- 1). Unplug the cord. Check the plug for obvious damage, such as melting, cracks, protruding wires and exposed bare metal. Check the prongs for corrosion, looseness, bending or pitted surfaces. If any of these symptoms exist, fix the problem by removing the plug and attaching a new one.
- 2). Use an electrician's screwdriver to disassemble the plug. With the top removed, check that the wires are firmly held in the terminals and the cord grip holds the cord securely. Intermittent power may be caused by loose wires. Re-tighten the terminals and cord grips if necessary.
- 3). Pass the entire cord through your hands, looking for evidence of burning, such as discoloration, bubbles in the insulation, bumps under the surface and cuts and cracks in the cord insulation. U.S. Fire Administration advises replacing, rather than repairing damaged electric cord. If you find damage close to a plug, use wire strippers to cut off the damaged part, prepare the wires and reattach the plug to the undamaged section of cord.
- 4). Plug in the cord and switch on the power. Leave the cord for 10 minutes, then switch off and unplug the item. Check the cord and plugs for hot spots. The cord will naturally be warm, but areas considerably hotter than their surroundings indicate hidden problems. Fix this by replacing the affected plug or cutting away and replacing the damaged area of cord.
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