When Should You Replace Your Power Cables?

It's important to keep track of wear and tear on your cables, and to replace them when they show signs of damage. Continuing to use a damaged or worn out power cord can damage your devices and pose a serious safety risk to your home and yourself. Learn when to recognize the signs that you might need to purchase a new power cable from Cables.com. 

How Do Power Cables Get Damaged?

Regardless of your industry or career, power cords are a vital part of our daily life. They help us run the key devices we need in order to conduct business, entertain guests and keep up with modern technology. It is important to be aware of when your cord could be damaged or broken as the outcomes of damaged power cables can lead to and cause disastrous events such as fires and damaged equipment, never mind personal injury. Damage to your power cables can happen seemingly without warning, leaving you in a tight spot if the cord has been cut off from the wall outlet by accident, or if you've tripped over it and pulled it out from where it was plugged into a power source.

Consider investing in something like our NEMA 5-15 to IEC C13 Locking Power Cord, which features a universal lock securing the connection between your PC and any 5-15 wall outlet or power strip. It plugs in with a snug fit, meaning no more accidental disconnects!

Signs of a Damaged Power Cable

When you see your power cords starting to show signs of wear or damage, it might be time to replace them, but how do you know when your power cables are possibly damaged. The first step in determining if your cord is broken is checking the cord's insulation. If it has any cuts, cracks, or exposed wires then you should absolutely replace the cord immediately. Broken insulation and exposed wire can also cause your cord to overheat. Any sign of any type of damage should be a signal that it is time for a replacement as this could lead to an electrical fire or worst-case scenario, death from electrocution.

Another sign of a damaged power cable is charring. If there is any black or brown residue on the cord then it could be a sign that the insulation has been burned away and you will need to replace the power cable before continued use.

If your cords are frayed, it's time for a replacement too. Fraying means that the protective sheath around the wire has started to come off and like broken insulation, can overheat and cause a safety hazard.

Consider trying out something like one of our outdoor-rated power cords, high-quality power cables and extension cords manufactured from heavy-duty materials made to withstand punishment from the elements. This particular outdoor extension cord features a rugged 14 awg 15 amp SJTW jacket with a molded 5-15 plug and receptacle, and it's UL listed. 

Power Cord Tools and Accessories

Another that a power cord is broken or damaged and needs to be replaced is if it is not performing as it originally did when it was new. This can be determined by checking the amperage on the cord. If it is not what it used to be then it's time for a new power cord.

The final indication is with the use of a testing tools. Eliminate guesswork with testing tools, such as the ones offered by Cables.com. There are a variety of testing tools available including LAN and PC cable testers, toners, data/link ID, real world certifying tools, and many others in addition to power plug adapters and power cord splitters. 

Replace your power and network cables before they cause any damage and keep you, your employees, and your business safe!

Questions?

If you have determined that it is time to replace your cords, visit Cables.com all your power cable needs. Feel free to Contact Us with any questions, or email us at sales@cables.com. 

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