Frayed appliance wires  plugs

f.  Frayed appliance wires  plugs:
Frayed appliance wires are dangerous.  The frayed section makes it relatively easy to short the internal conductors against each other, or even to short one of them against an appliance body, a pipe, etc.  Either replace the wire or discard the appliance.  Make certain any wire you replace is at least equal in wire gauge size to the one you are replacing.

The old style plugs on the ends of wires should have covers that protect the screw attachments around the prongs.  If the cardboard is missing, a short circuit across the prongs may occur when the plug is pushed into a receptacle.  This is what typically accounts for those black “burn” marks occasionally seen on the cover plates of receptacles.

WARNING: It is common for short circuits to occur because of frayed wires (Fig. f1, Item A) and plugs that lack covers at their prongs (Fig. f1, Item B).

Fig. f1

What to:  How to:
Replace the wire, the plug, or both, but do not indiscriminately use anything that is suspected or known to be dangerous.  Appliance cords and plugs are inexpensive and can be installed in minutes.  If you have any doubt about an appliance, have an electrician or appliance repairman check it.

Reference:    E6,  E9,  EX42