Abstract: A vending machine wiring system including a modular wiring harness and a mating, modular power cord that is non-integral with the wiring harness. The wiring harness includes a junction box housing a compressor socket, a pair of quick-disconnect tabs for connection to a thermostat or refrigeration relay, and a plurality of power leads of different configurations for use in corresponding types of vending machine. The wiring harness also includes a short, integral power cord that extends from the junction box, and that terminates in a first electrical connector. The modular power cord includes a cable, a standard grounded plug at one end of the cable of a type insertable into a wall receptacle and a second electrical connector at the other end of the cable configured for mating with and quick release from the first electrical connector. The cable is made with wire having an appropriate gauge for the current used by vending machines.