 |
 |
 |
A/C & Cooling |
|
|
Air & Water Quality |
|
|
Appliances |
|
|
Basement, Attic & Loft |
|
|
Bathrooms |
|
|
Cabinets & Countertops |
|
|
Car, Garage & Shop |
|
|
Childproofing |
|
|
Closets & Storage |
|
|
Decorating & Furnishing |
|
|
Design, Plan, Build |
|
|
Doors |
|
|
Electrical & Lighting |
|
|
Floors & Stairs |
|
|
Green Home, Save Energy |
|
|
Heating & Fireplaces |
|
|
Home Tech |
|
|
Kitchens |
|
|
Landscape & Structures |
|
|
Lawn & Garden |
|
|
Paint & Painting |
|
|
Plumbing & Fixtures |
|
|
Pools, Spas & Saunas |
|
|
Real Estate & Finance |
|
|
Roof, Chimney & Gutters |
|
|
Safe & Secure Home |
|
|
Seasonal, Family & Fun |
|
|
Siding, Columns & Detail |
|
|
Walls & Ceilings |
|
|
Windows & Skylights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electrical Cords & Plugs |
Age and heavy usage can take their toll on appliance and lamp cords and plugs. Common victims are cords and plugs of appliances you use frequently--irons and blow dryers; ones you've had a long time, such as toasters, lamps, and refrigerators; and vintage models whose electrical systems are simply wearing out.
There are several types of electrical cords. You can usually identify the type by its insulation:
* Lamps and fixtures have molded plastic cords.
* Heaters typically have neoprene, or cotton or rayon braided cords.
* Power tools often have plastic cords.
* Vacuum cleaners generally have ribbed plastic cords.
If you buy a new cord for an appliance, be sure to get one that is the proper type for the appliance.
The three basic kinds of plugs are: self-connecting, terminal-screw, and three-prong. Lamps and small appliances mostly use self-connecting plugs. The prongs clamp onto the wires of the cord, making an automatic connection. These plugs do not meet National Electrical Code standards.
 With terminal-screw plugs, the wires attach to screws inside the cord body; this type of plug is usually found on older appliances. An older terminal- screw plug often has a removable insulating disk covering the terminals and wires. Newer plugs have rigid insulating barriers.
Three-prong plugs are used for larger appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and power tools, and include a prong that grounds the appliance. When planning where you are going to place a large appliance, be sure you have the appropriate kind of outlet available, or plan to install one.
Copyright. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|