Why can't I find a polarized replacement plug.

[Marilyn & Bob]

Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum
cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot)
and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two
prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty
of unpolarized plugs with screw terminals as well as polarized two prong
"quick attach" plugs that can attach to flat lamp cord, but nothing for
this very common use. Any ideas why this is the case? Or better than
that, where I can find what I am looking for?
--
Peace,
bobJ

[bob_villa]

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Straight-Residential-Polarized-Non-Grounding/dp/B000FPAN84/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1424405497&sr=8-4&keywords=2-prong+polarized+plug

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

Put a 3 wire on it and just leave the ground empty. Gives you the
polarization protection

[Marilyn & Bob]

I've looked at this one carefully as part of my search. As far as I can
tell, this is a "quick attach" type plug that does not have screw on
terminals.
--
Peace,
bobJ

[Smarty]

<gfre...@aol.com> wrote:

> That one does have screw terminals and they have them at HD/Lowes

I also think the recommended plug from Amazon above should work properly,
and believe I used it for the same purpose you are now asking about.

I used it on an appliance with a round cord, and attached stranded, heavy
gauge wires to screw terminals.

Bought mine at Home Depot.

[gregz]

Best solution. I use heavy duty plugs, with two part assembly, with screw
own strain relief. Cheap enough at my hardware store.

Greg

[bob haller]

replace original power cord with a new grounded one, attach ground green wire to metal on sweeper colse to motor..

safer vacuum, easy fix

[Stormin Mormon]

Where have you looked? I'd check at a hardware store,
with a helpful handy man. I looked on www.amazon.com
and typed "polarized electrical plug" in the search
box. I got some other items, but several perfectly good
plugs that would suit your needs.

No charge, I do this as a service.

-
.
Christopher A. Young
learn more about Jesus
. www.lds.org
.
.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/19/2015 11:43 PM, Marilyn & Bob wrote:
> I've looked at this one carefully as part of my search. As far as I can
> tell, this is a "quick attach" type plug that does not have screw on
> terminals.
> --
> Peace,
> bobJ

Well, you got me, then. I did add "screw terminals"
to the search block. I got two very nice plugs in
the $15 range, but they are not polarized.

I tried Ebay and Harbor Freight. No joy.

[TimR]

Vacuum power cords are made to retract. It's not as simple as just putting a new cord on it. With other appliances I'd agree. Drive around on garbage day with wire cutters, take a plug and cord off any decent looking appliance sitting by the curb.

[bob_villa]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 8:00:58 AM UTC-6, TimR wrote:

>Vacuum power cords are made to retract. It's not as simple as just putting a >new cord on it. Drive around on garbage day with wire cutters, take a plug >and cord off any decent looking appliance sitting by the curb.

I was an appliance repairman for a True Value dealer and rarely saw a vacuum with a retractable cord. But I agree, the best fix is a cord replacement (preferably a new one).

[TimR]

Really? Upright vacs often wrap the cord around hooks, but every cannister vac I've owned retracted the cord into the base. That cord has to be round, rugged, flexible, and the right diameter to work.

[bob_villa]

Where do they say they have a canister vac?

[micky]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 06:00:52 -0800 (PST), TimR <timot...@aol.com>
wrote:

Very good.

And save the plug and 6" of cord from appliances one throws away in the
future. At least one of them.

But has anyone suggested Ace Hardware or True Value. In many areas they
have a lot more stuff than Home Depot.

Or buy a 3 prong plug and cut off or tear out the the ground prong. The
remaing two are still polarized iirc.

OP, just looked at the Amazon url, and I dont't think it's quick attach.
And I think they sell this at real hardware stores, if not Home Depot.

Now that Amazon is pushing one-day shipping, or even 2 or 3-day, they'd
better start giving the shipping charge, because if people want
something in 1 to 3 days, they're not going to have time to build up a
35 dollar order. For some reason I think the shipping is quite high if
the order is under 35 dollars. And yet they raised the amount for free
from 25 to 35 not long ago. Amazon now charges sales tax in Md. and
almosty every state soon, because they have put a warehouse in Md. and
plan to in the other states. I wonder if their cleverness is on the
decline.

[SMS]

This is the one you want: <http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPANCA>.

[TimR]

They don't say either way, do they?

But cannister vacs outnumber uprights so your claim that retractable cords are rare is false. And I now see that uprights with retractable cords are more common than in the past.

If the vac has a retractable cord, then replacing it is nontrivial for a homeowner, while changing the plug is easy.

It may be that as a repairman you saw few retractables, because one would only bring an expensive model in for repair, and in the past those tended to be the uprights.

[Scott Lurndal]

my 1958 electrolux canister cord doesn't retract, one stores it by winding it around
the front air intake.

[SMS]

On 2/20/2015 7:34 AM, micky wrote:

> Now that Amazon is pushing one-day shipping, or even 2 or 3-day, they'd
> better start giving the shipping charge, because if people want
> something in 1 to 3 days, they're not going to have time to build up a
> 35 dollar order. For some reason I think the shipping is quite high if
> the order is under 35 dollars. And yet they raised the amount for free
> from 25 to 35 not long ago. Amazon now charges sales tax in Md. and
> almosty every state soon, because they have put a warehouse in Md. and
> plan to in the other states. I wonder if their cleverness is on the
> decline.

