Updated at: 04-07-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Knowledge of how to replace a power wire damaged by water could be useful in the event of an emergency. Because they have so many applications, power wires can be found all over the house. Water spills are also almost inevitable because of this.

What Happens When Water Gets Into Power Cord?

Because just the cord insulation was damaged, it is possible to use the device if you unintentionally spilled water on a cord. When it comes to pure water, this is especially true.

A conductor of electricity, pure water is an insulator. Unpowered electrical devices would be protected by it. Before using the cord, make sure it is completely dry.

6 Easy Steps On How To Replace A Water Damaged Power Cord - Krostrade

It’s a very other issue when water gets into the internal circuitry. When the electric appliance is turned on, it could cause a short circuit. Electrical cords with exposed wire and damaged insulation are particularly hazardous when submerged in water.

Replacing Water Damaged Power Cord

The combination of electricity and water is one of the most dangerous and lethal. Electric shocks are the most common result, and they can cause everything from mild skin tingling to severe burns and even death in the worst-case scenario.

It’s better to replace water-damaged power wires as soon as they’re discovered. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it properly!

Step #1. Disconnect the power source

If the cord is connected in and it gets wet, you should unplug it immediately and avoid further damage. Your hands must be completely dry before you proceed. If you must, wear rubber gloves.

Remove the cord from the outlet with care and store it someplace safe and dry. To be extra safe, you can also turn off the breaker panel. It also reduces the likelihood of being shocked.

Step #2. Inspect the damage

Examine any equipment-related wiring. Take care to avoid contaminating the item by handling it with your hands.

Cracked insulation and exposed wires are signs of deterioration. Don’t mess with these spots that have been destroyed!

As much as possible, sanitize the power cord. A dry towel should be used to wipe down the exterior casing as well as the cable itself.

Extra care should be taken when plugging in and unplugging electrical devices. When you dry them, you remove any residue that could potentially conduct electricity.

Step #3. Do not attempt to repair

The cord should be replaced completely. It is not acceptable to repair it by merely drying it and covering tears and cracks in insulation with electrical tape. That’s a danger to the public’s health and well-being.

Using extension cords is also not recommended. They are frequently only intended for short-term use.

Step #4. Buy a replacement cord

Replace the power cord if necessary. To see whether they have any in stock, you can go to your local electronics store.

Look online if you’re willing to put up with a few days of delays. Avoiding a trip to the store saves time and money.

Step #5. Ask for assistance if needed

For those who have a working knowledge of wiring and electricity, this process can proceed. If you’re unsure or don’t have prior expertise with this type of repair, it’s better to call in a professional.

Injuries, fires, electric shocks, and even death can arise from replacement mistakes and blunders. It’s possible that this replacement is covered by your insurance policy, so you should check with the company or your attorney.

Step #6. Disconnect the cord

Be cautious if you’re going through the procedure. Before you remove the power cable wires, make sure you’ve checked their alignment. You may guarantee that the new cord is installed correctly by drawing a simple diagram of the wiring layout.

With a pair of wire cutters, remove the old cord from the device. If you check the wire orientation properly before installing the new power cable, it will go in without a hitch. Keep the wires oriented in the same manner as they were before the previous cord was removed.

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How To Avoid Power Cords From Getting Water Damaged

A fire or electric shock are the most likely outcomes when dealing with water-damaged cords. One of the best methods to protect your family from the dangers of electricity is to keep your power lines dry.

Here are some ideas:

  • Check your power cords for damage, cracks, and exposed wiring on a regular basis.
  • Any damaged power cords should be swapped out for new ones.
  • Ensure that the power cord is properly plugged in before each use
  • Avoid placing them on the floor, dining table, or other areas that are easily accessible by water to prevent water spills and damage.
  • Be familiar with the location and operation of your circuit breakers.
  • Learn the basics of electrical safety and safe working practices

Top 5 Methods of Power Cord Storage

1. Make a Loop & Hang It on a Hook:

Wrapping electrical cords in a huge loop is probably the most well-known and most effective method of dealing with them. To minimize tangles, make sure all of your mini-loops go in the same direction when you’re wrapping a lengthy line or multiple cords at once. Simply grip the string with your other hand as you create each loop, until the cord is spun into a single oval shape. The cord can either be clipped to itself or wound up with a few little ties. You can now hang your cord on a hook in your garage or in your basement’s tool room when this procedure is completed.

