Table lamps Loholighting are a great way to add ambiance and elegance to your home, office or garden. They are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Some are very intricate and others have simple, clean lines. The best way to keep your lamp looking good is to have it repaired as soon as you notice damage. This will help to extend the life of your lamp and also protect you from a potential fire hazard.
The most common problem with a table lamp is a damaged or broken socket. This can lead to a short circuit and potentially cause a fire. Often the socket will need to be replaced completely. Having the right tools and understanding how to make the repair correctly will ensure that your lamp is safe and looks its best.
To begin the process, make sure your lamp is turned off and unscrewed from the base. Then remove the shade. Use a screwdriver to press the sleeve of the socket out. If the sleeve has a “press here” inscription, push down on this a little with your thumb to release it from the spindle. Pull out the old socket and the cord.
If you plan to reuse the old socket, it is important that you don’t try to force it back into place. This will likely result in the plastic clips that hold the wires in the socket breaking off or becoming detached. This can lead to a wire strand becoming exposed which poses a serious shock and fire hazard. If you must reuse the old socket, use a pair of wire strippers to cut off the bare wire ends and trim them down about 1/2 inch. Wrap the trimmed ends of the cord with electrical tape to prevent fraying.
For this rewiring project, it is recommended that you use a new 18 gauge lamp cord. A basic home center or hardware store will carry this but some specialty stores may have more variety. If you choose to use a different type of cord, make sure it is UL approved and that the color code matches. It is helpful to use a wire stripper with the correct set of notches for lamp cords (Photo 1). The neutral or common wire is usually black or white and is distinguished from the hot wire by its ribbed covering. It should connect to the silver screw on the new socket, while the hot lead should be connected to the gold/brass screw.
If your lamp needs a socket and switch replacement, I can usually take care of this for you while you wait. If the damage is more extensive or there are multiple light fixtures, you will probably need to leave it with me for a little longer. Please call ahead to let me know what you need so I can have the proper parts ready for you when you arrive. This will save you both time and money.