Amazon really wants to get Amazon Prime signups so shipping cost doesn't
matter anymore to those customers. They've been pretty successful in
doing this and Prime members buy a lot more from Amazon because of it,
making up for the small orders that they lose from non-Prime members.

What's really annoying is that some items that are "Sold and Shipped by
Amazon" are now "add-on items" and don't qualify for Prime.

The sales tax collection is only fair, and technically the sales tax is
still required to be paid even if Amazon doesn't collect it but of
course few people ever followed that law.

If you have a college student they qualify for 1/2 price Amazon Prime
membership and you can use it too. You can have multiple ship-to
addresses and multiple payment methods. Though I removed all the credit
card information from my daughter's Amazon account because I don't like
it stored there.

[bob_villa]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 9:34:31 AM UTC-6, micky wrote:

> Or buy a 3 prong plug and cut off or tear out the the ground prong. The

> remaining two are still polarized iirc.

You have to leave the ground prong to insure the polarization, otherwise it could be inserted upside-down! (so you don't remember correctly)

[bob_villa]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 9:36:32 AM UTC-6, TimR wrote:

> But cannister vacs outnumber uprights so your claim that retractable cords are rare is false.

In a '14-'15 Review of vacuums it states uprights are the most popular.

http://www.smartreview.com/vacuum-cleaner-buying-guide

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:34:29 -0500, micky <NONONO...@bigfoot.com>
wrote:

Why take out the ground? Your house has 3 wire outlets, and only lamp
extention cords are 2 wire. And no, most 3 wire plugs are NOT
polarized - they don't have to be because it is virtually impossible
to plug them in backwards.

[TimR]

Yeah. But in the real world there are lots of cannisters, almost all of which have retractable cords, and lots of uprights, many of which have retractable cords.

Face it, they aren't rare. You're just wrong.

[Vic Smith]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:36:37 -0800 (PST), TimR <timot...@aol.com>

wrote:

>On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 12:33:08 PM UTC-5, bob_villa wrote:
>> On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 9:36:32 AM UTC-6, TimR wrote:
>>
>> > But cannister vacs outnumber uprights so your claim that retractable cords are rare is false.
>>
>> In a '14-'15 Review of vacuums it states uprights are the most popular.
>>
>> http://www.smartreview.com/vacuum-cleaner-buying-guide
>
>Yeah. But in the real world there are lots of cannisters, almost all of which have retractable cords, and lots of uprights, many of which have retractable cords.
>
>Face it, they aren't rare. You're just wrong.

Just as a data point, I've never even seen a retractable cord on a
vacuum. The old Electrolux didn't have it, nor have the many uprights
we've had. Maybe we just don't go for "high end" vacuums.

[bob_villa]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 12:36:42 PM UTC-6, TimR wrote:

> Face it, they aren't rare. You're just wrong.

Fact...you don't give-up even with data. I'm done with you...

[TimR]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:13:03 PM UTC-5, Vic Smith wrote:
>
> Just as a data point, I've never even seen a retractable cord on a
> vacuum. The old Electrolux didn't have it, nor have the many uprights
> we've had. Maybe we just don't go for "high end" vacuums.

That may or may not be true.

You may have just seen vacuums where the retractable cord mechanism had broken and just stayed out.

Certainly Electrolux has models that retract.

Here's a badly shot youtube of repairing an Electrolux, and there are dozens more youtube videos of retractable cord repair:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1446Dg5cwE

I'll grant you that the older uprights usually did not have them. But the Hoover cannister we owned in 1960 did.

Did you like your Electrolux? My favorite so far has been the bagless Bosch, but it was 220V so we couldn't bring it back from overseas with us.

[Vic Smith]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 12:35:36 -0800 (PST), TimR <timot...@aol.com>
wrote:

Well, the Electrolux was unwieldy, with skids. But I didn't use it.
My mother did the vacuuming. What little experience I have with it
says it sucked.....just fine. Only canister vacuum that's been used
where I've lived.
We've been using a Bissel Powerforce Bagless for about 5 years.
Doesn't eat belts like what we had before. Think it cost $49.99.
After we tried it out I bought another one and put it in the garage
rafters. Good price, and it's a good vacuum for us.
It's still there, in its box. I'm set for life.

[TimR]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 3:54:25 PM UTC-5, Vic Smith wrote:
> We've been using a Bissel Powerforce Bagless for about 5 years.
> Doesn't eat belts like what we had before. Think it cost $49.99.
> After we tried it out I bought another one and put it in the garage
> rafters. Good price, and it's a good vacuum for us.
> It's still there, in its box. I'm set for life.

You bought TWO? OMG. You must be a LOT younger than me. I'm at the point where I only fill the gas tank halfway.

(and I have to run to the store often - I never buy more than a quart of milk at a time, and green bananas haven't been on the list for some years now)

[micky]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:13:02 -0500, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:

>
>>Or buy a 3 prong plug and cut off or tear out the the ground prong. The
>>remaing two are still polarized iirc.
>
>Why take out the ground? Your house has 3 wire outlets, and only lamp
>extention cords are 2 wire.

That's what I was thinking of. I use extension cords in many many
places.

>And no, most 3 wire plugs are NOT
>polarized - they don't have to be because it is virtually impossible
>to plug them in backwards.

I'll have to check what I've got, to see where I got that idea.

