How to Replace a Lamp Cord Part 2

With the lamp now completely disassembled, you’re ready to put in the new lamp cord. Again, this is a very straightforward procedure, and only takes a few minutes.

Step 5 - Cord

You should have bought a cord with a plug on the end. If you didn’t you’ll need to fit a new plug to one end of the lamp cord. There are different kids of plugs. Some snap apart and together while others connect the two halves with screw. Whichever ways it works, you’ll need to attach the wires to the appropriate terminals. Strip ½ of insulation off each of the 2 wires. Attach the hot wire to the brass terminal and the ridged wire, which is neutral, to the silver terminal.

Step 6 - Knot

Feed the lamp cord through the lamp, pulling it all the way through so that the plug is up against the base of the lamp. Having noted how far along the old cord the knot stood, measure 1 inch more along the new cord from the socket end and make a soft knot in the cord. This is known as the underwriter’s knot and should be a soft knot, not tight. If it’s too tight you risk breaking the wires and the lamp won’t work.

Step 7 - Attaching the Wires

On the socket end of the new lamp cord, strip away ½ inch of insulation from each of the two wires. One of the wires will have ridged insulation. This is the neutral wire and you should screw it to the terminal with the silver screw. To do this, turn the exposed wire into a hook shape. Put that between the terminal screw and the body of the socket and then tighten the screw onto it.

Do the same for the hot wire, attaching it to the brass screw on the other side of the socket. Make sure that both screws are firmly tightened to achieve the best contact.

Step 8 - Reassembling

To reassemble the socket, start buy putting the insulation back on top of the terminals. This should move into place quite easily. Be certain that it’s seated well before you put the shell of the socket back into place. You’ll find that this will simply snap back into place. If you have any problems doing this, move the shell around until it will work properly and the two halves connect.

Step 9 - Finish

To complete the replacement of the lamp cord, gently pull the cord back through the lamp from the plug end until the socket is resting in place on the lamp. Check that the lamp cord isn’t trapped at all.

To secure the socket, screw in the set screw at the correct hole on the lamp. This will stop the socket from moving. Screw the light bulb back into the socket. Plug the light into the outlet and switch on. The bulb should light without problem. Switch the light off. Replace the harp on the socket and screw the light shade back onto the harp.