About this Project

Damaged or worn electrical plugs and cords pose the most common shock and fire hazards in the house. This article describes several common types of plugs and cords, and demonstrates how to replace them safely. Be sure that any plugs or cords that you replace are equivalent to the originals; ask your dealer if you are not sure which parts to select.

Different types of plugs

Round-cord plugs often accommodate fairly thick wire and are used for moderately heavy-duty appliances such as irons. Flat-cord and quick-connect plugs are suitable for lamps, radios, and other low-amperage devices. Newer lamp and extension cord plugs are polarized, with one blade wider than the other (see Grounding and Polarization, Related Projects).

Standard grounded plugs have a third, round prong for grounding; the two flat prongs are polarized.

Appliances that use 240 volts require heavy-duty three-pronged plugs of various configurations. The one shown here is for a 30-amp, 240-volt dryer. In general, if a 240 volt plug requires replacement, you should buy a plug with the cord already attached.

 

Different types of cords

For flexibility, cord wires are stranded, not solid. Zip cord, so called because the two wires can be easily zipped apart, is for light duty. Use cords with 16-gauge wire for appliances pulling 15 amps or less and 12-gauge wire for 20 amps or less. For 240-volt appliances, use wire that is 10-gauge or thicker.