[micky]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 08:16:47 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

>On 2/20/2015 7:34 AM, micky wrote:
>
>> Now that Amazon is pushing one-day shipping, or even 2 or 3-day, they'd
>> better start giving the shipping charge, because if people want
>> something in 1 to 3 days, they're not going to have time to build up a
>> 35 dollar order. For some reason I think the shipping is quite high if
>> the order is under 35 dollars. And yet they raised the amount for free
>> from 25 to 35 not long ago. Amazon now charges sales tax in Md. and
>> almosty every state soon, because they have put a warehouse in Md. and
>> plan to in the other states. I wonder if their cleverness is on the
>> decline.
>
>Amazon really wants to get Amazon Prime signups so shipping cost doesn't
>matter anymore to those customers. They've been pretty successful in
>doing this and Prime members buy a lot more from Amazon because of it,
>making up for the small orders that they lose from non-Prime members.

Yes, I'm sure you're right.

>What's really annoying is that some items that are "Sold and Shipped by
>Amazon" are now "add-on items" and don't qualify for Prime.

So that's what add-on means. That means Priime is not as good as one
might think. I'm not going to pay a yearly fee for something I might
not use even once. I used to buy a lot from Amazon, bur for one reason
or another, it's been 6 months and it might be a year more. I had
about 25 things in the Pending list, partly to bring me up to 25 dollars
when needed, or 35, and when I went through them after a year, either
they didn't sell them anymore or I didn't want them or both.

>
>The sales tax collection is only fair, and technically the sales tax is

Absolutely it's fair, and like you say, we were supposed to have paid it
anyhow.

>still required to be paid even if Amazon doesn't collect it but of
>course few people ever followed that law.

Incuding me.

>
>If you have a college student they qualify for 1/2 price Amazon Prime
>membership and you can use it too.

That's sort of like a drug-dealer gving the first couple grams for free.
Unless you can keep your kid in college for 50 years.

[Ralph Mowery]

"TimR" <timot...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:5ebac6da-4697-45ec...@googlegroups.com...

> On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 2:13:03 PM UTC-5, Vic Smith wrote:
>>
>> Just as a data point, I've never even seen a retractable cord on a
>> vacuum. The old Electrolux didn't have it, nor have the many uprights
>> we've had. Maybe we just don't go for "high end" vacuums.
>
> That may or may not be true.
>
> You may have just seen vacuums where the retractable cord mechanism had
> broken and just stayed out.
>
> Certainly Electrolux has models that retract.
>

A canaster Elecrtolux we bought about 30 years ago had the retracting cord.

I just wish that we could have found an upright that has a bag for it.
Looked around several local stores and all they have are bagless. I hate
those, but did not have much choice.

[micky]

FWLIW, I only go for junk vacuums, whatever I find in the trash, almost
all of which are fine when the stringy clog is removed, and I've seen a
retractable cord. I don't remember on what.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:13:01 -0600, Vic Smith
<thismaila...@comcast.net> wrote:

You must be a young'un.Kenmore vacuums were not "high end" and the
vast majority of them had retractable cords. Most of the old
"torpedos" didn't and very few uprights - but the squat canisters
almost all did. Hoover built retractable uprights -= and in fact still
do.. And at $129 it is NOT a high end machine. Eureka's AirSpeed is
not that expensive either at $129-$159 - and has a retractable cord.
So does the Panasonic JetForce ($250) and JetTurn ($166)

In canisters, the Bissel Cyclonic, ($140), and Hoover WindTunnel
($180), The Kenmore Elites, and Progressives ($350) ,the Koblentz
Commercials ($149), - just for starters in CURRENTLY AVAILABLE units.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:58:08 -0500, micky <NONONO...@bigfoot.com>
wrote:

You should not be using 2 wire extention cords for anything other than
lights -

[Vic Smith]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 18:14:55 -0500, cl...@snyder.on.ca wrote:

> And at $129 it is NOT a high end machine. Eureka's AirSpeed is
>not that expensive either at $129-$159 - and has a retractable cord.
>So does the Panasonic JetForce ($250) and JetTurn ($166)
>
>In canisters, the Bissel Cyclonic, ($140), and Hoover WindTunnel
>($180), The Kenmore Elites, and Progressives ($350) ,the Koblentz
>Commercials ($149), - just for starters in CURRENTLY AVAILABLE units.

You gotta be kidding. $50 is plenty to pay for a vacuum cleaner.
Beyond that is "high end" to me.

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
Ever compared high end one and 50.00 one side by side?
I'm with built-in one. They came a long way and many features and
options. I have a wet and dry shop vac. in addition.

[Vic Smith]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:09:51 -0700, Tony Hwang <drag...@shaw.ca>
wrote:

Nope. As long as it has a driven brush and good suction and is
reliable it works for me. Don't need headlights and a horn on it.
I don't have wall-to-wall carpets. Just area rugs and runners on
hardwood floors. My $50 vacuum cleaner works well. But since it
cleans 8x5 carpets just fine, I suspect it would clean 30x40's as
well. Just have to empty it more often.
Why spend money for nothing?
I've got a wet/dry shop vac too.

[sms]

I learned to stop buying those cheap vacuums and buy only commercial
machines. Metal beater bar, steel foot release, steel bottom plate, 50'
cord. Generally $200-250 and not available at department stores. You
either get it at a vacuum store or a place like the Costco Business
Center (not regular Costco).

