Is it possible to repair or replace a white goods electrical cable?

[Bambinho]

Unfortunately have had a rat problem in an outbuilding and one of the blighters has chewed into the electrical cable of my practically brand new (sob!) freezer.

It's just a cheapie Beko undercounter freezer bought specifically as they are guaranteed ok for outbuildings. Checked my house insurance with a sinking feeling and, yep, the excess is the same as the freezer cost.

So, does anyone know if it's feasible to replace or add to the cable? The damage is about 5 inches from where the cable come out the freezer so thinking possibly put on a plug from where it's undamaged and have the shortest cable in the world into an extension lead or see if an electrician can do anything with it - looking for the most economical option.

[SittingDrinkingTea]

An electrician could do it but would probably cost more than the freezer. In some white goods the cable just terminates onto a junction box that may be easily accessible but you need someone who knows what they're looking for.
Putting on a new plug close to the unit and adding an extension cord should be fine as long as there is no chance of it getting wet.

(This is from my DH who knows about these things)

[Testificateman]

It all depends on how the flex is connected on the inside. If you are unsure, please do not attempt it.
Is it possible to move the freezer closer to the socket and put a plug on the shortened flex?

[HerodZackHunt]

An electrician should be able to cut and splice the two bits of cable with a suitable junction box. Don't do it yourself. Quick job.

[MrsWooster]

You can get joiners- wired like a plug onto both ends of the severed wire and then screwed together. Very useful if you, for example, run over your lawnmower cable several times. Cost pence and easy to do yourself if you can wire a plug.

[Bambinho]

Thanks for the comments, the lead is at ground level and the wall sockets are higher then the top of the freezer, about 4ft I think, so an extension lead will probably be the best solution.

[Testificateman]

Be very careful using an extension lead for something like a freezer. Also, I wouldn't use a joint to join two ends together. Don't forget, your freezer will be on all the time and can overheat insufficient joints and extensions.

[Bambinho]

Testificateman take your points and will call an electrician to see what the likely cost is for a safe repair.

[johnd2]

Dead easy, just unplug, strip back the cores a little, and terminate into a new plug. Then put the fuse from the old plug in the new plug, and dispose safely of the old one.
You can get inline 3 pin connectors, but a single plug is probably simpler for diy.