How to Green-rewire a Halogen Pole lamp

You can rewire your outdated Torchiere Lamps that are fire-hazards to the new energy efficient CFB that generate almost no heat and are almost as bright but use less electricity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire cutters
• Steel strapping material
• Incandescent type socket/s
• Lampcord
• Compact Florescent Bulb/s (CFB)
• Standard 110VoltAC Plug

1. Unplug lamp from outlet and carefully Tip Torchiere Lamp by the pole, so that the bulb can be removed. (see hints below)

2. With the halogen bulb removed proceed to loosen the bulb holder and cut the wire/s to the holder. Also remove the switch/dimmer on the pole and cut the wires to it.

3. Remove all the wiring that you have just cut and the holder portion that is right near the old bulb...The reflector can stay attached

4. Fashion a horizontally mounted socket holder with the strapping material and screw it in to the posts of the original holder. (see tips below) Then attach the AC rated plug to one end of the lampcord

5. Snake the new lampcord up through the pole to the new horizontally mounted socket and attach it to the screws on the socket only. For safety make sure the wire only makes contact with the socket screws and no other metal on the assembly. You can insulate the new assembly with electrical tape.

6. Install the largest wattage CFB compact florescent bulbs that will fit in the new socket and then you can plug it in

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the lamp is cool and unplugged and use a cloth to handle halogen bulb
• The original posts can be screwed to the strap to hold the socket as long as no electricity contacts these screws or the metal...it is for support only
• With the use of a dual socket, more than one CFB can be used for additional brightness
• The lamp can be plugged in to the bottom socket which is switched at the wall
• IF you never worked with AC power before or never rewired an appliance you may want to have someone with you (who does) since the wiring has to be right to be safe
• Handle the Halogen bulb with care (with a cloth to protect your hands) and make sure it is not hot or recently lit
• Make sure that no metal parts contact the bare lampcord or connection, use insulation and wire directly to the socket and plugs
• Handle the CFB's carefully as they contain hazardous materials if broken

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on 2/2/2009 very green!