[micky]

Thanks for your concern. Maybe not, but I do.

[Tony Hwang]

Hmm,
If you ever have a chance to compared them side by side on your rug,
say use your 50.00 one first and then go over the rug again with high
end one and see. There is a noticeable difference. I have pets in the
house. Years ago when built in ones start showing up, I called a
salesman for a demo in my house. I just vacuumed whole house using name
brand canister one. When the demo unit went over the living room carpet
again, I couldn't believe what it picked up. Since then I always have
built-in one.

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
Right, as long as every one knows what (s)he is doing with anything like
you do. Most Christmas light strings come with 2 prong plugs polarized now.

[SMS]

Not true. A lot of electric garden tools use only 2 wire cords. There is
no way to use a grounded cord on them. They have a recessed two prong
plug on the handle and a three prong socket won't fit.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:09:51 -0700, Tony Hwang <drag...@shaw.ca>
wrote:

We've had the Beam built-in for almost 30 years and I have a 7 gallon
shop-vac in the garage as well as a Bissel wet/vac/carpet cleaner. A
Sputnik and a Kirby at the office,

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:10:06 -0800, sms <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

Generally when buying appliances you want appliances that don't
"suck" $50 vacuums dont suck, they "suck"

I've rescued quite a few vacuums from the kerb over the years - some
cheap ones and some high end ones. The high end ones are worth sorting
out - usually just a bad connection somewhere. The cheap ones are
seldom worth fixing, but I waste time on them anyway - I give the good
ones to good homes. That's where the Kirby came from. Just shortened
the cord by about 2 feet and it was fine. (that's a "high end" upright
at $2000 a pop!!!!!)

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 19:35:03 -0700, Tony Hwang <drag...@shaw.ca>
wrote:

ANd very few 2 wire plugs are adequate for a 8, 10, or 12 amp
vacuum.
Might be OK for a $49 walmart special that draws 3 amps and can't pick
up confetti, bread crumbs, or pet hair.

[Tony Hwang]

Hmm,
My B&D hedge trimmer has two prong connector as well.
Electric turkey carving knife too. Mixer as well. Many
things have 2 prong plug.
Wire gauge and type of plug has any relationship?

[Vic Smith]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 19:30:33 -0700, Tony Hwang <drag...@shaw.ca>

I don't see where there would be a difference, unless spending more
gives you magic.
The 50 buck Bissell has so much suction it will pull the rugs up off
the floor if you move it too slowly. The brush does its job too.
Don't know the HP, but it draws 10 amps.
We don't want a central unit because the wife doesn't want to drag 30'
of hose around. Just the hose takes up more space than the upright.
Piping to every room, holes in the walls, the hose dragging on and
marring the woodwork. I know some people like it, but I think it's
just a fetish.
If it's expensive, it must be "good."
And nothing will clean a carpet better than a carpet beater.
Anyway, my wife is happy with the Bissell. She's the one who wanted
an extra one in case the first one ever quits.
We just have one little dog now, but before our long haired big dog
died, her hair messed up the brush bearings on our previous upright
Dirt Devil. Think that was 50 bucks too.
Bought 2 new brushes for it.
Haven't had that problem with the Bissell, but it could be because the
dog is gone.

[Marilyn & Bob]

On 2/20/2015 10:27 AM, SMS wrote:
> On 2/19/2015 8:08 PM, Marilyn & Bob wrote:
>> Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum
>> cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot)
>> and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two
>> prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty
>> of unpolarized plugs with screw terminals as well as polarized two prong
>> "quick attach" plugs that can attach to flat lamp cord, but nothing for
>> this very common use. Any ideas why this is the case? Or better than
>> that, where I can find what I am looking for?
>
> This is the one you want: <http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPANCA>.
>
>
No I don't. Despite the little diagram, a good look shows that this is
a non polarized plug.
--
Peace,
bobJ

[Marilyn & Bob]

On 2/20/2015 12:16 AM, gfre...@aol.com wrote:
> On Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:43:46 -0500, Marilyn & Bob
> <pri...@nospam.please> wrote:
>
>> On 2/19/2015 11:12 PM, bob_villa wrote:

>>> On Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 10:08:47 PM UTC-6, Marilyn & Bob wrote:
>>>> Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum
>>>> cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot)
>>>> and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two
>>>> prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty
>>>> of unpolarized plugs with screw terminals as well as polarized two prong
>>>> "quick attach" plugs that can attach to flat lamp cord, but nothing for
>>>> this very common use. Any ideas why this is the case? Or better than
>>>> that, where I can find what I am looking for?

>>>> --
>>>> Peace,
>>>> bobJ
>>>
>>> http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Straight-Residential-Polarized-Non-Grounding/dp/B000FPAN84/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1424405497&sr=8-4&keywords=2-prong+polarized+plug
>>>
>> I've looked at this one carefully as part of my search. As far as I can
>> tell, this is a "quick attach" type plug that does not have screw on
>> terminals.
>
> That one does have screw terminals and they have them at HD/Lowes
>
OP here. Thanks for all the comments. Just to end any confusion this
is a canister vacuum (Kenmore) with a retractable cord. The non
polarized plug that I am currently using (with the neutral blade side
painted to show it goes in the wide slot) works fine. Since many say
that the Leviton 101-P does have screw terminals, I guess I will try it.
Thanks for all your comments.
--
Peace,
bobJ

[Smarty]

Marilyn & Bob <pri...@nospam.please> wrote:

Please explain, Bob. The blades are clearly disimilar. Why do you say this
plug is non polarized?

