"It's as easy as changing a plug", goes the saying. But recent studies have shown that fewer and fewer people actually know how to perform this particular task. It is something that can be easily memorised and completed in a few simple steps. And it could save you some serious electrical hassle...
It's the first thing they teach you in physics, yet is a skill that seems to be on the wane. But why the need to fiddle about with the inner workings of a plug in the first place? Well, if the pins or casing are damaged, it could pose a safety risk, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. It will also save you money, as a new plug will cost you 10 to 20 times less than it will to replace the entire appliance, i.e. a toaster or kettle.
Changing a plug should be a job of 10 minutes. The tools for this task are not too complicated - you'll need to arm yourself with a couple of small screwdrivers, a wire stripper, a knife and the new plug, of course, which can be bought from any DIY store.
The first thing you need to do is remove the old plug. Undo the screw in the centre of the underside of the plug. Remove the plug's top cover and then loosen the small screws holding the clamp across the wire. You should then loosen the brass screws holding the three wires into the pins and discard the broken plug.
It's time to connect the wires to the new plug. Modern electricity guidelines dictate that wires are colour-coded: brown is live, blue is neutral and green and yellow stripes represent earth. This will also be clearly marked on the new plug's plastic casing.
Now twist the flex wires together and push each one into the little hole present on the corresponding cylindrical terminal, checking that you are matching up the right colours at the same time. Screw the brass screws back in, ensuring that all wires are inside the holes and firmly held in place.
You may find that one or more of the wires are frayed. If this is the case, gently slice through the cord with your knife and strip away an appropriate amount of sheathing to create new wire connections. Cut the wires to the required length and remove around 12 mm of insulation from the end of each one with your wire strippers.
Finally, fit the cord into the new plug so that all the covered flex is tightly gripped. It is advisable at this point to double-check that the fuse is right for the appliance in question, and then screw the top of the plug back on. The very last thing to do now is check that the kettle or toaster is working, before sitting back and admiring your work.
Interestingly, in other countries, changing or wiring a plug is not considered a run-of-the-mill DIY activity, and foreigners look upon this very British habit with bemusement. In Australia, for example, it is seen as a job for a qualified electrician. Please remember that if you in any doubt at all, you should follow the same course of action, as electricity can be hazardous to the unsure and uninitiated.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3826992
It's the first thing they teach you in physics, yet is a skill that seems to be on the wane. But why the need to fiddle about with the inner workings of a plug in the first place? Well, if the pins or casing are damaged, it could pose a safety risk, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. It will also save you money, as a new plug will cost you 10 to 20 times less than it will to replace the entire appliance, i.e. a toaster or kettle.
Changing a plug should be a job of 10 minutes. The tools for this task are not too complicated - you'll need to arm yourself with a couple of small screwdrivers, a wire stripper, a knife and the new plug, of course, which can be bought from any DIY store.
The first thing you need to do is remove the old plug. Undo the screw in the centre of the underside of the plug. Remove the plug's top cover and then loosen the small screws holding the clamp across the wire. You should then loosen the brass screws holding the three wires into the pins and discard the broken plug.
It's time to connect the wires to the new plug. Modern electricity guidelines dictate that wires are colour-coded: brown is live, blue is neutral and green and yellow stripes represent earth. This will also be clearly marked on the new plug's plastic casing.
Now twist the flex wires together and push each one into the little hole present on the corresponding cylindrical terminal, checking that you are matching up the right colours at the same time. Screw the brass screws back in, ensuring that all wires are inside the holes and firmly held in place.
You may find that one or more of the wires are frayed. If this is the case, gently slice through the cord with your knife and strip away an appropriate amount of sheathing to create new wire connections. Cut the wires to the required length and remove around 12 mm of insulation from the end of each one with your wire strippers.
Finally, fit the cord into the new plug so that all the covered flex is tightly gripped. It is advisable at this point to double-check that the fuse is right for the appliance in question, and then screw the top of the plug back on. The very last thing to do now is check that the kettle or toaster is working, before sitting back and admiring your work.
Interestingly, in other countries, changing or wiring a plug is not considered a run-of-the-mill DIY activity, and foreigners look upon this very British habit with bemusement. In Australia, for example, it is seen as a job for a qualified electrician. Please remember that if you in any doubt at all, you should follow the same course of action, as electricity can be hazardous to the unsure and uninitiated.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3826992
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