How to Change a Lamp Socket

Replace the lamp socket and repair your lamp.

When you have a lamp that does not work correctly or the bulb seems to flicker, it might be due to a faulty lamp socket. The wire fittings in the lamp socket become loose and cause the socket to operate erratically. Before throwing out the lamp and purchasing a new one, change the lamp socket and repair the lamp. Replacement lamp sockets are available at home improvement centers.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• New lamp socket
• Wire strippers
• Light bulb

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Instructions

1. Unplug the lamp power cord from the wall outlet. Remove the shade and the light bulb from the lamp. The shade either has a screw on cap in the top middle of the shade frame or you might be able to squeeze together the two shade wires that connect to the side of the socket to remove the shade.

2. Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the base of the socket and the body. Lift the body off enough that you can access the wires. Cut the wires below the socket body with a pair of wire cutters. Remove the socket body.

3. Look for a set screw on the lower side of the socket base. Loosen the set screw with a flat-head screwdriver. Unscrew the socket base from the lamp and discard the base. The socket base may simply pull straight off or you may need to use pliers to spin it off the lamp.

4. Insert the wires through the new lamp socket base and screw the base onto the end of the lamp. Secure the socket base with the set screw. Tie a knot in the wires 2 inches from the end. Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the end of each wire with wire strippers.

5. Loosen the screws on the side of the new lamp socket body with the flat-head screwdriver. Bend the bare end of the neutral wire over the neck of the silver screw. The neutral wire is either black, black/white or has indentions on the insulation. Tighten the silver screw to secure the wire.

6. Attach the remaining wire to the copper screw and tighten the screw. Place the new sleeve over the socket and insert the socket into the socket base. Some simply snap in while others use a set screw to secure the socket to the base.

7. Thread a new light bulb into the socket and attach the lamp shade. Plug your lamp power cord into the wall outlet.

References

• Family Handyman: How To Repair a Table Lamp