[micky]

I suspect that because the only picture doesn't make it obvious, they
added the diagram. This is also something sold in stores, so you can
go and see for yourself.

Besides HD and Lowes, and even Ace and True Value, there are also
electrical supply houses that will sell retail. I like Ace.

[micky]

On the other hand, I think no matter which one goes first, you'll find
plenty of dirt in the second vacuum too. That was the secret that
door to door salesmen relied on, when they tried to show housewives that
there current vacuum was no good.

>The 50 buck Bissell has so much suction it will pull the rugs up off
>the floor if you move it too slowly. The brush does its job too.
>Don't know the HP, but it draws 10 amps.
>We don't want a central unit because the wife doesn't want to drag 30'
>of hose around. Just the hose takes up more space than the upright.
>Piping to every room, holes in the walls, the hose dragging on and
>marring the woodwork. I know some people like it, but I think it's
>just a fetish.
>If it's expensive, it must be "good."

Wouldn't be surprised.

[bob_villa]

On Friday, February 20, 2015 at 11:32:09 PM UTC-6, Marilyn & Bob wrote:

> > This is the one you want: <http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPANCA>.
> >
> >
> No I don't. Despite the little diagram, a good look shows that this is
> a non polarized plug.
> --
> Peace,
> bobJ

I have bought that particular one for an upright...it's huge but polarized. I would be careful and ease the shock when it is retracted!

[Marilyn & Bob]

Look carefully at the photograph of the plug. The blades _are similar_.
Don't look at the diagram which shows the SYMBOL for the 1-15P plug
configuration which includes polarized (with holes like the symbol) and
unpolarized same sized blade plugs.
--
Peace,
bobJ

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

I meant to say very few 2 wire extention cords.

[SMS]

LOL, the original poster may not be able to find it, but everyone else
had no trouble finding it!

McMaster also sells them. Home Depot sells them
<http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-15-Amp-125-Volt-Heavy-Duty-Polarized-Plug-with-Metal-Cord-Clamp-52160/203749207>.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a local hardware store that doesn't sell them.

[Steve Stone]

I've seen the same problem in my area. You can't find a polarized plug
next to the light bulb display at the local supermarket. You may not
even be able to find a non polarized plug, except perhaps at the dollar
store and it looks like it would melt the moment you put juice on it.
Perhaps society has decided we can't replace a plug without burning down
the house? For a very long time in the UK appliances didn't come with a
plug? You had to wire the plug yourself because different areas of the
country used different style plugs. Today in the USA a hardware store
(if you can find one) or a Home Depot or Lowes might have what you need,
but not a mainstream big box store.

[micky]

On Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:08:39 -0500, Marilyn & Bob
<pri...@nospam.please> wrote:

>Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum
>cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot)
>and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two
>prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty
>of unpolarized plugs with screw terminals as well as polarized two prong
>"quick attach" plugs that can attach to flat lamp cord, but nothing for
>this very common use. Any ideas why this is the case? Or better than
>that, where I can find what I am looking for?

I sympathize with the OP. It seems very hard to find a 2-prong
polarized plug that is reasonably small. Though I have both a 2 prong
and a 3-prong plug like the big ones suggested here, there is nothing
inside my house (except maybe a large power tool that I don't have yet)
that I would use one for.

I don't see any reason why a polarized plug for a small appliance has to
be bigger than the smallest permissable non-polarized plug. Is there a
reason?

One can't even easily find an attachable 2-prong polarized plug that is
as small as the original 2-prong polarized plug that came on the cord of
the appliance. Why is that?

And why have they put wider skirts at the base of the plastic on 2-prong
plugs, like in this picture:
http://www.c2g.com/uk/static/content/images/resources/connector-guides/450/089_2_prong_power_iso.jpg

Why can't you get polarized plugs like plugs 1 and 3 in this picture, or
just a trifle thicker if necesssary?
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server1700/0hnz9jf/products/75/images/370/plugs-2prong-nonpolarized-1__63425.1409980050.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

Is this to prevent 3 items from being plugged into narrow 3-in-1's cube
tabs like several I have. Don't they trust us anymore to keep track of
how many things are used at one time and how much current each one
draws. If we can't be trusted why to they allow the sale of cube-taps
at all? When I have a 2-prong plug whose plastic base is wider
than needed and so wide it interferes with plugging something in next to
it, I take a saw and cut off 3/16" or so of the plastic.

[Jerr...@spamblocked.com]

On Fri, 20 Feb 2015 08:26:30 +0000 (UTC), gregz <ze...@comcast.net>

wrote:

>>> Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum
>>> cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot)
>>> and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two
>>> prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty
>>

I dont understand this thread.....
I've seen polarized plugs sold everywhere. For example, Menards, Ace
Hardware, and others.... Just shop at a bigger hardware business, or go
to an electrical supply company. Apparently you're shopping at a small
hardware store that is still selling (OLD STOCK) plugs from the mid 20th
century.

On the other hand, you could probably use a standard plug on a vacuum
cleaner, since it's all encased in plastic anyhow, but to be on the safe
side, buy a polarized one.

