MissMTS

I have an eclipse hood and the power cord to the light is warped. The rubber has worn off of the outside of one part. The cord does not come in contact with water, but one day it started sparking because the copper wire was exposed. I am going to take it in and try to get it fixed, but for the time being, would it be safe to wrap the cord in electrical tape? I am not very savy with electronics, so I don't know if this is okay or not, but I would appreciate the imput

capekate

Oh Boy kate,
Im not very savy with these things either.. but water and electrical wires just dont mix! I would be real careful about that idea.. but I dont know what else to suggest other than pleassse... be careful!

MissMTS

Yeah, I don't know if I want to try it. I am such a scaredy cat when it comes to that kind of stuff. When it started sparking I ran out of the room and made Mike turn everything off for me, lol. I may see if my he will let me buy a new one or see if I can find one on craigslist. I just think it will be more expensive than its worth to get it re-wired

navyscuba

I don't recommend electrical tape unless is a quick fix. A good way to fix it is to cut it splice the cable again and use some shrink cable covers. Once the cable is cut slide these into it and fix the cable and then slide the shrink connection on the bare wire area and then get a hair dryer and heat the area and this cover will shrink and form a water tight seal. Good luck.

prairielilly

I had a heater a while back where the cover of the top came loose - nothing came apart but bc the top was loose I replaced it anyway, at a cost of $50, to be sure. I'd agree with navyscuba and capekate - electrical tape is a decent temporary quick fix, but you've still got a bare wire with electricity going through it right beside a volume of water...pretty risky IMO. When it comes to safety, spending a little extra is definitely worth it!

MissMTS

Thanks for the advice Yikes! That sounds way too complicated for me since I have never repaired any electronics before. I don't know where I could even take it to get it fixed. All of the repair shops in my area specialize in tvs, computers, audio, etc....

MissMTS

Thanks Marsha. I think I will need to spend the extra money. It does seem too risky. I still can't afford to buy everything new though. The light fixture alone would be $30! Hopefully I will be able to find a good deal.

prairielilly

I don't know that you'll find any repair shops specializing in aquarium-hood repair...any place that deals with cords on other appliances, tv's etc should have no problem.

MissMTS

Hmmmm maybe I should take it in and have them quote me a price to fix it. I can't imagine it would be very hard to do, I just don't have any clue how much they will charge me.

navyscuba

If you know an electrician or someone that deals with computers they can give you a hand on that. I would do it for free but we are way apart. haha. Good Luck.

babyblu

I was just going to suggest this option, as well as wish you luck with it - be careful!!

MissMTS

Awww too bad you are so far away! I would totally take you up on that offer I don't know anyone personally, but maybe I can ask around.