Among the most abused parts of a vacuum cleaner is its power cord. With it being constantly swung around, wrapped around or even run over, it is not surprising why the power cord gets damaged very easily.Â
For vacuum cleaner owners, a common question is always: how do I replace a vacuum power cord?
Fixing or replacing a broken or damaged vacuum power cord can be easily done without the help of a professional.
Movements involved in the actual use of a vacuum cleaner tend to stress out these cords which eventually lead to its failure.
If vacuum power cords are left in their damaged condition, they become very dangerous and are just fire hazards waiting to happen.Â
Step 1:
Unplug the vacuum cleaner from the power socket to prevent any untoward incidents.
Step 2:
Next, access the motor wires on the vacuum. Replacing a damaged wire means that these must be completely unattached from the motor first.
As such, this process will require a certain level of disassembly – just how much will depend on the vacuum cleaner model being worked on.
Step 3:
During disassembly, check out the fasteners and housings that surround the power cord.
Certain types of vacuum cleaners will require the rollers and the vacuum belt to be removed in order to have complete access to the motor.
Step 4:
Before removing any wires and cords, be sure to carefully inspect how they are attached to the motor. It would help to draw a simple diagram of the wire arrangement to make sure that the replaced wires are installed properly.
 Wires also come in different styles so it is important to take note and check that they are the same with the new wires.
Step 5:
Simply taking out the wires from the motor is not enough to take out the vacuum cleaner power cord. They are usually held by one or more retaining pieces so make sure that they are completely removed.Â
However, take extra precaution and remember the orientation for these retainers. These retainers are usually transferred from the old power cord to the new one so make sure that you know how to install them properly.
Step 6:
Installing the new vacuum power cord requires one to transfer retaining pieces from the old one. Make sure that they follow the proper orientation.
Step 7:
Add in the motor wires of the power cord. This will basically be a matter of reversing the process. Usually, the small wire ties and other joining pieces will be disposed during the removal process.
To properly join wires together, using some electrical tape is enough to do the job. Be sure to tidy up the motor area before finishing the process.
Step 8:
Next, return the cord retainer as well as the strain relief in the new cord.
The strain relief should put a final bend in the cord and can be installed using a pair of pliers.
Step 9:
Finally, you can now put the entire vacuum cleaner together by putting back all the pieces together that were taken out during Steps 2 and 3.
Conclusion
While assembling the pieces back is the final step of the process, it is often the most time-consuming and the most mind-boggling process of all. Return all the housings, fasteners and the other pieces back to their correct positions.
If things get a little hard to figure out, try to see if you can find assembly instructions online. And that’s it.
Electrical codes will not allow you to splice a cord and wrap electrical tape around the damaged area. In case the cord gets damaged in the middle, you will have to replace the entire cord or cut out the damage and use a male and female plug.Â
Instead of discarding your current vacuum cleaner, now you can get back to cleaning!
Last Updated on February 21, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
