How to Repair a Cut Freezer Power Plug
A damaged or cut freezer power plug is capable of producing dangerous sparks that may cause a house fire. It is wise to conduct a periodic inspection of your freezer cord and plug since a cut may occur without your knowledge. If you find a cut on the power cord, or the cord is damaged in any way, you must replace it. Replacing the plug requires a few tools and basic electrical know-how.
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Turn off the electrical power to the freezer.
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Remove the damaged plug from the outlet. Inspect the power cord from the plug to the freezer for damage.
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Cut the plug off from the cord with wire cutters.
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Trim the power cord sheathing 1 inch from the lead end using a utility knife.
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Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each of the power cord wires using wire strippers.
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Twist the stripped end of the black wire clockwise by hand until a firm, helical pattern is formed into the wire. Do the same with the white wire.
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Bend a loop in the black wire by hand and place it around the brass terminal screw of the replacement plug. The open end of the loop must be facing to the right. Tighten the screw clockwise with the appropriate screwdriver.
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Bend a loop in the white wire and connect it to the silver terminal screw. Tighten the screw with a screwdriver.
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Slide the back of the plug forward and connect it to the plug end with the retaining screws. Tighten the screws clockwise using a screwdriver.
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Tighten the two wire clamp screws at the rear of the replacement plug with a screwdriver.
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Insert the new freezer power plug into the outlet until it is fully seated.
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Restore power to the outlet.
References
- Dan Vandevort's Home Tips: Replacing Electrical Cords and Plugs
- "New Fix-It-Yourself Manual"; Reader's Digest; 1996
Tips
- Take the old plug with you to the local hardware store or home center when purchasing a replacement.
Warnings
- Do not attempt to remove a faulty or damaged appliance cord without first turning off the power to the outlet.
Writer Bio
Max Stout began writing in 2000 and started focusing primarily on non-fiction articles in 2008. Now retired, Stout writes technical articles with a focus on home improvement and maintenance. Previously, he has worked in the vocational trades such as automotive, home construction, residential plumbing and electric, and industrial wire and cable. Max also earned a degree of biblical metaphysician from Trinity Seminars Ministry Academy.
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