local stores had that type for 2 prong, only ones i could find used friction and pressure from the cable to the prongs via the casing, fine i guess for a lamp cord, but not something i would like in a high traffic area.

[@larryv4249]

Your tone, tenor, and cadence are perfect for this sort of video. I am wondering if UL or ETL listing for these cord ends are important, or even required. Looking forward to your next video.

[@MySugarCookiesCo]

Thanks for sharing. This video is really helpful!

[@marymcclanahan1757]

I think your presentation was perfect! Thanks!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Glad you think so, Mary!

[@thomascollier24]

I'm replacing the plugs of my 12 gauge extension cord and my floor blower/utility fan. What's the difference between te R50-3W101-00E and R70-515PR-00R replacement plugs from Home Depot

[@AmplifyDIY]

They are both rated for 15 Amps @125V, but they have different shapes/molding. So, as far as electrical ratings go, they are more or less the same - but their form factor is different. All other things being equal, I would choose which ever one you prefer / has the more attractive price. Good luck!

[@thomascollier24]

​@@AmplifyDIY I purchase both replacement plugs and found out a few things: The Model R50-3W101-00E is perfect for 14 and 16 gauge cords, but it can be tricky to secure it on 12 gauge cords because of the smaller opening. These plugs work well for regular household needs and are especially good for indoor use. On the other hand, the Model R70-515PR-00R is excellent for 10 and 12 gauge cords and is designed for outdoor applications. It has a rubber coating on the outside and an internal rubber washer for extra protection.

[@AmplifyDIY]

@@thomascollier24 Excellent information - thank you very much for the follow-up!

[@missmiller7829]

Those two downvote were done by accident because this video is Grade A+

[@KathrynFritze]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks

[@lynnepear]

Nicely done!

[@ob5006]

Thank you so much with your instructions I fixed the extension cord.... By myself

[@AmplifyDIY]

Great job!

[@pedrorojas6934]

Thanks for sharing this Excellent video with good Explanation I learn so much!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thanks, Pedro! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@freddie4126]

Outstanding instructional video!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thank you!

[@heyitsrick5701]

Great job on this video. Tks!

[@pisces8160]

Very well presented! You're an excellent teacher!!!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thank you! 😃

[@kristinetarantino3458]

Very well explained 😊

[@AmplifyDIY]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@johnupchurch7685]

Very good video!

[@jonf7659]

These videos are great--thanks! What if I have the opposite problem--cord damage close to the appliance? I guess I could always open it up and see if there are similar terminals to secure the wires to....

[@AmplifyDIY]

Yeah, if you have damage close to the appliance, I'd disassemble the appliance and see how the power cord is connected inside. It's likely you'll be able to simply cut the cord just past the damaged area, remove the short part that is connected tot he appliance with the damage, and re-connect the cord however it was previously attached. I've done this with a skill saw, and it still works great today. Thanks for watching!

[@jonf7659]

@@AmplifyDIY Sounds good; I'll give that a shot. Thanks again!

[@Jan-kw7cz]

Thanks so much for making a scary DIY entirely reasonable.

[@artriumph]

Great video. I have heavy duty extension cord that needs a new male end. The wire that goes to the ground is actually pink not green. Is that unusual? Thank you.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Manufacturers use all kinds of colors internally. Just make sure it really is going where you expect, and ignore the colors. Good luck!

[@mogarvey3007]

Thank you very much I've learned alot

[@AmplifyDIY]

You are so welcome

[@cynical1877]

Thank you sir.

[@dfudge007ca]

Thanks for this video. The one question I didn't get answered it around amps. I have an extension cord that is rated at 13 amps. Is it safe to replace the male end with a 15 amp plug? I ask because I can't find a 13 amp replacement plug. Thanks in advance!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Yes, I think you'll be fine using a 15A end on a 13A cord. Just remember that the cord is the limiting factor on any load you attach. Good luck!

[@echt114]

Will this completely solve the issue with connectors that are getting too hot? I notice some of the 15 amp connectors are bigger than others, do you need the big ones or will the smaller ones do just as well?

[@AmplifyDIY]

As long as it is rated for the load, it should be fine. if something is getting too hot, then consider upgrading to a higher-amperage circuit and use an extension cord rated for a higher load.

[@echt114]

@@AmplifyDIY Thanks for the reply. I've had extension cords that ARE rated for the load (1500 watts, continuous use) that do just fine at that level and stay cold, but another cord with same specifications will get hot at the connector. I've been told that it's all about how the plastic is molded onto it and that it's somehow leaking or meeting resistance. Theoretically, it seems these new connectors would solve it, but I didn't know about the plastic inside them and whether it mattered how big it was etc.

[@jamesD104]

Very well done, thank you.

