Is it OK to replace plug (and some wire) from coffee pot with plug from clock radio?

Question

Is it OK to replace the plug (and some wire) from a coffee pot with the plug (and some wire) from a clock radio?

If it's OK, can I make the coffee pot wire longer as well?

I've done this and the new wire from the clock radio seems to be warmer than the wire from the coffee pot.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

The power demands on a coffee pot can be upwards of 1000 to 1200 watts  and  a clock radio maybe 5 to 10...this is a huge difference.  I would buy new 'appliance' wire in 12 gauge...it will only cost a few dollars if that.  It is not worth the risk....Thin wires overheat when the carry too much current.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

My husband agrees with you KMS,  he thinks it is an unsafe situation with too much current being carried by an inappropriate sized wire.  You could start a fire in your home. Buy a new coffee pot and a heavy duty extension cable to get your coffee pot where you want it to be.

LandlightS · Answer

Additionally, you want to make the connection in the coffee pot.  I do not recommend splicing the wire and using black electric tape to cover the butt connectors or wire nuts(connectors).  All in all, you are better off and far safer buying a new coffee pot !
Gary

LandlightS · Answer

Additionally, and more important.......IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO MAKE THE LENGHT OF THE WIRE LONGER.  the LENGHT of the wire is calculated to carry X numer of AMPs by the manufacturer.  Making the wire longer will set the stage for a fire !!!

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

There is still one other thing to consider. If you remove the wire from the clock radio, how will you know its time to wake up and make the coffee? 
If you cannot replace the entire wire from the inside of the coffee maker using a new properly sized wire with plug, then throw the coffee maker out as you will end up burning down the house or kill yourself with a short. 
The warmer wire is the result of being undersized. Not only does it heat up, it also prevents the appliance from operating as it should.

D M · Answer

Thanks for the input. I thought that may be unsafe. How about buying a replacement plug where I use only the original wire (no wire splicing)? I've done this before with a lamp and had no problems for 26 years.

LandlightS · Answer

If the original cord is intact, with no fraying or cracks in the insulation, yes you can replace the plug.  Depending on the age of the coffee pot.....make sure you match the new plug to the old plug,,,,,,,,,,,either 2 prongs with a ground prong, or just two prongs.
Make sure the white wire goes to the wide prong of the new plug (the silver screw) and the black wire to the narrow prong (the brass screw) and the green wire, if present, to the round prong (green screw) and make sure the connections are as tight as you can get them.

Robert....I loved your comment about telling the time to make coffee.,,,Gary

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I have not used a drip machine in many years....our morning caffeine infusion is delivered via higher end Espresso machine. http://www.wholelattelove.com/buyingguide.cfm?buyingguideID=19 the power cord on it is the size of my pinky finger...and only about 2 feet long. I tested it with my kill-a-watt meter...on heat up it pulls a bit over 1200 watts. @ woodbridge...your clock comment made my morning...we have 3 dogs so alarm clocks are not needed.

D M · Answer

both wires are white and seem to be identical....doesn't have black & white - 2 different color wires.

bottom of coffee maker says 120V 60HZ 900W. can I use GE 125V 15A replacement plug, or is there a different one I should use?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

If your speaking about the plug, yes that will be fine.  As far as black and white, ideally one of the two wires, the wire itself may be a darker copper color then the other, but as long as there is no ground it really will make no difference.

BOn · Answer

The grounding prong broke off my coffeemaker. Is the coffee maker still safe to use?

Is it OK to replace plug (and some wire) from coffee pot with plug from clock radio?

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Is it OK to replace plug (and some wire) from coffee pot with plug from clock radio?

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