Power cord malfunctions are relatively uncommon. But when they occur, the consequences can be devastating.
A fault in a cord’s connection can easily trigger electrical fires. Depending on the scope of the problem, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs.
However, power cord malfunctions don’t occur in a vacuum. These faults mostly result from problems that can be troubleshot by the average homeowner.
We’ve prepared a rundown of the most common power cord issues and how to quickly address them.
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Power Cord Not Responding
One of the most frustrating experiences while using power cords is when the connected appliance doesn’t function despite switching the device and wall sockets.
The quickest way to troubleshoot this problem is to press the plug into the receptacle.
If that doesn’t work, there could be a deeper issue with the prongs or conductors. In this case, you’ll need to take the power cord apart for a thorough examination.
Damaged or Frayed Insulation
A power cord’s outer jacket cushions the cable from environmental damage while preventing contact with the conductor materials. However, the insulation can develop wear due to prolonged use, excessive bending, forceful pulling, or pets gnawing at the wire.
A frayed insulation material can pose severe connectivity and safety problems, such as intermittent connections and electrical shocks. Depending on the extent of damage, you could notice visible signs of tear or exposed conductor wires.
Proper power cord handling and routine inspections can help reduce fraying. If the damage has already occurred, your best bet is to replace the wire immediately.
Power Cords Tangling Up
This is a common problem with longer power cords. It’s one of the reasons experts discourage buying overly long mains cables.
Power cords can quickly tangle up when strewn carelessly all over the place. The tangles indicate the presence of unnecessary cord length.
The quickest solution here would be to clip off the extra length. However, reconnecting the cable may require a bit of technical know-how, particularly when it comes to matching the terminals.
A more viable solution is to implement proper cable management techniques.
Invest in cord organizers to keep your power cables in one line. You might also want to color-code the wires using tape for easy identification.
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Loose Connections
Power cords can become loose over time. Cables that are constantly in use are more likely to develop loose connections. That’s especially if you keep plugging and unplugging them.
When your line cord becomes loose, its plug may intermittently disconnect from its respective ports. This can result in arcing and sparking in the circuit, potentially causing appliance breakdowns.
One way to fix loose connections is to ensure your power cords plug tightly into their respective sockets. Be sure to designate cables for specific ports as well.
Note that power cord prongs vary slightly in size. Larger prongs may bulge out your sockets, causing smaller plugs to fit loosely into those ports.
Bent or Broken Plugs
Rarely do power cord plugs bend. But when they do, the cable may not serve your needs until you replace the plugs.
You can tell that your mains cord plug is broken if it doesn’t insert properly into a socket. Some prongs remain exposed, increasing the risk of electrical shocks and electrocution.
As already hinted, replacement is the best solution for bent or broken plugs.
You could replace the entire cord if it’s only a few feet long.
But for longer cables, such as those used in outdoor environments, it’s more economical to only replace the problematic end. Just ensure you have basic wiring knowledge.
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Power Adapter Failure
Loose connections are the primary cause of failure. The problem could also result from damaged conductors or internal defects in the cable system.
Adapter failure can have far-reaching implications, especially in power-dependent organizations like data centers and hospitals. A fault in a hospital power cord directly puts patient lives at stake.
To troubleshoot this issue, plug your power cord into a socket and see if it fits properly. An ill-fitting cord suggests potential damage to the prongs.
If the cable fits tightly into your sockets but the problem persists, that could indicate issues with the wire’s conductors. Inspect the cord thoroughly for any signs of damage and replace it if need be.
Overheating
Overheating is one of the scariest problems with power cords. What makes it worse is that you rarely detect a cable picking up extra heat until it melts or blows up.
All power cords are susceptible to overheating due to a surge in ambient temperature. The problem may also result from damaged electrical circuits.
Overheating is also attributed to overloading. Overloading occurs when you plug several pieces of heavy-duty equipment into one extension cord simultaneously.
In rare cases, overheating could result from using very long cables. Power cords experience voltage drop and increased resistance with every extra footage, which could cause the conductors to heat up.
Solving the problem of overheating depends on the cause. Using shorter power cords, upgrading to thermal-resistant cables, and reducing load are common interventions.
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Wrap Up
Although power cords are among the most resilient electrical components, they can develop problems, especially if they are mishandled. Fortunately, knowing that you can fix most line cord malfunctions by following simple DIY procedures is exciting. Remember to consult a licensed electrician if the problem persists despite your best efforts to resolve it.
