About Lamp Cords

Unless your lamp runs by battery, or the sun, it will have a cord and an extension cord if it's too short to reach the electrical outlet. For household safety, you need to know how to make sure your cords are kept in the best condition and how to repair them if necessary.

Safety Rules

There are several safety rules to know when you're using your lamp cords. Always check for any kind of damage, such as cracks. Don't let the kids use long cords for jumping rope, tying up the dog or playing tug a war. These cords are only to be used for their primary purpose, which does not include a clothes line. The plug should fit snugly into the electrical outlet. If it is loose, it will fall out. If you ever see any sparks, or black coloring by the electrical outlet, remove the cord immediately and make necessary repairs. Never staple or nail the cord to the wall. You can use tape or twist ties. Do not let a cord run under a rug where it can make someone trip. Don't yank out the plug from the outlet, remove it slowly and carefully.

Types

Don't get bargain cords to save money. The lower the gauge number, the heavier the wire and greater amount of electrical current that can be carried safely. You want high-quality cords that serve specific purpose. If you have a lamp outside, only use exterior extension cords. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifies wire size and insulation thickness. Fire departments say many fires start because people run interior extension cords out of the house. If your lamp cord feels hot, unplug it right away. If it is attached to an extension cord, you may need to get a heavier gauge wire.

Rewiring

It is not difficult to rewire a lamp. Take your time and follow directions. Always unplug the lamp and remove any shades and bulbs. Take off the socket, or the part that has the on/off switch or chain, by loosening the screws holding the lamp wires. After untying the wire knot, carefully pull the cord from the base. Use a lamp-wiring kit from any hardware store or home center. Make sure the new cord is the same length as the previous one. You can always cut it if necessary. Thread the new wire through the base and up to the lamp. Keep approximately 2 inches free at the top. Split the cord wires in half. If they are not stripped, take off a 1/2 inch of insulation at both ends of the wires. Wrap the smooth wire around the brass screw and the ribbed one around the silver screw and tighten both. Pull the cord through the socket cap. Secure each wire connection with a cap. Put the cardboard insulation and socket over the wiring until it clicks and is secure.

Fires

Every year there are thousands of fires because of faulty cords and wiring. Don't use old and damaged cords or put multiple cords into the same outlet. This can cause overheating. You also want to check the lamp to make sure that it's working properly. Unplug the lamp and take off the socket. Get a testing meter from the hardware store. Clip one probe to one wire end and put the other probe next to one plug prong and then next to the other. The meter should show a charge on only one prong. Do the same for the wire end. Rewire if there are any problems.

Burns

Small children, especially ones that are crawling or just learning how to walk, may put a cord into their mouth and get an electrical burn. Sometimes cats and rabbits will also try to bite on the cords. Put extension cords where they can't be reached by children, instead of hanging them over tables or counters. Use baby-proofing on non-used outlets