Replacing electrical cords on tools - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Joe Tedesco · 04-22-2007, 06:55 AM

Question: Can damaged, frayed, taped, or spliced cords on all types of electrical tools, that also have a missing grounding pin on their cord caps be replaced in the field, or must they be sent to a repair shop who can properly install and verify the proper factory installation, thereby permitting reuse under the manufacturer's UL listing?

**MDShunk** · 04-22-2007, 11:12 AM

The question started out with, "Can they...". Obviously, they can. As in, it is humanly possible. I think on most jobsites, the electrician gets elected to replae all the bad cords and ends. I'm not sure how that became part of the electrician's job on a larger jobsite, but it seems like I always get flagged down to do stuff like that. I don't even replace my own cords. I take them to the tool dealer, because they do it while I wait, and they use the proper cordset with the molded strain relief.

I really like the way Milwaukee does almost all their power cords. They're just a twist-lock replacement, right at the tool. No qualifications necessary.

Joe, I'm sure that since you posted this query, you've run across a bit of UL information that probably says something along the lines of only factory authorized repairs will maintin the UL rating? Would you mind sharing that with us?

Joe Tedesco · 04-22-2007, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

The question started out with, "Can they...". Obviously, they can. As in, it is humanly possible. I think on most jobsites, the electrician gets elected to replae all the bad cords and ends. I'm not sure how that became part of the electrician's job on a larger jobsite, but it seems like I always get flagged down to do stuff like that. I don't even replace my own cords. I take them to the tool dealer, because they do it while I wait, and they use the proper cordset with the molded strain relief.

I really like the way Milwaukee does almost all their power cords. They're just a twist-lock replacement, right at the tool. No qualifications necessary.

Joe, I'm sure that since you posted this query, you've run across a bit of UL information that probably says something along the lines of only factory authorized repairs will maintin the UL rating? Would you mind sharing that with us?

Marc:

Not yet, but I am searching though, but I believe 90.7 could be cited, and 110.3(B)

Here's the UL Guide Card for information related to power supply cords in the UL Directory:

Search for ELBZ after downloading:

http://www.ul.com/regulators/2006WhiteBook.pdf

Joe Tedesco · 04-22-2007, 11:42 AM

I agree, these are great!

http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages...6/DW6185_1.jpg

**Speedy Petey** · 04-22-2007, 03:05 PM

Joe, I'm not sure I understand your interest in this. Are you digging for a code citation that tells us we MUST send or tools back for cord replacement? Do you think such a code exists?

Sorry, but this is one of the few times I will say code be damned. If you think I am going to send my much needed tools out for someone else to repair you're nuts. One reason is I don't have a while-you-wait service center. Another reason is I have a real problem with paying someone for something I am more than capable of doing myself.
I have replaced armatures, chucks, trigger switches, cords and more. I know for fact I can replace a cord or cord cap as good or better than any service center. If I do need a whole cord my dealers usually have the factory cord sets in stock.

If you, the UL, or OSHA want to come and arrest me that's fine.

DeepOne · 04-22-2007, 03:32 PM

Some tools simply need for change even new cord, when producers economize on quality and length. Makita, for instance. I usually extend cord at 4 - 15m (13 - 49 foots), depending on type of the instrument. Much comfortable do several cords to different length for tools with disconnect cord options. But if this option not present, cord replace for repair is much simply.

**MDShunk** · 04-22-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Joe, I'm not sure I understand your interest in this. .

I think I read the thread that spawned this question on another site. I think Joe's original question could also be worded, "Is is ever okay/a good idea for an electrically unqualified person to make repairs to their power tool cords?"

Joe Tedesco · 04-22-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

I think I read the thread that spawned this question on another site. I think Joe's original question could also be worded, "Is is ever okay/a good idea for an electrically unqualified person to make repairs to their power tool cords?"

Here's that link:

http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=36513

Look at this video, toward the middle, and see the hazards when a damaged cord cap is wired improperly by an electrically unqualified person!

http://www.eri-safety.com/productdet...?productid=612

I am dealing with GC's who have nothing nice to say about licensed electricians, and continue to resist the facts, and continue to call people names and show their total ignorance!

See this post/poll as well:

http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=32727

HCECalaska · 04-28-2007, 11:05 AM

we do most of our repairs on the tools we use. all of the repairs are done with factory certified parts. the local OSHA inspector will site cite you for having a taped cord, or a cord without the factory end on it;