Thank you so much for the really helpful tutorial. Looks like my 25m extension reel is failing due to the rocker switch being faulty. Did a continuity test either side of the switch with it being in the on position but there is no power. Struggling to find a replacement for it. I have searched Google, Amazon UK and Ebay UK using the switch model number. Really annoying as it's such a simple fix.
I believe there is another option to check if the break or breaks are somewhere along the cable. Sometimes there is an 'intermittent' connection. To check the entire cable, first check each of the the L and N wires individually by attaching crocodile clips, one at either end, and as you go along, to stretch/bend the cable slightly until it buzzes, or while it buzzes until it stops, which will probably be near the source of the problem. You then secure the cable at either end of the 'fault' about 30 to 40cm from the 'fault' and wiggle the isolated area again to get a smaller area of where the fault may be, cut and recheck each section to see which side is broken then cut away the damaged section and splice the two ends and this will reduce the amount of cable you throw away. If the slight movement doesn't work then you will need to bend the cord with larger movements. Always double check the cord before cutting and after as you may have multiple breaks. Also if the cord is dead then you could also use the wiggle method at the input and output ends where the problem could most likely be. Let me know if you think this won't work.
When one of my fairly long extension cords (30m) stopped working, I didn't know about these methods of troubleshooting it. I used a non-contact voltage tester and ran it along the cord until it stopped finding current in the wire. I assumed that's where the break was, I cut the cord and found some fraying in the live wire, used self-soldering wire connectors and heat shrink tubing to put it back together (plus an extra sleeve of gel heat shrink over the top of the whole wire) and it was fine. Granted, I lucked out because the break was in the live wire. It it'd've been in the neutral or the ground wires, it's doubtful my method would've yielded good results.
The Digitech 20 metre extension reel has round dome shaped screw-heads on the plastic reel cover plate. What kind of tool is used to remove that shape? Those damn safety rotating plastic tabs that cover the female sockets cause problems after some wear by not turning when trying to insert a male plug. I wanna remove the damn things but have no idea how to remove the dome shaped screw heads short of using a cutting wheel on a dremel to create a slot for a flat head screw-driver. Maybe I should just drill through the damn things. Any ideas?
Oh, I forgot to say I also used a dremell with a mini cutting disk to properly cut the slots in the 2 faceplate screws. Easier still if there's ever a next time! Thanks again!
every down to earth approach, and one of the most informative video's I have watched, and covered safety aspects very well. Well done
Really good explanation and instruction for a problem solve. Exactly what I wanted to know. Took time but saved me several pounds.
I was about to throw out my extension cord but thanks to your tutorial I fixed it. More power to your channel Sir.
Thank you so much. I followed your instructions and repaired my extension cord and also learnt something new along the way.
I was asked this particular question in my job interview. Very Informative, Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
So, how did you fix the thermal cut out, did you replace it or bypass it?
Thank you so much for the really helpful tutorial. Looks like my 25m extension reel is failing due to the rocker switch being faulty. Did a continuity test either side of the switch with it being in the on position but there is no power. Struggling to find a replacement for it. I have searched Google, Amazon UK and Ebay UK using the switch model number. Really annoying as it's such a simple fix.
I believe there is another option to check if the break or breaks are somewhere along the cable. Sometimes there is an 'intermittent' connection. To check the entire cable, first check each of the the L and N wires individually by attaching crocodile clips, one at either end, and as you go along, to stretch/bend the cable slightly until it buzzes, or while it buzzes until it stops, which will probably be near the source of the problem. You then secure the cable at either end of the 'fault' about 30 to 40cm from the 'fault' and wiggle the isolated area again to get a smaller area of where the fault may be, cut and recheck each section to see which side is broken then cut away the damaged section and splice the two ends and this will reduce the amount of cable you throw away. If the slight movement doesn't work then you will need to bend the cord with larger movements. Always double check the cord before cutting and after as you may have multiple breaks. Also if the cord is dead then you could also use the wiggle method at the input and output ends where the problem could most likely be. Let me know if you think this won't work.
When one of my fairly long extension cords (30m) stopped working, I didn't know about these methods of troubleshooting it. I used a non-contact voltage tester and ran it along the cord until it stopped finding current in the wire. I assumed that's where the break was, I cut the cord and found some fraying in the live wire, used self-soldering wire connectors and heat shrink tubing to put it back together (plus an extra sleeve of gel heat shrink over the top of the whole wire) and it was fine. Granted, I lucked out because the break was in the live wire. It it'd've been in the neutral or the ground wires, it's doubtful my method would've yielded good results.
A FANTASTIC SIR,,, VERY GOOD EXPLANATION,,,
Thankyou for this great video.
Has given me great help.
Thankyou.
Great tutorial! Just fixed my cable reel thanks to this. Clearly explained and systematic/thorough. Thanks very much ☺
How did you repair the heAt sink part
The Digitech 20 metre extension reel has round dome shaped screw-heads on the plastic reel cover plate. What kind of tool is used to remove that shape? Those damn safety rotating plastic tabs that cover the female sockets cause problems after some wear by not turning when trying to insert a male plug. I wanna remove the damn things but have no idea how to remove the dome shaped screw heads short of using a cutting wheel on a dremel to create a slot for a flat head screw-driver. Maybe I should just drill through the damn things. Any ideas?
So how did u fix it ? Chnge the reset button ?
Thanks mate, very helpful
what happened at 12:30 ? how is it 'fixed' now?
Thank you. Solved. 👍🏻🏴
Oh, I forgot to say I also used a dremell with a mini cutting disk to properly cut the slots in the 2 faceplate screws. Easier still if there's ever a next time! Thanks again!
Thank you
SA plug!!
SA accent:)
Strange video, he finds a ligitimate fault but doesn't tell us how he fixed it.
had camera issues on this video
Use your 'noggin' dude, or don't attempt this kind of work 😜.