Using a continuity tester to check an attached power cord. Make sure the appliance's switch is on.

One of the most common things in your home--and one of the most common to need fixing--is the electrical cord. Cords on large and small appliances, electric tools, electric clocks, computers and printers--anything that gets its power through an electrical outlet in the wall--can malfunction. That means knowing how to fix electrical cords is important to knowing how to fix lots of things in your home.

How Does It Work?

A cord is a small flexible insulated electrical cable with a plug at one or both ends that connects an electrical device with a source of electricity. There is a wide variety of cords, each with wires and plugs designed to carry a specific electrical load.

What Can Go Wrong?

Cords and plugs can break. Through repeated use, they can develop shorts and stop delivering electricity to the item that needs power. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to test and repair or replace.

Fix-It Tip

Most small appliances use two-wire 14- or 16-gauge cords with two-prong plugs. Heating appliances (iron, toaster, space heater) use heavy insulated wires. Grounded appliances use three-wire 12- or 14-gauge cord with three-prong plugs. Large appliances (range, air conditioner, clothes dryer) use three-wire 6- or 8-gauge cord with special three-prong plugs. As you can see, the lower the wire gauge number, the greater the electrical current it can carry.