I have an OLD Sears grinder that the cord has seen better days.
1/4 HP 115V 4.5 amp split phase motor, 2 prong plug. Length of cord is about 6'

I can't tell by looking at the cord what size (AWG) it is, no markings it's that old.


So for a 1/4 hp continuous duty grinder is 14 AWG stranded wire ok? Or 16AWG?

Suggestions? Just get an extension & cut the female end off? wire it black, white & ground the frame.
or just buy 2 wire lamp cord & wire it up?
or buy a 3 wire (white, black, ground) piece from the HD roll & put male end on it?

 

Thks

smitty
 

Edited May 27, 20205 yr by smitty10101
eliminate wording

Most extension cords are 16 guage and more than adequate for this application. You are only going 6 ft.

 

I keep a extension cord on hand and some ends for such repairs. Do alot of such repairs for a pawn shop.

 

Lamp wire, sure it would work. But I wouldn't do it.

 

If you know how to tin the ends of the wire with solder do so.  This makes it solid at the tip where you run the screw down on. Helps hold better.

 

If not it will still work.  Few do this anyway. 

5 minutes ago, Gunny said:

Few do this anyway. 

some are just lazy a$$es

 

thks Gunny 

11 minutes ago, smitty10101 said:

some are just lazy a$$es

 

thks Gunny 

I like these

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15-Amp-Python-Straight-Blade-Plug-Yellow-R50-05256-BVY/205326578

14 or 16 gauge will work for a 4.5 amp load. If the original cord had a ground wire ( a 3 wire cord) that is what I would use to replace existing, if existing (and if it was bought by you originally) is a 2 wire cord, that is what I would use for a replacement. I like to stick with factory/UL standards. If it is a tossup on wire gauge, 14 is better than 16.

You could also pick up a replacement appliance cord that comes with the molded on plug.

https://www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-cords-cord-management/appliance-cords/smart-electrician-reg-14-3-6-indoor-power-supply-cord/09716/p-1470660795844-c-1525700042008.htm

 

Or

https://www.menards.com/main/electrical/electrical-cords-cord-management/appliance-cords/smart-electrician-reg-16-3-3-indoor-power-supply-cord/09703/p-1470660795788-c-1525700042008.htm

Edited May 27, 20205 yr by Larry Buskirk

I bot cords from HD & Lowes. 14/3 wire. Am now having "fun" getting it through the rubber grommet.

Am debating buying a 16/3 tomorrow.

Original cord was(is) 2 wire

9 hours ago, Artie said:

if existing (and if it was bought by you originally) is a 2 wire cord, that is what I would use for a replacement. I like to stick with factory/UL standards. 

Artie-- you wouldn't upgrade it with a dedicated ground???  How come? Just personal preference? 

This grinder is over 50 years old ( does that predate UL??--just joking )

BTW unit is ALL metal. No plastic whatsoever.

 

Menards is nowhere near me--unfortunately.

13 minutes ago, smitty10101 said:

"fun" getting it through the rubber grommet.

Of the replacement end?? Or the grommet at the grinder side?

replacement end into the grommet. The 14/3 cord is about 9.5mm in diameter

used Dawn & Slipit (?) for lubrication, got about 1" into the body of the grinder & gave up for the night to let it rest.

Decided instead to go buy a 16/3 cord. Tried it this AM. Fits right in. The 16/3 is about 8mm in diameter.

So after lunch I will stop futzing around with it & put the 16/3 in, solder it up and be done with it.

 

The 16/2 wire lasted over 50 years, so I'll guess that the new cord will last ?? 15 years??

 

I'll be dead by then.

9 hours ago, smitty10101 said:

I'll be dead by then.

Sure go ahead and tempt Father Murphy!!  He will pay a visit and you will have another kid, and live to be 120.  

On 5/27/2020 at 10:04 PM, smitty10101 said:

I bot cords from HD & Lowes. 14/3 wire. Am now having "fun" getting it through the rubber grommet.

Am debating buying a 16/3 tomorrow.

Original cord was(is) 2 wire

Artie-- you wouldn't upgrade it with a dedicated ground???  How come? Just personal preference? 

This grinder is over 50 years old ( does that predate UL??--just joking )

BTW unit is ALL metal. No plastic whatsoever.

 

Menards is nowhere near me--unfortunately.

If the unit is 50 years old (younger than me LOL), and all metal I would have thought the original cord had a ground. I was of the opinion that appliances had to be double insulated (whatever that term means specifically ??), to not require a ground. One thing that has crossed my mind, when you install the grounded cord, will it be plugged into a GFI receptacle?