[SMS]

On 2/22/2015 9:48 AM, micky wrote:

> I sympathize with the OP. It seems very hard to find a 2-prong
> polarized plug that is reasonably small. Though I have both a 2 prong
> and a 3-prong plug like the big ones suggested here, there is nothing
> inside my house (except maybe a large power tool that I don't have yet)
> that I would use one for.
>
> I don't see any reason why a polarized plug for a small appliance has to
> be bigger than the smallest permissable non-polarized plug. Is there a
> reason?

Because of the screw terminals.

What I would do in this case is to find a polarized two prong power cord
with a molded plug and splice it to the existing cord a few inches from
the plug. In that way it would not affect any retracting mechanism.

I.e.
<http://www.thepartsbiz.com/Universal-Vacuum-Cleaner-35-Foot-Power-Cord_p_19961.html>
or
<http://www.mpja.com/Power-Cord-3ft-IEC-C7-Polarized/productinfo/31842%20CB>.

The former looks round. It may even work as a retractable cord.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:41:40 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

Don't. There is a reason OHSA does not allow spliced cords. you would
have to solder the connections for them to take the tension and be
close to the original cord diameter, and solfering fine stranded cord
concentrates bending strain at the solder joint and the splice WILL
fail

[SMS]

Nonsense. Solder it properly (staggered for hot and neutral to avoid the
splice bulging) and use layers of heat shrink tubing to get the spliced
section to the original cord diameter and more heat shrink tubing over
the existing insulated cord. The problem with splicing is that so many
people do it wrong.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 18:24:38 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>

Do it your way - you will anyway. There IS a reason a spliced or
repaired cord on a worksite will be flagged by OSHA and a fine issued.
I know OSHA has no authority over what you do in your own home - but
soldered connections don't pass inspection in aircraft terminals
either, for the same reason.

For the others on the list who may listen to reason - Heat shrink
helps stabilize the joint - yes, but particularly in the case of a
self retracting cord on a vacuum DON'T DO IT.

And if using a screw-attached replacement plug on the retractable
cord, make sure you put a "buffer ball" on the cord to take the hit
when the cord hits the end winding in, or you will tear the plug off
unless you use a heavy-duty plug with a good cord clamp.

[CRNG]

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 18:24:38 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>

wrote in <54ea8f64$0$36587$742e...@news.sonic.net>

>>> What I would do in this case is to find a polarized two prong power cord
>>> with a molded plug and splice it to the existing cord a few inches from
>>> the plug. In that way it would not affect any retracting mechanism.
>>>
>>> I.e.
>>> <http://www.thepartsbiz.com/Universal-Vacuum-Cleaner-35-Foot-Power-Cord_p_19961.html>
>>> or
>>> <http://www.mpja.com/Power-Cord-3ft-IEC-C7-Polarized/productinfo/31842%20CB>.
>>>
>>> The former looks round. It may even work as a retractable cord.
>>>
>>>
>> Don't. There is a reason OHSA does not allow spliced cords. you would
>> have to solder the connections for them to take the tension and be
>> close to the original cord diameter, and solfering fine stranded cord
>> concentrates bending strain at the solder joint and the splice WILL
>> fail
>>
>
>Nonsense. Solder it properly (staggered for hot and neutral to avoid the
>splice bulging) and use layers of heat shrink tubing to get the spliced
>section to the original cord diameter and more heat shrink tubing over
>the existing insulated cord. The problem with splicing is that so many
>people do it wrong.

+1
--
Web based forums are like subscribing to 10 different newspapers
and having to visit 10 different news stands to pickup each one.
Email list-server groups and USENET are like having all of those
newspapers delivered to your door every morning.

[sms]

On 2/23/2015 5:42 AM, CRNG wrote:
> On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 18:24:38 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
> wrote in <54ea8f64$0$36587$742e...@news.sonic.net>
>
>>>> What I would do in this case is to find a polarized two prong power cord
>>>> with a molded plug and splice it to the existing cord a few inches from
>>>> the plug. In that way it would not affect any retracting mechanism.
>>>>
>>>> I.e.
>>>> <http://www.thepartsbiz.com/Universal-Vacuum-Cleaner-35-Foot-Power-Cord_p_19961.html>
>>>> or
>>>> <http://www.mpja.com/Power-Cord-3ft-IEC-C7-Polarized/productinfo/31842%20CB>.
>>>>
>>>> The former looks round. It may even work as a retractable cord.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Don't. There is a reason OHSA does not allow spliced cords. you would
>>> have to solder the connections for them to take the tension and be
>>> close to the original cord diameter, and solfering fine stranded cord
>>> concentrates bending strain at the solder joint and the splice WILL
>>> fail
>>>
>>
>> Nonsense. Solder it properly (staggered for hot and neutral to avoid the
>> splice bulging) and use layers of heat shrink tubing to get the spliced
>> section to the original cord diameter and more heat shrink tubing over
>> the existing insulated cord. The problem with splicing is that so many
>> people do it wrong.
>
> +1

A properly spliced joint with a molded on plug is much better than using
a screw terminal plug. It's all sealed against water when you're done
and the wires won't pull out due to loose screws or a kid yanking on the
cord rather than the plug.

The best solution is a complete cord replacement with a molded plug.

