How to Repair a Floor Lamp Fixture

Rescue a broken floor lamp by replacing the socket and cord.

When a floor lamp stops working, there are usually two causes for the problem: a bad socket or a bad cord. Since both of these issues involve taking apart the lamp, it is wise to replace both items. This will eliminate the possibility of replacing one part, only to have the problem be the part that was not replaced. Replacement sockets and cords can be purchased at most home stores for around $10 for both, according to 2010 prices.

Things You'll Need

• Socket
• Cord (at least 12 feet long)
• Wire cutters
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the shade or top of the floor lamp. Usually there is a nut that holds a shade on, or, if the lamp has an open glass top, there is a nut around the socket. Remove the light bulb from the socket. Unscrew the nut and lift off the shade or top.

2. Lay the lamp down on the floor to make it easier to work on.

3. Unscrew the collar around the socket. On some models there may not be a collar around the socket. The object is to take off whatever needs removing in order to allow the socket to be pulled loose. The knob that turns the light off and on will have to be unscrewed before the socket can be removed.

4. Pull the socket up and slide the outer sleeve off to reveal the two wires that connect to the socket.

5. Unfasten the wires attached to the screws on the socket with a screwdriver.

6. Remove the bottom on the base of the lamp and untie any knots in the cord. This knot is to ensure that if the cord gets pulled, it will not damage the connection to the socket.

7. Pull the cord out of the bottom of the base.

8. Install the new cord and socket by reversing the steps used to remove the old ones.

References

• Home tips