Handyman James Young visits
TIPical Mary Ellen to share tips on bringing new life to an old lamp with host Mary Ellen Pinkham.
Parts:
socket light switch
new cord
Tools:
screwdriver
wrench or pliers
Steps:
- First unplug the lamp and check to see if there is a problem with the bulb, fuse or circuit. If there are no problems in those areas, then the lamp needs a new switch, electrical cord or both.
- Start by removing the shade and the harp that holds the shade in place. Remove the harp by sliding the sleeves up the arms of the harp, then squeezing the base of the harp inward so that it unclips from the lamp.
- Remove the outer shell of the socket and its insulating sleeve by either pressing down or unscrewing the socket (figure A). Unscrew the wires from the terminals on either side of the socket and remove the socket. Begin to install a new switch by tying an underwriter's knot to prevent the wires from coming loose from the terminal. Place the new switch into the socket cap, screw in the wires and reassemble.
- If the problem is not in the switch, examine the cord for cracks, fraying, bare wires or loose connections at the plug.
- If the cord needs to be replaced, begin by taking apart the socket again. Untie the underwriter's knot, then turn the lamp over and loosen the nut where the cord comes in with the wrench or pliers. Remove the wire from the tube, and thread in a new cord (figure B).
- The switch should have a silver screw for ground, and a brass screw for hot. One side of the cord should be ridged, and that wire should be attached to the ground screw in the switch. Attach the other cord to the brass or hot terminal. Reassemble the lamp.
Hint:
- There are a couple of ways to add a dimmer switch to a lamp. Some home-improvement stores offer cords with an inline dimmer already wired into the cord. An inline dimmer box can also be installed on an existing cord. Just cut the cord in a suitable place and wire the dimmer according to directions. Be sure to unplug the lamp before performing any maintenance.
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