The ironing person reported unusual neon flashing which turned out to be a break in the usual position near the cord strain relief. I expected to be able to just chop off 6 inches and re-use the flex but found that the brown insulation throughout the length of the cable had gone to the consistency of plasticine. Dug out the spare iron for use while replacing the flex (2.5 metres at £1.99 per metre =£4.97 at the local shop against £10.62 at B&Q). The new cable has an outer black rubber sheath but none of the cotton threads so is not so flexible.
Checked the flex on the spare iron and found the same problem - only the brown insulation faulty - you can squeeze it between thumb and finger and bare the wire.
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