[TimR]

When I returned from overseas I needed to change a couple of plugs from Euro style to US, for dual voltage appliances.

I found plenty of plugs, but they appeared to be of very poor quality, even from the specialty hardware stores.

[Tony Hwang]

CRNG wrote:
> On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 18:24:38 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
> wrote in <54ea8f64$0$36587$742e...@news.sonic.net>
>
>>>> What I would do in this case is to find a polarized two prong power cord
>>>> with a molded plug and splice it to the existing cord a few inches from
>>>> the plug. In that way it would not affect any retracting mechanism.
>>>>
>>>> I.e.
>>>> <http://www.thepartsbiz.com/Universal-Vacuum-Cleaner-35-Foot-Power-Cord_p_19961.html>
>>>> or
>>>> <http://www.mpja.com/Power-Cord-3ft-IEC-C7-Polarized/productinfo/31842%20CB>.
>>>>
>>>> The former looks round. It may even work as a retractable cord.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Don't. There is a reason OHSA does not allow spliced cords. you would
>>> have to solder the connections for them to take the tension and be
>>> close to the original cord diameter, and solfering fine stranded cord
>>> concentrates bending strain at the solder joint and the splice WILL
>>> fail
>>>
>>
>> Nonsense. Solder it properly (staggered for hot and neutral to avoid the
>> splice bulging) and use layers of heat shrink tubing to get the spliced
>> section to the original cord diameter and more heat shrink tubing over
>> the existing insulated cord. The problem with splicing is that so many
>> people do it wrong.
>
> +1
>

Hi,
++1, splice by proper knotting or solddering use heat shrink tube and
tape the up and one more layer of rubber water proof tape, This is Mil-spec.

[sms]

On 2/23/2015 7:23 AM, TimR wrote:
> When I returned from overseas I needed to change a couple of plugs from Euro style to US, for dual voltage appliances.
>
> I found plenty of plugs, but they appeared to be of very poor quality, even from the specialty hardware stores.
>

There are some very good, two prong, polarized, plugs available but they
aren't small. They have a pretty big plastic body because of the screw
terminals inside and because of the strain relief system.

These are two good ones:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#6755k71 (1.26" diameter)
http://www.mcmaster.com/#71435K23 (diameter not specified)

It's usually better just to replace the whole power cord if possible. It
doesn't cost any more for a good power cord, it's just more work to take
the appliance apart. For less than $3 you can buy a 14-3 or 18-3 IEC
power cord. For under $5 you can buy a hospital grad 16-3 cord. You can
buy a polarized two conductor cord for under $2.

A canister vacuum cleaner is a little more complex because often they
have self-retracting cords and you do want to replace the plug and not
the cord. Even the ones with non-retracting cords usually have a very
long cord. In those cases I'd advise using one of the high-quality two
prong polarized plugs like the ones from McMaster. You want something
rugged on a vacuum cleaner. It really doesn't matter if the plug is a
little larger than the original. Worst case the plug doesn't go all the
way into the storage area when the cord is retracted.

[sms]

I think the problem here is that some people have never learned how to
properly splice. It's not difficult to learn, but if you want the splice
to be as strong as the original cord you need to take the proper steps.
One key step is to ensure that the spliced area is the same diameter as
the cord diameter, then put heat shrink over the splice and existing
cord for a sufficient length. Use thick heat shrink or multiple layers
of thinner heat shrink. You have to plan ahead of course, and have the
all the layers of unshrunk heat shrink on the cord before you splice it.

Stagger the splices as shown here:
<http://electriciantraining.tpub.com/14176/img/14176_46_2.jpg>. Shrink
over each one separately. Actually, since there will be additional heat
shrink over the whole cord this is one case where electrical tape on the
inside is okay, though I still prefer tubing.

The cord will not be as flexible with the splice so it won't work on
retractable cords.

[micky]

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:41:40 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

>On 2/22/2015 9:48 AM, micky wrote:
>
>> I sympathize with the OP. It seems very hard to find a 2-prong
>> polarized plug that is reasonably small. Though I have both a 2 prong
>> and a 3-prong plug like the big ones suggested here, there is nothing
>> inside my house (except maybe a large power tool that I don't have yet)
>> that I would use one for.
>>
>> I don't see any reason why a polarized plug for a small appliance has to
>> be bigger than the smallest permissable non-polarized plug. Is there a
>> reason?
>
>Because of the screw terminals.

That could not be the answer. Did you not read the rest of the post?

Here is the fourth paragraph:

Why can't you get polarized plugs like plugs 1 and 3 in this picture, or
just a trifle thicker if necesssary?
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server1700/0hnz9jf/products/75/images/370/plugs-2prong-nonpolarized-1__63425.1409980050.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

Plugs 1 and 3 have screw terminals. Why can't you get a polarized
plug like them, or a little thicker if the length/width of the wide
prong is a little too long for the current size?

Even the one first recommended
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Straight-Residential-Polarized-Non-Grounding/dp/B000FPAN84/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1424405497&sr=8-4&keywords=2-prong+polarized+plug
is much bigger than plugs 1 and 3.

