Melted work light wire

[bagged89s10]

So I wasn't paying attention and let my worklight wire hang in front of my propane ready heater. The wire melted and the gfci tripped. At least I know I wired the outlet correctly.


It's a craftsman wl500dpt tripod worklight. It has a 12 foot cord. I want to replace it but I want to find an almost identical cord. Anyone know who sells a 12 foot replacement cord with the sealed plug?

 

[G_P]

It would probably be easier to buy a short extension cord (of the same wire gauge) and cut off the female end and use that as your cord if you want the molded on male plug.

Or cut out the damaged section and splice the wires back together and cover the spliced area with heat shrink tubing. You'll probably only lose a foot or less of cord by cutting out the burned area.

 

[bagged89s10]

It would probably be easier to buy a short extension cord (of the same wire gauge) and cut off the female end and use that as your cord if you want the molded on male plug.

Or cut out the damaged section and splice the wires back together and cover the spliced area with heat shrink tubing. You'll probably only lose a foot or less of cord by cutting out the burned area.

Yes I can probably just cut, solder, heat shrink it to repair, but I would prefer to replace it. Do you think it's a 12 gauge cord?

 

[G_P]

I doubt its 12ga. Its probably more along the lines of 14-16ga. It could even be 18ga.

 

[G_P]

If the wire is unmarked, measure it to determine the gauge.

 

[bagged89s10]

If the wire is unmarked, measure it to determine the gauge.

I'll take it apart tomorrow and find out. Had to go to PA for a family emergency. Thanks for the chart. It will definitely come in handy.

 

[bagged89s10]

Stupid mistake on my part. Glad it didn't cause a fire. Maybe it's a good time to fab up a way to toss a retractable cord on it.

 

[Cyberbear]

Take a close look at the wire cable itself, any good industrial fixture should have markings on the cord describing type of insulation and wire size. If not add up all the lamp wattages and divide by 120 to ascertain the minimum amperage being used, add a little for safety.
Or, go online and locate a replacements parts Web site for Sears products.

 

[6768rogues]

I would use a 16 gauge cord with the end cut off, as suggested. If the light has two 500 Watt bulbs or less, 16 gauge is plenty large enough. Otherwise, add up the wattage and see how heavy the cord needs to be.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

It won't hurt to go up in size as long as it fits through the strain relief. You can cut the cord back to the point before it melted and just put a new plug end on it and use it with an extension cord as well.

 

[Bigbandguy]

That one is identical to one I have that the lamp sockets went bad in when using 500 watt bulbs. Don't be surprised if the next problem you have with it is a bad lamp socket. Those things seem to be right on the ragged edge of not heavy duty enough.

 

[bagged89s10]

That one is identical to one I have that the lamp sockets went bad in when using 500 watt bulbs. Don't be surprised if the next problem you have with it is a bad lamp socket. Those things seem to be right on the ragged edge of not heavy duty enough.

I've had mine for at least 8 years now without a problems yet.

 

[bagged89s10]

So I got home last night took a look at the wire. It is only 18 gauge.


Good news. My father saves cords, and I learned to do so as well, and I found a 16 gauge 15 foot cord at his house.