Replace power plug: replace Schuko plug
If the power plug or cable is defective, replacing the Schuko plug can be an inexpensive alternative to buying a new one. You also need to know how to connect a Schuko plug in order to extend or shorten power cables or convert foreign plugs to the German network. We explain it to you in these instructions.
Replacing the Schuko plug can be dangerous for laypeople
Unprofessional use of electricity can be dangerous, especially with the home network:
- An AC voltage of 230 volts is common in the house network.
- The fuse only goes off at 16 amps, with three-phase connections, for example from the stove, almost 50 amps flow before the fuse breaks the circuit.
- Depending on the performance of the consumer, a lot of electricity sometimes flows through the cable via your Schuko plug.
- An electric shock could result in injury and, in the worst case, even death.
- A high current can also lead to a cable fire, which is dangerous for you, all residents of the house and the property itself.
- If improper wiring is identified as the cause of the fire, no insurance will take over the damage.
- Safer are battery-operated electrical handicrafts, or circuits that are supplied by a power supply with low voltage.
- We urge you to consult a specialist if you are unfamiliar with replacing a Schuko plug.
What exactly is a Schuko plug?
The following basic knowledge will help you to replace a Schuko plug.
- The Schuko plug is a type F safety plug.
- Screwable Schuko plugs are available, for example, from Amazon at low prices.
- The contact pins are plugged into the socket and lead phase and neutral.
- Depending on the direction in which you insert the plug into the socket, the phase and neutral conductor may be interchanged. However, this does not harm most devices.
- The grounding is outside and is centered above and below the contact pins.
Exchange Schuko plug
With a new Schuko plug you can, for example, repair the power connection of a device with a defective cable or plug, shorten a cable or convert a plug of another type for the German power grid. You can find out how to lengthen or shorten a cable by soldering in a separate article. The following steps are necessary for the safe and long-term use of a Schuko plug:
- Use the following steps very carefully and carefully. At the beginning, disconnect the device to be repaired from the power supply.
- Cut or snap off the defective connector - including the defective cable if necessary - with a knife or a side cutter.
- Expose the wires of the cable. Remove about three centimeters of the cable jacket.
- You should strip about half a centimeter of the wires.
- Put a wire end sleeve matching the cross-section of the wire over the wire tips and tighten them with crimping pliers.
- Open the Schuko plug.
- Attach the grounding under the screw in the middle of the connector.
- Push the other two wires into one of the contact pins and clamp them there firmly with the screws.
- Screw the cable tight and then put the Schuko plug back together.
- Note: As mentioned at the beginning of the article, you should stay away from plugs if you are not familiar with them and would rather rely on the expertise of a specialist. In the end, even if you pay more for the service than if you did it yourself, it is definitely safer.
You can find a short-term solution in the following picture gallery. Attention: This solution is not intended for permanent use. The solder can deform after a short time, with the result that the cable is no longer tight and causes a short circuit or cable fire. Even at high loads, solder can start to burn, we advise you to follow the instructions above.
Attention: The instructions are at your own risk. The author and CHIP Online accept no liability for potential damage.
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For tools you need a side cutter or combination pliers to cut the power cable, a knife or a cable tie pliers to strip the three strands, wire end sleeves and crimping pliers to hold the stranded tips together and suitable screwdrivers to open the replacement Schuko plug and the cables pull tight. Alternatively, as a short-term solution, you can use a soldering iron to solder the tips. However, there is a risk of a cable fire, which is why you should only consider this for short use as improvisation at your own risk.
Power cables can look different. Normally, the ground is covered in yellow-green, the phase and neutral are often black, brown, gray or blue. In this photo, the ground is not covered individually. In the case of three-phase current in European power networks, it is only important that you connect the earth correctly, the other two wires can be swapped freely. Strip about half a centimeter of the three wire tips and solder the wire connection in each case.
First, clamp the ground under the screw in the middle of the connector. Then push the other wires into each of the contact pins and screw it there. Make sure that there is as little exposed cable peeping out. Under no circumstances should stripped wires touch. Finally, screw the entire cable firmly onto the connector.
Now screw the plug together. Make sure that no wire is visible. The cable must completely disappear into the connector.
