How to Replace a Damaged Lamp Cord
Did your pet chew on the cord of your favorite lamp? If so, don’t despair. The lamp isn’t a total loss. Damaged lamp cords may be replaced in 30 minutes or less. The entire job is also likely to cost you $15 or less, tools and all. Here’s how to get the job done:
Supplies Needed
In order to replace a damaged lamp cord, you will need to purchase a few supplies. A replacement lamp cord is one of them. Replacement lamp cords come in various lengths, colors, designs and amperages. They are often sold through home improvement, hardware and lighting retailers. You will want to make sure that your new lamp cord is identical to the old one in terms of amperage and plug type.
In general, a replacement lamp cord outfitted with a molded plug will lighten your wallet by about $5. You’ll also want to have a spare lamp socket ($3), a socket cap ($2) and a strain-relief bushing ($2) on hand just in case your old ones also need to be replaced. A retractable utility knife ($3) is also worth having close by.
Remove Old Lamp Cord
Start the project by removing the lampshade and unplugging the lamp. Carefully scrutinize the socket’s outer shell for any damage. You will also want to look for the word “press.” When you find it, use your thumb to press that area. While you have the area pressed in, tilt and lift the socket up off of the socket cap until the terminal screws and wires are exposed. Then, remove the wires from the terminal screws and set the socket aside.
With that taken care of, turn your attention towards the bottom of the lamp. Your next steps will be determined by what the lamp’s base looks like. Some lamps have plastic or metal bases that are attached to its body with a strain-relief bushing. Other lamps have felt bases. Regardless of the lamp’s base type, the goal is the same. You’ll need to remove the base and gain access to the lamp’s cord. Once you have access to the lamp’s cord, examine it for knots. If any knots exist, untie them before attempting to pull the cord out of the lamp.
Install New Lamp Cord
Now that the lamp’s old cord has been removed, you can focus on installing the new one. Insert the new lamp cord into the lamp’s base. Push it up through the body of the lamp and out of the hole located in the lamp’s socket cap. Once the lamp’s cord breaches the surface of the lamp’s socket cap, you will need to pull it out enough to allow connection to the lamp’s socket. In most instances, the lamp’s cord will need to extend roughly 3 inches from the lamp’s socket. Continue by partially separating the wires above the lamp’s socket.
Next, use the separated portion of wire to create an Underwriters’ Knot. If you do not know how to create an Underwriters’ Knot, there are various websites that you may find helpful. Some of the websites even contain easy-to-follow illustrations.
Once you have your Underwriters’ Knot in place, connect the wires to the terminal screws. When doing so, make sure that you maintain the lamp’s polarity by connecting the hot wire to the hot terminal and the neutral wire to the neutral terminal. In general, the hot terminal will have a brass screw and the hot wire will be located on the side of the plug with the narrowest blade.
Afterward, gently push the Underwriters’ Knot and the socket back down into the socket cap. Finish the job by reattaching the lamp’s base, inserting the light bulb into the lamp’s socket and topping it off with the lamp’s shade. If everything has been done correctly, your lamp should be ready for use.
Source: Personal Experience
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing DIY home improvement projects with her family.
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