[sms]

On 2/23/2015 8:55 AM, micky wrote:
> On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:41:40 -0800, SMS <scharf...@geemail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> On 2/22/2015 9:48 AM, micky wrote:
>>
>>> I sympathize with the OP. It seems very hard to find a 2-prong
>>> polarized plug that is reasonably small. Though I have both a 2 prong
>>> and a 3-prong plug like the big ones suggested here, there is nothing
>>> inside my house (except maybe a large power tool that I don't have yet)
>>> that I would use one for.
>>>
>>> I don't see any reason why a polarized plug for a small appliance has to
>>> be bigger than the smallest permissable non-polarized plug. Is there a
>>> reason?
>>
>> Because of the screw terminals.
>
> That could not be the answer. Did you not read the rest of the post?
>
> Here is the fourth paragraph:
>
> Why can't you get polarized plugs like plugs 1 and 3 in this picture, or
> just a trifle thicker if necesssary?
> http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server1700/0hnz9jf/products/75/images/370/plugs-2prong-nonpolarized-1__63425.1409980050.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

If you measure the largest dimension, you'll find that it's about the
sale as this one: <http://www.mcmaster.com/#6755k71>.

Those older style plugs had issues, but you can still find them, i.e.
<http://www.grandbrass.com/ShowItem.cfm?ItemNumber=PLGB01BR>. Again,
look at the diameter. That one is 1.25" wide, about the same as
<http://www.mcmaster.com/#6755k71>. It looks smaller because the
diameter at the cord entry is much smaller because it lacks the good
strain relief system.

You'll never get a screw terminal plug much less than 1.25" in the
widest dimension, only a molded plug will let you get narrower.

[Bennett]

Leviton offers a 14w04 - 2 prongs polarized but expensive ($16)
http://amzn.to/1LxmVaL

Consider instead http://amzn.to/1JEUEU6 $4.50 or get a 3 prong
at Home Depot/Lowes etc. and cut off the grounding prong.

[sms]

On 2/23/2015 5:42 PM, Bennett wrote:
> Leviton offers a 14w04 - 2 prongs polarized but expensive ($16)
> http://amzn.to/1LxmVaL
>
> Consider instead http://amzn.to/1JEUEU6 $4.50 or get a 3 prong
> at Home Depot/Lowes etc. and cut off the grounding prong.

You lose the polarization when you cut off the grounding prong.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:20:19 -0700, Tony Hwang <drag...@shaw.ca>
wrote:

And will NOT work in a cord retractor

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 08:41:13 -0800, sms <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

Which is what I've said half a dozen times

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:55:37 -0500, micky <NONONO...@bigfoot.com>
wrote:

The first one is the correct way to fix the vacuum cleaner.
Anything else is a patch, not a repair. The reason the small screw
type polarized plugs are so hard to find is you can't get proper
strain relief in the small cheap plug. The proper replacement cord
costs less than even a crappy polarized replacement plug

[sms]

But you're not doing this in the middle of the cord, you're doing it
just a few inches from the end. The part that is spliced is not going to
even be on the reel inside,

Personally I'd just use a good quality 2 prong polarized plug. But now
it's turned into something else, "why are the replacement plugs larger
than a molded on plug?"

[Ben Dover]

On 02/19/2015 07:08 PM, Marilyn & Bob wrote:
> Looking for a replacement plug for our vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a rubber coated round cord with insulation and a black (hot) and white (neutral) wire inside the cord. So it needs an ungrounded two prong POLARIZED plug where the wires attach via screw terminals. Plenty of unpolarized plugs with screw terminals as well as polarized two prong "quick attach" plugs that can attach to flat lamp cord, but nothing for this very common use. Any ideas why this is the case? Or better than that, where I can find what I am looking for?

> --
> Peace,
> bobJ

If you can't find a replacement plug at Amazon, they prolly ain't available.

[bob_villa]

Yes, the horse is dead...bury it and move on...

[Marilyn & Bob]

Why do you say that these plugs are polarized? Nothing in the text
indicates that this is so. Again the diagram indicates the receptacle
configuration for NEMA 1-15. NEMA 1-15 plugs can be either polarized or
not. Both will fit into the shown NEMA 1-15 receptacle. I have seen
plugs like this and the are NOT polarized.
--
Peace,
bobJ

[bob_villa]

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11:41:15 AM UTC-6, Marilyn & Bob wrote:

> Why do you say that these plugs are polarized? Nothing in the text
> indicates that this is so. Again the diagram indicates the receptacle
> configuration for NEMA 1-15. NEMA 1-15 plugs can be either polarized or
> not. Both will fit into the shown NEMA 1-15 receptacle. I have seen
> plugs like this and the are NOT polarized.
> --
> Peace,
> bobJ

Buy this for crap sakes and be done with it: http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-Straight-Residential-Polarized-Non-Grounding/dp/B000FPAN84/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1424405497&sr=8-4&keywords=2-prong+polarized+plug

[sms]

I sent an e-mail to McMaster and asked them. They replied that it was
polarized. You can do the same to confirm it.

I think it would be unlikely for any of those higher end plugs to be
non-polarized. Non-polarized are used for lamps and little AC adapters,
but not for appliances.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

On Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:41:48 -0800, sms <scharf...@geemail.com>
wrote:

I just bought 3 new lamps today - and guess what - ALL 3 had
polarized plugs

[trader_4]

Which is what you'd expect. You want the contact in the bottom of
the socket to be energized, not the screw base. I can't say that I've
paid attention, but I wouldn't be surprised if all new lamps like that
have polarized plugs.