How to Rewire An Old Lamp

It is possible to repair an old lamp or a favorite lamp in your living room. So, don't toss it yet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An old lamp
• A light bulb
• New electrical cord
• Eletrical tape (black tape)
• Wire cutters

1. The lamp must first be unplugged and the old light bulb, if there is one, removed.

2. Remove the old cord and cut it with the wire cutters, a couple of inches below the bottom of the lamp.

3. Attach the new cord to the old cord with electrical tape.

4. In the attached diagram there are pictures of the lamp components. Use that as a guide through the next few steps.

5. Below the socket cap is the screwset; loosen it and unthread the cap from the lamp nipple.

6. Place the new socket cap over the new cord and thread the cap onto the nipple. Then tighten the screwset.

7. Pull the segmented insulated, 2-wire cord apart about 6 inches and tie the wires in an Underwriters' knot (see diagram).

8. Take a 1/2-inch strip of insulation from each wire. Then twist the strands together, and fasten the socket screws to the wires. The neutral wire is covered with ridged insulation and should be wrapped in a clockwise direction around the silver screw. The copper wire, or "hot" wire (covered with smooth insulation) wraps around the brass screw.

9. Snap on the socket after the knot has been pulled down into the cap.

10. Put the insulating sleeve in place. Slide the outer shell on and then position it securely in the cap.

11. Put in a new bulb, harp and replace the old lampshade. Then plug in your repaired lamp!