Step-by-Step

Snip off the old plug. Remove the cardboard cover from the new plug, and slide the snipped-off end of the cord through. Strip off 3 inches of outer insulation and about 1/2 inch of wire insulation.

 

This special knot will ensure that tugging the cord won't loosen any electrical connections. Make the knot close to the end of the stripped outer insulation.

 

Twist the wire strands tight. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, shape clockwise hooks to wrap around the screw shafts.

 

Hook the wires on the screw shafts (attach the black wire to the brass-colored screw), and tighten. Tuck in stray strands.

 

Check to be sure all wires and strands are neatly inside the plug. Slip on the cardboard cover.

A 240-volt plug has a steel clamp that grips the cord, so you don't have to tie an Underwriters knot. Slide the plug onto the cord and strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the three wires. Twist the strands tight, and use needle-nose pliers to form hooks.

 

Attach the black and red wires to brass-colored terminals, and the green one to the silver-colored terminal. Tuck in any loose strands as you tighten the terminal screws. Tuck all the wires in place, tighten the cord clamp, and slip on the cardboard cover.

Wiring a grounded plug is very similar to wiring a nongrounded type. It is critical, however, that you attach the green wire to the grounding blade.

Some plugs have a clamp that grips the cord where it enters the base. For these plugs, it is not necessary to tie an underwriters knot. Simply slide the plug onto the cord and strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the three wires. Twist the strands tight, and use needle-nose pliers to form hooks.

Keep a few quick-connect plugs on hand and you'll never again be tempted to put off replacing a faulty or questionable plug. Installing one is only slightly more difficult and time-consuming than changing a lightbulb. Replacing a standard flat-cord plug is more like doing actual electrical work, but it takes only a little more time.