Electrical cords are one of those things we can easily overlook – until something goes wrong and they need our attention. More often than not, you have to replace your cords with new ones, but this is not always necessary if you know how to fix and protect your electrical cords.
This can save you money as it only requires inexpensive items and not much of your time. The following tips will show you how it’s done, and you can apply them to most electrical cords in your home. You can even enlist the help of your local electrical contractor if you need an expert on the job.
Protect Your Cords With an Extra Outside Layer
Like kids, pets are not always well-behaved, and you may find they like to chew on your cables. An easy way to protect your pet and your cables from each other are by giving the cables an armor of vinyl tubing. All you need is a roll of clear vinyl tubing that you slit on one side so that you can slip it over your cables. Another way to keep your cords protected is using a spiral wrap. It’s easy to purchase, and you can even use the spiral wrap to bundle many cords together.
If your cords are prone to fraying, for instance, phone charging cables and earphone jacks, you can protect these using a clickable ink pen. Simply take the pen apart and remove the spring. Stretch out the spring and then wrap it around the base of the cord to prevent fraying.
Use Electrical Tape
If you find yourself with a broken jacket around any of your cords, an easy and inexpensive fix is to wrap it in electrical tape. Make sure the cord is unplugged, then wrap a piece of electrical tape tightly around any exposed wires. Wrap it around a length of the cord several times to avoid more damage. You can even find electrical tape in different colors to match your cords and make the fix nearly invisible.
Liquid electrical tape is also available. For this method, just apply a few coats of the liquid plastic over the cracked or frayed cords, and let it dry.
Note that these methods are to repair minor damage only. For your safety, it’s best to call a local electrician to repair any major issues.
Keep Cords Covered and Protected
It’s inevitable that some of your electrical cords will end up stretched across the floor where people and pets walk. Not only is this a tripping hazard, but constantly stepping on your cords is a sure way to destroy them over time. Instead, invest in a rubber cover that can protect a bundle of cords. There are many inexpensive options in a range of colors and sizes available online.
While the world of electricity may have undergone many advancements – for instance, it’s estimated that global electricity generation capacity will reach about 14 terawatts by 2050 – fixing and protecting your electrical cords doesn’t have to be rocket science. If you’re looking for a reputable local electrical contractor, contact Reyco Electrical Services today!