Come on guys This isn't rocket science. 12 volts in the wire that runs down the side and is connected to the glow plug. This is were mine was faulty. The wire appeared to be in tack but was broken under the red wire insulation. This caused it to work one time then not the next. It also increased the burn time. After replaceing that wire mine has worked problem free for 4 or 5 years. A good ground on the wire connected to the handle and it will work unless you have a faulty glow plug. Try hooking it direct to a battery with just one small jumper. Dont fill th pot with oxalic maybe just alittle water. It should boil in about 30 sec. As for the zip cord I have 20 ft on mine so it reaches my truck battery at all yards