2. Use a Spool:

Wire spools, if you happen to have any hanging around, make excellent tools for tidying up electrical cords. In a pinch, you can use a cardboard tube, like a paper towel roll. The cord should be wrapped around the cylinder in the same direction and tucked away in a convenient location, like a basket or drawer.

3. Create a Sailor’s Coil:

Sailor’s coils are tough to tie, but they’re a great method to keep your cords in place and assure they won’t come free on their own. When untangling your cord, be sure that it reaches its full length. Next, hold the cable loosely in your hand with the other end. Bring the cord across your palm with your other hand. This is the most critical step: Once you’ve done that, bring the other end across the other side of your cord, making sure that your hand has room to move. Leaving a larger end loop, round your bundle with the cord, and draw it through the middle completes the project. The cord can now be hung or stored in a more convenient location. This procedure isn’t as difficult as it seems, despite the fact that it will take some practice.

4. Tie an Electrician’s Knot:

The electrician’s knot, commonly referred to as the “daisy chain” or the “underwriter’s knot,” is an excellent choice for bundling long cords. To begin, locate the cord’s two ends and line them up side by side. Form a strong grasp on the string about a foot from the end and continue moving your hand along its length. To make a hoop, place the doubled end approximately one and a half feet below the neck. Make a C-shape with your cord by bringing it up and through the coil. In order to construct a second “C,” take the dangling end of the cable and draw it up and through until it forms another “C.” To keep the ends from unraveling, keep going in this direction until you reach the end and pull both ends through the last coil. Even though tying the sailor’s knot is a bit of a hassle, you should be able to hang and access even the longest ropes using this method.

5. Hang It Like a Belt:

Another wonderful spot to store a cord is on a clothes rack, like the kind you might find in your personal or coat closet. Using this method, you may easily string ropes up and down. We recommend using a closet near an entryway or corridor, where you may already have some of your tools, for this purpose. Another great way to keep your wires organized in your closet is to place them on an old tie rack.

Know Electrical Cord Safety

As well as being kept out of sight, electrical wires need to be maintained away from people’s feet to avoid tripping and to keep them from becoming fire hazards. Tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Electrical Safety Foundation International are included in this list (which offers more advice at esfi.org).

To avoid fraying, overheating, and tripping, keep unprotected cords out of the way of foot traffic and furniture.

Don’t hide a wire under a rug. 3. Because of this, the cord could catch fire and cause an explosion.

Don’t leave cords dangling in places where they could be tripped over or pulled down by a child.

Cords should not be squeezed or crimped, and they should not be pushed into narrow areas or behind furniture. This could eventually lead to the cord’s insulation being damaged. Avoid squeezing too many cords together when using a cord-bundling device like a Cable Turtle or plastic spiral wire wrap. Do not tighten up.

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If you need to attach cord bundlers to a wall or baseboard, don’t use staples or nails. As a result of the punctures, there may be a shock or fire hazard.

Do not use too many appliances or excessive wattage in outlets or extension cables (space heaters, microwave ovens). Make sure you don’t overload an extension cord by checking its maximum capacity.

If you need to plug a three-prong extension cable into a two-prong socket, don’t use an adaptor.

Don’t connect two extension cords at the same time. Utilize one that is long enough to meet your needs.

If you need to plug in a power strip, don’t do it using an extension cord. Purchase a longer-corded strip instead.

Do not use a cord that is hot to the touch.

Conclusion

Despite your best efforts, mishaps can still occur at home. Getting water or fluids on electricity wires is one of the scariest mishaps you can have.

It’s terrible to think about water and electricity coming into touch. Knowing how to replace a water damaged power cord in order to avoid electrocution and any other danger would be crucial during those times.