[@Marlin101084]

While I do like the method of cord storage, I only usednit a few times before being annoyednby it. It's cumbersome for something that isn't being pulled out frequently, or for any cord 50+ ft in length. I have subscribed to the method I learned to coil audio cables in a Tech Theater class in high school 20 years ago. One normal loop, then underhand twist with the next loop. Alternate with each loop. You can take the finished coiled cord, toss the whole thing out or pull just part of it, no twists in the cord. I do this with every type of cord over 15-20 feet now, maybe even shorter if I'm making a small diameter coil like with ethernet cables. I wish I had an example vid to link. There is another great method for really long cables that are used frequently, modeled after how parachutes lines are bundled after a jump. Ends up looking like a figure-8, and is very quick and more compact than the method shown here, also.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi Marlin - I use the method of one normal, one underhand when I store things like larger garden hoses, air hoses, etc. Since I rarely pull out an extension cord like this, I like the method I showed so I can just throw them in a pile into a storage tub, or hang them all from a hook in the garage and nothing ever tangles up. Thanks for watching, and for the tips!

[@Marlin101084]

@@AmplifyDIY I would agree, throwing multiple cords in a bin like this can be useful. Coils can prevent other cords from occupying the central space, and this method should avoid most tangles even with a hasty toss and being stuffed into a bin. It is definitely worlds better than many ways we see, like wrapping around the hand and elbow! I normally don't store too much together that way, but when I have a handful of smaller diameter cables together in my work bag, the coils make them easier to dofferentiate.

[@jim7smith]

Well done!

[@MarkChristopherpens]

Good b'y. Just finished watching the Canada USA World Jr semi final. How u guys doing? Still b coming home tomorrow?

[@joshuasmith1215]

I always feel like when I tighten the clamshell style onto the cord I'm cutting through it. Makes me nervous. You don't do any special tricks when looping stranded wire around a screw?

[@AmplifyDIY]

No special tricks other than make sure to loop it in the direction the screw will tighten (clockwise). I've never had a clamshell cut through the insulation. Thanks for watching!

[@retire-man]

Well done

[@leohorishny9561]

I appreciate your instruction, but when you replaced the 3 prong male end plug, you inserted the ground and neutral wires in the left side of the plate, but the hot wire you inserted it in the right side; after your pointing out in the prior plug it is important to place the wire so that it's partly secured with rotation of the screw, I expected to see that followed with the other plug attachment screws.🤔

[@AmplifyDIY]

Ah, you must be referring to around the 11:15 mark of the video, right? Notice that those connectors are actually a clamping style: the conductor does not wrap around (or even really touch) the barrel of the screw; rather, there is a plate that the screw clamps down on the wire to sandwich the conductor between it and a backing plate. On this style, it does not matter which side of the screw the conductor enters the clamping plate. Good eye for detail, and thanks for watching!

[@middlecrossranch3977]

Are there any extension cord ends that are look good after they’re on your cord, like the factory ones?

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi Midle Cross - there are some that are less bulky. In my area both Home Depot and Lowes have some. Here is one on Amazon as well (affiliate link): amzn.to/3xm82cf

[@lasskinn474]

The plugs on the shelf are marked up like 4x plus from asia it seems(even compared to similar store in asia. And yea usa style plugs too)

[@AmplifyDIY]

Some plugs here are quite expensive. Cheap ones are just a few bucks though... but yeah, local economies, different currencies, etc... stuff is usually more expensive here than in Asia.

[@lasskinn474]

@@AmplifyDIY the few bucks is the 4x. Depends how many you buy here or where from though. The electronics shop near me in thailand has them yellow plus rubber ones in dozens under a buck. Crusty hard plastic two pins 30 cents or so. Same shop has arduino and esp stuff on the shelf too along with ac control boards and a components desk etc. It's pretty sweet.

[@dm1445]

So is that safe to do to a surge protector plug?

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi DM - yes, it's fine. Thanks for watching!

[@luckylaura4821]

why didnt you do the black 3 prong - it is VERY difficult to get all the wires (since there are 3) arranged so the "closing" screw engages. That's what I wanted to see.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi Laura - apologies that I did not show the specific situation you are facing. I hope you were able to get your cord repaired.

[@misterlift2637]

Can you replace a plug end that is rated for 10 amps with a 15 amp plug end?

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi Mister Lift - yes, you can replace a plug that is rated for more amps. Just don't replace it with one that is rated for less. Great question!

[@misterlift2637]

@@AmplifyDIY thank you!

[@RobertSilva-n5w]

I find when daisy chain stitching cords , they're always kinky when in use .

[@AmplifyDIY]

Mine do that a little in cold weather, but not in the summer. Depends on the temperature as well as the type of material used in the cord construction. Thanks for watching!

[@robertjoseph1592]

A square head (Robertson) or ECX screwdriver works better on these types of screws. Most 11 in 1 screwdrivers will have one or both of those tips and can be had for around $10.

[@AmplifyDIY]

Great tip - thank you!

[@rogeramadon4064]

Great video - You would make a good teacher! What if you have a 3 wire (flat) extension cord, but they have no colored wires wrapping them and they are all the same?

