Shorten a lamp cord
#1
07-29-03, 11:55 AM
Shorten a lamp cord
How do I shorten a lamp cord. It is the kind of cord with the "flicker thumb switch" attached the cord. I know there is a way but I'm not sure how. I have to admit....I tried this, not knowing what I was doing and it didn't work 
#2
07-29-03, 02:39 PM
Member
Find where the cord is connected to the lamp with wire nuts or screws. Disconnect it there. Cut the cord. Strip the wires and reattach the same way it was before.
Alternatively, cut off the plug end and buy a new replacement plug and put it back on the shortened cord.
There are various web sites on wiring a lamp if you search for them (I don't have any handy).
Alternatively, cut off the plug end and buy a new replacement plug and put it back on the shortened cord.
There are various web sites on wiring a lamp if you search for them (I don't have any handy).
#3
07-31-03, 07:05 AM
Thank you
Thank you John. I was successfull in completing this little project with your help. I bought a new cord and a replacement plug. It worked on the first try, I am very excited! Although, I am a little worried that something could be wrong on the inside and catch on fire some day.... A couple of differences that I noticed with the new cord and plug:
1. The cord width was smaller. The old cord would not fit in the thread of the replacement plug.
2. The replacement plug blades are both the same size. Where the old plug has one blade slightly bigger than the other, you know, the way most blades are these days....
Why is this and should I be concerned?
Thanks again for your help. Now...if only I can learn to install a dimmer switch, I'd be in business
1. The cord width was smaller. The old cord would not fit in the thread of the replacement plug.
2. The replacement plug blades are both the same size. Where the old plug has one blade slightly bigger than the other, you know, the way most blades are these days....
Why is this and should I be concerned?
Thanks again for your help. Now...if only I can learn to install a dimmer switch, I'd be in business
#4
07-31-03, 07:43 AM
Member
You should have used a plug with polarized prongs (one prong wider than the other). This only works correctly, however, if you know how to connect it so the fixture is correctly polarized.
What you did will work, but you just went backwards 30 years in saftey technology.
What you did will work, but you just went backwards 30 years in saftey technology.
#5
08-01-03, 09:17 PM
light cord
Hi! I live just over the line from M town.
I woodwork a lot and have made a couple of lamps. The best way to do it is at the bulb receptacle end. Just mark which wire came from which. Because if you accidentaly switch the wires it will also be a problem. (It will work, but it will negate the neutral (polarized) side.) The only other thing that you have to do is note the funny looking knot in the wires at that end, this is done to prevent pulling the connection loose if someone pulls on the wires.
I woodwork a lot and have made a couple of lamps. The best way to do it is at the bulb receptacle end. Just mark which wire came from which. Because if you accidentaly switch the wires it will also be a problem. (It will work, but it will negate the neutral (polarized) side.) The only other thing that you have to do is note the funny looking knot in the wires at that end, this is done to prevent pulling the connection loose if someone pulls on the wires.
#6
08-04-03, 01:25 PM
Hey Jeepers. Thanks for the help. In retrospect, that would have been the most efficient route to take. Next time I will do that. I'm also afraid that my copper wires will end up touching if I don't reattach properly. And I haven't quite mastered the "underwriters knot" that you spoke of.... But I am doing pretty good for a girl......
Let me know what line of work you are in or what kind of word work you do in case I ever need someone .....
Let me know what line of work you are in or what kind of word work you do in case I ever need someone .....
