How to Make Electrical Cable

When an electrical cable breaks, you may think you have no choice but to throw away the item which the cord belongs to. Learning how to make your own electrical cable can save you money. You will be able to fix those damaged lamps or clock radios, and you will be able to repair frayed wires or totally rewire a long-dead antique. This article will show you how to make your own electrical cable.

Step 1 - Select the Right Cable

Electrical devices aren't very forgiving. They need a certain amount of power in order to work. If the electrical cable is not a sufficient gauge, it won't receive enough power to operate. Or if the gauge is too low, it can cause an overload or a fire. If you are repairing a wire, you can take the old cable to the home improvement center and ask a representative to point you to the proper cable for your job.

If you do not have a cable handle, you can arm yourself with as much information as possible. Certain electronic devices will have standard-gauge cables that you should use. Lamps, small appliances, fans and clock radios will all use the same type of cable. Larger items will vary, and you should check with the manufacturer about the voltage needed to operate the device.

Step 2 - Prepare the Purchased Cable

Decide how long you want the electrical cable to be. Remember that it will have to reach an outlet as well as travel the height of the object (more important for lamps than clock radios). Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the cable. Then you can use a pair of scissors or wire cutters to cut the wire to the length you need. Carefully pull the cable apart on both ends along the seam. Now use the wire strippers to remove the insulation from the cable to expose the wires underneath.

Step 3 - Attach the Electrical Cable

The cable wire will consist of a smooth wire and one that is more ridged. This difference helps you to determine which wire goes where. Some cables will have a line or mark on the insulation to make this distinction. The marked wire is the ridged one. Slide the metal of this wire through the hole of the wide plug and solder it in place.

Now slide the other piece of wire through the thinner prong and solder it in place. Connecting to the device is a little trickier. Most devices will have screws where you connect the wires. Unscrew them and wrap the ridged wire around the light colored or shiny screw and the remaining wire to the other screw. Place a piece of electrical tape over the screws.