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi Roger - are there any colors wrapping the individual wires *inside* the insulation? If you strip off the outer jacket of insulation, do you find any colors at all? If not, sounds like you need to perform a "continuity test" with the cord, to determine exactly which of the 3 conductors connects to which of the 3 prongs of the cord - i.e., which is hot, neutral, and ground. If you have a simple multi-tester, you can easily perform a continuity test. I don't have a video on exactly how to do this, but I'm sure there are tons. Just search for "how to perform a continuity test" for instructions. Good luck!

[@rogeramadon4064]

@@AmplifyDIY No - the 3 wires on the extension cord that I was replacing the male end plug had NO colors wrapping the individual wires. I did perform a continuity test, and STILL got the 3 wires mixed up. Thank God I have a good tester that I can plug into it which informed me I had the "hot" and "neutral" wires reversed. I switched them over and good to go - Up and running again. Thanks again for you informative video and guidance!

[@williamthomas8135]

@@AmplifyDIY I do not see any inner colored sheathing. Does that mean polarity doesn't matter for this florescent light?

[@Lenbo1977]

awesome presentation...but i could help to realize that on the second repair u cut off a damage female end then put a male end in its place....lol

[@AmplifyDIY]

Heh. The risks of cutting a bunch of different takes together in a video. :-) When I was finished, I had a correctly assembled cord with *both* ends replace, one female, one male... but while producing the video, I did cut off both ends and install new replacements multiple times to get the right takes / usable video. Thanks for watching!

[@johnrkd7960]

I have a cord that has 2 grey wires 1 black - never seen this please help

[@AmplifyDIY]

Hi John - the black is probably ground, the 2 grey are probably the hot and neutral for the A/C... but it's really anyone's guess which is actually which with non-standard wiring colors like that. You really should do a continuity test between the poles of the good end of your cord and each conductor to determine exactly which conductor matches up with which part of the plug. You'll need at least a cheap little multimeter to do a continuity test. Good luck!

[@johnrkd7960]

@@AmplifyDIY thanks

[@cjgrills]

is there any danger of purchasing a female end that will not fit in your tool?

[@AmplifyDIY]

I'm not sure I understand your question....

[@LUISDURAN-ny6ot]

👍 👌

[@mikebennett9270]

Go Blues!

[@AmplifyDIY]

Honk. HONK. **HONK!!!!**

[@missmiller7829]

Holy sh*t.... did you see those prices!!!?

[@AmplifyDIY]

For a long time, it was cheaper to just replace stuff... but with the way the world has turned upside down over the last few years, it makes a LOT more sense to repair a lot of things that formerly would have been simply replaced. Thanks for watching!

[@crazykittenvideos855]

I enjoyed the video but UK plugs are much better than the US ones. The plugs cannot drop out of wall sockets or even get pulled out by the cable. The earth pin is longer and opens guards in front of the live and neutral ensuring no child can poke anything into it. If you haven’t visited the UK, the plugs are great but the weather isn’t! Love the channel 😃

[@AmplifyDIY]

I've seen several folks on KZbin (@ElectroBoom comes to mind) who have done a fantastic job explaining why UK plugs really are far superior... and I agree. But you gotta play the hand you are dealt, right? Your umbrellas are likely far better than ours as well. ;-) Thanks for watching!

[@Marlin101084]

There are tamper-resistant (TR) outlets in the US that are required by code in most residential work now. I replaced about 30 outlets in my home with this design when my child started crawling. What you describe sounds similar, but these require both hot & neutral prongs to be inserted equally to have a set of shutters covering both openings slide past each other and allow the prong to enter. It prevents inserting an object into either of the slots individually (ground doesn't matter). (Poorly made ones from early designs made many people hate the idea, as the operation would bind and make it difficult to insert a plug. Newer ones are much better.) I'm curious how this compares to what you describe! Of course, this doesn't protect against cord becoming partially removed and objects contacting the expose prongs from the device plug. That is definitely a design advantage in favor of UK plugs.

[@ZheKing]

Some of those ends are more than a whole new extension cord it seems

[@AmplifyDIY]

It really depends. A high-quality end replacement may cost nearly the same as a super low-quality (and short) extension cord... I'd rather have the higher quality (i.e., can safely handle higher loads) solution. Thanks for watching!

[@adolffpptv7094]

What Happens when you have 3 conductors which includes 1 blue and two black

[@bettinashope9637]

❤❤❤❤

[@Umansky2]

👍

[@PatrickBain-l5g]

😮

[@yvonne7577]

p͎r͎o͎m͎o͎s͎m͎ 😴

[@TECkitdeep]

iron not steel

[@ronjones6860]

CRAPOLA....MINE WERE JUNK !

[@superspecialty5169]

I’m beginning to see your pattern of KZbin fluffing!

[@AmplifyDIY]

What the heck is KZbin fluffing?

[@CindySalazar-oy9gb]

THANK YOU SO MUCH