How to Repair an Appliance Cord
Sometimes the problem of appliance failure is simple, such as a failure due to the cord. Cords are usually simple to fix, but in some cases you may need a soldering iron, solder and flux. Breaks or cuts in the cord require electrical tape and wire strippers. Ensure the appliance is not connected to a feed of electricity or water before repairing.
Repairing the Point of Contact for the Cord
- Inspect the connection. If it appears that one of the points of contact or a wire is broken, you will need to solder it back together.
- Clean the contact point and end of the wire. You can use a swab with acetone, also known as nail polish remover.
- Preheat your soldering iron and apply a tiny amount of soldering flux to the point of contact on the machine and the end of the wire. When the iron is hot, have someone hold the wire to the point of contact on the machine. Place the tip your soldering wire on top and put the tip of the soldering gun on top of everything until the solder melts over the connection. Once cooled, pull on the wire to test the connection. If it does not hold, repeat the process.
Repairing a Break or Cut in the Cord
- Locate the point of the break or cut in the cord. Split the wires a few inches by cutting in the coating between them with a utility knife and pulling them apart. Strip away a half-inch of the wire coating near the broken or cut ends with wire strippers for the gauge of wire.
- Twist the bare ends of wire together firmly. You may solder the ends together if you prefer, but that is not necessary. Tape over the repaired section; there can be no bare wire. Tape both segmented wire sections back together again.
- If this repair does not work, you may need a replacement cord. Refer to your service manual regarding replacement parts.