6 Things to Know Before Replacing an Extension Cord Plug

Disconnect the cord from power before starting This is non-negotiable. Even if it seems obvious, always unplug the cord first.

Cut off the damaged plug cleanly Use wire cutters to remove the old plug, then strip about ¾ inch of the outer jacket and each wire.

Buy the right replacement plug Get a heavy-duty molded plug from a hardware store that matches your cord gauge, such as 14 AWG or 12 AWG. Never use a lamp-cord plug on a heavy-duty cord—it will overheat.

Match wires to the correct terminals For a standard US 120V plug, connect the black wire to the brass screw, white wire to the silver screw, and bare copper or green wire to the green screw. Wrap each wire clockwise around the screw and tighten.

Check for stray wire strands After tightening, make sure no loose strands touch the other screw. Close the plug body snugly.

Toss the cord if it is frayed or cracked If the cord has damage beyond the plug, replace the whole cord. A new one costs $10–15, and patching a failing cord is unsafe.