DIY Rewire the On/Off Rotary Lamp Switch

Rewiring rotary lamp switches requires cord replacement.

In-line rotary lamp switches are common on older lamps. They are located on the cord between the plug end and the base of the lamp. These switches roll in one direction; you click the switch once to turn the lamp on and click it again to turn the lamp off. Because this switch is integrated into the cord of the lamp itself, you will have to replace the entire cord. This is a common lamp repair part that you can find in a variety of colors and lengths anywhere that electrical repair supplies are sold.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Wire strippers
• Replacement cord with rotary switch
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Unplug the lamp from the wall. Remove the lamp shade from the lamp. Remove the bulb from the socket, and locate the printing pressed into the socket side that says "Press." Push in from both sides at this point, and pull up to remove the plastic surround from the lamp socket.

2. Push the cord up into the base of the lamp a few inches for slack, and pull directly out on the lamp socket to pull the lamp cord up to expose the bottom of the lamp socket and the screws holding the cord wires in place. Turn the screws counterclockwise with a screwdriver, and remove the wires from the socket. Cut the plug from the old cord between the rotary switch and the lamp with wire cutters. Cut a slit with a utility knife in the felt covering the base of the lamp so that it will pull without tearing the felt loose.

3. Cut a small slit with a utility knife between the two wires at the end of your new cord opposite the plug. Pull the two wires apart to separate them 2 to 3 inches from the end of the wires. Fit each wire into the jaws of wire stripping pliers. Close the pliers firmly around the wire to cut the insulation. Pull toward the end of the cord to remove the insulation about 1 inch from each end of both wires.

4. Attach the bare wires of the new cord to the end of the old cord where you cut off the plug. Tape them together firmly with electrical tape. Grab the cord wires firmly where they exit the top of the lamp, and pull it up and through, with the new cord pulling behind it. Pull enough of the new cord out to easily attach the wires and remove the tape. Discard the old cord and plug.

5. Wrap one wire around each screw on the base of the socket, and tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Pull the cord down until the socket rests in its original position. Fit the plastic cover back on, pressing it down until it snaps into place. Replace the bulb and shade. Plug in the lamp and rotate the switch to turn it on.

References

• "Easy Electrical Repairs"; Cy Decosse Incorporated; 1990