Rewiring an Antique Lamp

Figure A (Click to enlarge) Figure B (Click to enlarge) Figure C (Click to enlarge) Figure D (Click to enlarge) Figure E (Click to enlarge)

Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows a guest how to tune-up a beloved antique lamp. He shares tips for disassembling the lamp and tracking down the problem. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this project a one.

Tools:

wire cutters
wire strippers
screwdrivers
needle-nose pliers
3-way porcelain mogul socket, rated 750w-250v
14-gauge wire
wire nuts

Steps:

1. Unplug lamp and remove the glove and bulbs.

2. Separate the socket from the stem to reveal wiring (figure A).

3. Remove any old electrical tape, working one connection at a time. Remove the bad wiring.

4. Insert new 14-gauge wire. Strip and trim the wire, then make your connections.

5. Connect the wires securely using wire nuts (figure C).

6. Feed main socket wires up through stem (figure D). Repeat the process on each side socket, trimming back salvageable wires to good clean surfaces and replacing those that are too far gone.

7. Fit it all back into place.

8. Trim wires to socket, stripping 3/4-inch of insulation off each wire, and hook ends of wire to contact socket connections (figure).

9. Secure the screws, assemble cover and add switch.

10. Replace globe and bulbs, and enjoy basking in the light of your refurbished lamp (figure E).

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-218
•	Crumbling Brick Column
•	Rewiring an Antique Lamp
•	Beam Replacement
•	Fire Extinguisher