How to Fix & Clean a Touch Lamp Stuck in on Position

Touch lamps can offer designs not hindered by switches or dimmer controls. The lamps operate by using the capacity of your body to hold an electric charge. When you touch this type of lamp, this capacitance changes the frequency of an oscillating circuit. The change in frequency causes the lamp to turn on, off or dim. Dust or dirt may insulate the lamp from your touch. Regular dusting helps ensure years of use from your touch lamp, but more heavy cleaning is sometimes required. If cleaning does not resolve the problem, you can often fix your lamp with replacement parts.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement touch sensor
• Glass cleaner
• Towels
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Unplug the lamp. Clean all exterior metal components of the lamp using glass cleaner and wipe dry with a clean towel.

2. Lay the lamp on its side and look at the underside of the base. Remove the base cover using a screwdriver.

3. Remove the touch sensor at the bottom of the base by disconnecting the wires from the sensor.

4. Install the new touch sensor by matching and connecting the color coded wires. Follow all instructions provided with your replacement touch sensor.

5. Attach the base cover. Stand the lamp up and plug in the power cord. The lamp should function correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• To protect the lamp from damage from lightning strikes and power surges, plug the lamp into a surge-protected outlet.

• Heavily callused skin may act as an insulator and hinder the responsiveness of the lamp. Try operating the lamp using an area of your hand that is not callused.

References

• Letsfixit: How do I Fix a Touch Lamp?
• The Straight Dope: How Does a Touch Lamp Work?