That's the AC Power Adapter. It converts the AC (household) power to a DC voltage. Putting it in a box external of the scanner reduces heat build up inside the scanner and may be more cost effective.
The wires break at the plug or the end of the strain relief (the round plastic/rubber ribs behind the plug) when bent at too sharp an angle, released, bent again repeated over time.
Replace the power adapter, make does not matter as long as the AC IN voltage and output voltage and current ratings are the same.
All Epson Scanners disassemble in the same manner, follow the instructions in post 4.
White lithium grease or a light weight grease with teflon such as
https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Premium-Grease-Fluoropolymer/dp/B002L5YYYA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509916150&sr=8-1&keywords=teflon+grease+finish+line&th=1&psc=1
Apply a trace that is just detectable.
Its usually caused by the plastic gassing out as very little grease is used. The type of glass cleaner may attract contaminates from the atmosphere as the scanner is not air tight and glass cleaners leave a residue. I use Windex then rub down with a clean heavyweight microfiber lens cleaning cloth once the Windex residue has dried.