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.
http://www.diy.110mb.com/flex1.jpg
http://www.diy.110mb.com/flex2.jpg

--
Geo