How to Rewire a Floor Lamp

June 25, 2010

Today I’m going to provide step-by-step instructions with pictures on how to rewire a floor lamp. The lamp cord was damaged and needed to be replaced. In my opinion, this is the best method for repairing a bad or damaged lamp cord. Another alternative would be to use butt splices and heat shrink tubing. However, this looks tacky and very unprofessional.

Before we get started, be sure the lamp is unplugged, remove the lamp shade and light bulb.

As you can see in the image, the lamp cord was damaged. My step son’s puppy chewed the cord. So it needs to be replaced.	Click on image to enlarge
You are going to need some lamp cord and a plug for materials to complete this task. These items cost me a little under $6.00 at Lowes.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 1. Remove the lamp harp.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 2. Remove the outer part of the lamp socket.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 3. Now grab the inner part of the lamp socket and gently pull it out exposing 6 to 8 inches of the lamp cord.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 4. This is what your lamp should look like at this point.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 5. Now tip the socket upside down; turning the wires up.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 6. Slip the wires out of the supports.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 7. Now you need something small to remove the wires. A large paper clip works well here.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 8. If you look in the hole with the wire, you will notice a piece of spring steel at an approximate 45 degree angle pinching the wire. Simply push down on the spring steel while pulling the wire out.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 9. Repeat the process for the other wire.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 10. Now remove the clear bushing.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 11. Now go to the bottom of the lamp and cut the lamp cord to approximately 6 inches long.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 12. Remove the clear bushing at the bottom of the lamp.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 13. Use your diagonal pliers to cut down the center of the wires approximately 1/2 of an inch deep.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 14. Spread the 2 wires apart approximately 4 inches long.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 15. Strip approximately 2 1/2 inches of insulation off of the wires.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 16. Twist the strands of wire together; counterclockwise.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 17. Create a “U” shape with the bare wire. Bend the bare wire approximately 1/2 of an inch away from the insulation. Hook the 2 wires together and wrap the 1 inch tails back on each wire so that it looks like the picture.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 18. Use electrical tape to tape up the splice.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 19. Now use the existing lamp cord to pull in your new lamp cord. Pull from the lamp socket. You want pull approximately 6 to 8 inches beyond the lamp socket.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 20. Cut the lamp cord to approximately 4 inches long.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 21. Use your diagonal pliers to cut down the center of the wires approximately 1/2 of an inch deep.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 22. Peel the wires apart approximately 2 inches long. Then strip off approximately 3/4 of an inch of insulation and twist the wire strands together counterclockwise.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 23. Reinstall the clear bushing.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 24. Connect the neutral wire to the neutral terminal on the lamp socket. The neutral terminal on the lamp socket is marked. The neutral wire in the lamp cord is identified by either writing on the wire or ribs on the wire.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 25. Repeat the process for the hot wire.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 26. Slip the wires under the supports.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 27. Pull the lamp cord from the bottom of the lamp until the inner part of the lamp socket is flush with the bottom of the lamp socket.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 28. Snap the outer part of the lamp socket into place	Click on image to enlarge
Step 29. Reinstall the lamp harp.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 30. Reinstall the clear plastic bushing in the bottom of the lamp.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 31. Pinch the two prongs together and pull to remove the center portion of the plug assembly.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 32. You need the 2 pieces separated so that you can connect the plug to the lamp cord.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 33. Insert the lamp cord through the brown outer portion of the plug and into the center portion of the plug. You need to pay close attention to the direction that the lamp cord is placed into the plug. The wider prong is the neutral. The wire needs to be placed into the plug to allow the neutral prong to connect with the neutral wire.	Click on image to enlarge
Step 34. Pull the wire back through the brown outer portion allowing the center portion to properly seat and connect to the lamp cord.	Click on image to enlarge

Finally, install the light bulb (I recommend CFL or LED), lamp shade, plug in, turn on and test.

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Written by Wayne Gilchrist · Filed Under How To Articles

Comments

One Response to “How to Rewire a Floor Lamp”

Bill Armistead on August 28th, 2011 8:02 am

I want to rewire a pool table lamp (large, decorative, hanging) with led lights as economically as possible. Which set up would you recommend (including lumen size). I see screw in “bulbs” advertised but don’t know if they need to be wired with a transformer? Thanks for your advice. Bill

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