The sewing machine was invented in the middle of the industrial revolution, but before the widespread application of electric motors. To turn the sewing mechanism required the use of ones own people power. This was achieved either by rocking a level with your feet or turning a handle with your hand.
For well over a century the preferred method of powering a sewing machine was with the foot driven treadle system. It consisted of a pivoting foot lever that turned a wheel connected to the sewing machine by a belt. Even today treadle machines are manufactured by Janome International for use where electric power is scarce, undependable, undesirable, or expensive. In addition to the foot driven models, there were thousands of hand crank machines manufactured.
In the early 1900s, the sewing machine exchanged the physical power for electrical power. Small electric motors were mounted next to the sewing machine and a belt drive replace the treadle belt and hand crank.
With the introduction of electricity and electric motors, came relief from the physical work of pumping or turning the sewing machine. Also, however, came issues of electrical shock, fire, and shorts. The power systems in the United States and Europe were different. The quality of wiring in homes varied greatly. All of this power had to be transferred through the electric cord.
A power transformer could be used to adjust to differing power systems. Just plug in and go. The catch is that everything has to be in good condition to work properly.
It may seem a small thing, but the sewing machine power cord is a very important and delicate part of the sewing machine. Over time the sewing machine power cord may become worn. The insulation may crack or even brake away from the wire. The two wires may become exposed to each other creating a dangerous electrical problem. Not only can shorts or opens cause your sewing machine to fail and cease operating. Shock and electrical discharges can cause fires, ruin motors, destroy circuit boards, and generally mess everything up.
So, check out that power cord every time you plug it in. Check it for wear and tear. Check it for insulation cracks, cuts, pinched spots, and anywhere the wires might be exposed or vulnerable to short. Check the plug too. Avoid too many items plugged into a circuit. Prevent problems.
You may find spots on the cord that are not real bad, but could become a problem. There might be slight cuts, nicks, or cracks. You can fix these by wrapping them with electrical tape. Be sure that you wrap a little above and below the abrasion.
If you see cracks or an obvious break in the power cord, repair the cord by cutting the bad spot out of the power cord. Join only good ends by separating the two wires on each section. Make sure the insulation is intact. Attach the appropriate ends together. Remember you are working with AC voltage so as long as the wire is continuous after joining, they will work. You may solder the ends or use wire nuts to join the wire. Once the wires are joined, cover the joint with electricians tape thoroughly to prevent further wear.
One sure cure for a bad power cord is a new one. Trade a couple of dollars for safety and dependability. You may need to replace the foot pedal if it is connected as well, but sometimes you can install the new cord on the old pedal.
If the foot control also requires replacement, you may research aftermarket sources for the part. If the machine was a very popular model or is not older than ten years; an original product may be available. Otherwise, an aftermarket product may be available. Often older machine foot controls may be replaced with generic foot control.
Caution: Fix or replace bad power cords. Save you home and your life.
For well over a century the preferred method of powering a sewing machine was with the foot driven treadle system. It consisted of a pivoting foot lever that turned a wheel connected to the sewing machine by a belt. Even today treadle machines are manufactured by Janome International for use where electric power is scarce, undependable, undesirable, or expensive. In addition to the foot driven models, there were thousands of hand crank machines manufactured.
In the early 1900s, the sewing machine exchanged the physical power for electrical power. Small electric motors were mounted next to the sewing machine and a belt drive replace the treadle belt and hand crank.
With the introduction of electricity and electric motors, came relief from the physical work of pumping or turning the sewing machine. Also, however, came issues of electrical shock, fire, and shorts. The power systems in the United States and Europe were different. The quality of wiring in homes varied greatly. All of this power had to be transferred through the electric cord.
A power transformer could be used to adjust to differing power systems. Just plug in and go. The catch is that everything has to be in good condition to work properly.
It may seem a small thing, but the sewing machine power cord is a very important and delicate part of the sewing machine. Over time the sewing machine power cord may become worn. The insulation may crack or even brake away from the wire. The two wires may become exposed to each other creating a dangerous electrical problem. Not only can shorts or opens cause your sewing machine to fail and cease operating. Shock and electrical discharges can cause fires, ruin motors, destroy circuit boards, and generally mess everything up.
So, check out that power cord every time you plug it in. Check it for wear and tear. Check it for insulation cracks, cuts, pinched spots, and anywhere the wires might be exposed or vulnerable to short. Check the plug too. Avoid too many items plugged into a circuit. Prevent problems.
You may find spots on the cord that are not real bad, but could become a problem. There might be slight cuts, nicks, or cracks. You can fix these by wrapping them with electrical tape. Be sure that you wrap a little above and below the abrasion.
If you see cracks or an obvious break in the power cord, repair the cord by cutting the bad spot out of the power cord. Join only good ends by separating the two wires on each section. Make sure the insulation is intact. Attach the appropriate ends together. Remember you are working with AC voltage so as long as the wire is continuous after joining, they will work. You may solder the ends or use wire nuts to join the wire. Once the wires are joined, cover the joint with electricians tape thoroughly to prevent further wear.
One sure cure for a bad power cord is a new one. Trade a couple of dollars for safety and dependability. You may need to replace the foot pedal if it is connected as well, but sometimes you can install the new cord on the old pedal.
If the foot control also requires replacement, you may research aftermarket sources for the part. If the machine was a very popular model or is not older than ten years; an original product may be available. Otherwise, an aftermarket product may be available. Often older machine foot controls may be replaced with generic foot control.
Caution: Fix or replace bad power cords. Save you home and your life.
About the Author:
Learn the Secrets of Sewing Machine Repair and the complete Sewing Machine Repair Courses by Author David Trumble. Get your free beginner's course.
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