If you have a favorite lamp that has not worked in years, why throw it out? Why not re-wire it and allow it illuminate your life once again?
Many people feel intimidated when it comes to repairing a lamp, simply because there are wires involved. But do not fret! Follow this easy tutorial and you'll learn re-wire a lamp safely and quickly and you won't believe how easy it really is!
Instructions
1. The first step is to make sure the lamp is unplugged before working on it. Next, move it to a table where you will be comfortable.
2. Remove the shade, arm and light bulb. Next, look on the socket for an area that is inscribed "press here." If the socket has the inscription, gently press your thumb on the spot and lift the outer cover off of the switch (this will normally be comprised of the metallic outer cover and the cardboard insert).
If the socket does not have the inscription, just rock the sheath back and forth until it pops out.
3. With the cover off, gently pull the switch up and use the wire strippers to cut the wire. You are removing the existing switch and cord altogether so you do not have to be precise. Just cut the switch from the cord and toss it away.
Pull the lamp cord out of the fixture.
4. Next, measure out the length of lamp cord for your lamp. You want to make sure to take the height of the lamp into consideration.
Fish the lamp cord through the hole in the bottom of the lamp until it comes out of the top.
5. Now, that you have the length right, tie a knot in the lamp cord at the point where the cord exits the base of the lamp. The knot will be on the inside of the lamp. This prevents the cord from being accidentally pulled from the socket.
6. At the top of the lamp, split the two wires by pulling each wire in separate directions. Separate them only about two inches.
Use the wire strippers to strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire.
7. On the new socket, use the screwdriver to loosen the two terminal screws.
Wrap one wire around one screw and tighten it down. Do the same thing for the second wire. Make sure that the wires are not touching or hanging out from beneath the screws.
Next, wrap electrical tape around the terminals.
8. Set the socket back into position and slide the cardboard and metallic sheath over it to hold it secure. You should feel the sheath "snap" into place.
9. At the other end of the lamp cord, use the wire strippers to cut the end off on a diagonal angle.
10. Now, slide the lamp cord into the open slot on the pressure plug and close the arm on the plug to secure the connection.
11. Screw a new light bulb in, replace the arm and shade, plug the lamp in and turn it on.*
*Heavenly choir not included.
Tags: lamp cord, wire strippers, each wire, , make sure, outer cover