Unfortunately, sometimes power cords experience damage that’s beyond human control. Investigating the issue and troubleshooting to restore the electrical cable to its former standard is necessary. Read below to determine the most common power cable challenges and how to troubleshoot if they occur.
Common Power Cable Issues and Challenges
Understanding these common electrical cord issues is necessary to ensure safety and cord longevity. Identifying the power cable issue is the first step in troubleshooting.
Frayed or Damaged Insulation
Modern electrical cords are coated in PVC, which provides flame and abrasion resistance. Damage to the insulation exposes live wires, which increases the risks of electrical shock or electrocution.
Loose or Damaged Connectors
Loose connectors create a risk of sparking and arcing in the system. This occurs most often with wiring constantly in use, and it becomes loosened from continual usage.
Bent or Broken Plugs
Using bent or broken plugs in electrical outlets is extremely dangerous. The bent plug may be prevented from fully inserting into the outlet, exposing part of it and increasing the risk of electrical shock.
Intermittent Power Supply
Intermittent errors only occur sometimes. The power supply temporarily changes, creating an inconsistency in the energy flow. This can create wire failure and present numerous safety hazards.
Overheating
Damage to the electrical wiring can create internal shorts, which cause arcs inside the cord. Arcing is very hot, which can lead to heat damage. Overloading a cord can also lead to overheating.
Electrical Cable Troubleshooting Solutions
Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take the appropriate steps toward troubleshooting.
Regular Inspections
Routinely inspect power cords for signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Check the connections, insulation, and overall condition of the cord. Replace any cords that show signs of deterioration.
Proper Handling
Handle power cords carefully and avoid yanking or pulling them from the outlet. To prevent stress on the wires, firmly grasp the plug when unplugging rather than pulling on the cord.
Avoid Overloading
Refrain from overloading power cords or strips by plugging in too many devices. Respect the current rating of the cord and ensure it can safely handle the connected devices’ power requirements.
Adequate Ventilation
Ensure that power cords and power strips have proper ventilation and are not covered or obstructed, as this can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
Organized Storage
Properly store power cords when not in use. Avoid coiling them tightly or bending them excessively, as this can cause internal wire damage. Loosely coil and secure cords to prevent tangling and stress.
Why Choose Quail?
Quail offers convenient, same-day shipping for all of your electrical needs. Our extensive inventory of electrical accessories will surely provide you with precisely what you need. With competitive pricing on all power cord supplies and low minimum order requirements, Quail puts the customer first.
Quail Is Your Trusted Electrical Cable Supplier
Quail Electronics, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of North American power cords. With over 30 years of industry experience, Quail is a trusted provider of premium quality domestic and international power cords. We offer standard and custom NEMA cords in various lengths, configurations, and voltage ratings.
Contact us for more information or request a quote to get started today.