March 16th, 2010 Home Electrical Newsletter and Tips
Hello !
Welcome if you are a new subscriber. If you like this newsletter, feel free to forward it to as many of your friends as you wish.
IMPORTANT CORD QUESTIONS
Are You Using the Right Cord, and is it Wired Right?
Applications: 120 Volt Devices that use a Hot, Neutral and a Ground Wire.
The 1st Question – which wire goes where?
You have a cord that is all one color – So how do you connect the wires?
This is a typical problem especially when you are installing a cord for a dishwasher or garbage disposal. The cords I get to wire these appliances are usually 4 or 6 feet long and they are colored gray. I know that the center wire is the ground wire because it has its own green insulated wire in the flat 3 wire set, but how do you know what to do with the other two outside wires, the wires on the left and the right?
Well here’s the answer: You will notice that one wire has ridges or lines molded into the outside of the wire and the other is smooth with no ridges. The wire with the smooth side is to be connected to the hot or typically the black wire, in other words this is the power wire. The side of the cord with the lines or ridges is for the neutral or white wire. One way to verify this is to compare how the cord plugs into the outlet. Facing the front of the outlet and with the ground prong at the bottom you will notice that the neutral side of the outlet has a larger blade on the left side and the hot side of the outlet has a smaller blade. Without plugging in the cord, you will notice that when the cord is in position with the outlet that the lines or ridges of the cord are in fact on the neutral side of the outlet and the smooth side of the cord will connect with the hot side of the outlet.
The 2nd Question – Cord Size:
Are you using the Right Size Cord?
I received a very good question: “I just replaced a cord for a heating device, now when I unplug the device I notice that the cord is really hot and the plug is starting to melt buy where the prongs plug into the outlet – Why is this happening?
Answer: The cord that was selected for the heating device is sized too small and the cord is overloaded which causes the cord to get hot and melt at the plug. This is dangerous!
Solution: Find the information label or the manufacturers specifications of the heating device and see what the specified electrical load in watts or amperage is. Then purchase a cord that has the correct size wires and the correct insulation material that is safe for the device load requirement.
Some Appliances Require Specific Cords.
If you have a microwave oven and the cord is too short the solution s to get a short extension cord, but not just any cord will do. While at the hardware store you will notice cords specifically designed for microwave ovens, These cords are shorter and are made of heavier gauge wire specifically for microwave ovens and while microwave ovens come in a few different sizes the extension cords will state what their limitations are so you can make the right choice for your specific microwave oven as indicated by the information label found on the device. Never be tempted to purchase a less expensive cord or a two-wire cord without a ground because using the wrong cord will cause a hazardous safety condition that can lead to a fire.
The 3rd Question – Why can’t I use an Extension Cord:
Question: My device states that I cannot use an extension cord – Why Not?
Some Appliances Do Not Allow Extension Cords.
This is true for most electrical space heaters and room air conditioners. The reason why is because of the danger that is involved. From appearance cords all look alike, but they are not. If using the wrong length, size or type of cord for any application can present a hazardous safety condition which could cause injury and a house fire. So when a device states that an extension cord is not allowed it is because of the specific electrical load that the device requires is such that will present a hazardous condition if an extension cord is used. So don’t take a chance, follow the guidelines which are backed up by documented cases of injury and house fires, and we don’t want that happening to you!
Answers To Your Questions: Keep them coming, I love getting them!
Enjoy!
Dave
Click Here for Free Electrical Trade Magazines
|
