Rewiring lamps is an amazingly straightforward process that can save a beloved fixture and add personalization to your space while being environmentally friendly as a sustainable method for keeping beautiful lamps out of landfills. But how to rewire a lamp?
Let’s first address one common concern about old lamps being rewired:
Should Old Lamps be Rewired?Â
Here are some indicators your lamp could need rewiring:
- Dimming light could indicate an improper or loosening connectionÂ
- Flickering bulbs might indicate wire faults or socket failure
- Visible fraying or damage in the cord warrants immediate attentionÂ
- An outdated plug should have grounded plugs to increase safety
If any of these indicators appear, it would be beneficial to rewire your lamp immediately. Contact Stella Lighting for more information!
How Much Does Rewiring a Lamp Cost?
Rewiring is relatively cost-effective. Your primary expense will likely be purchasing the rewiring kit which typically ranges between $10-20; new bulbs or sockets might also need to be factored in depending on their state.
Rewiring lamps is an economical alternative to purchasing brand new lamps; plus you get the satisfaction of giving an old lamp new life!Â
9 Steps to Rewire a LampÂ
Now that you’ve decided on this path of saving, here are 9 steps on rewiring lamps:
As always, safety first!Â
Before beginning work on any lamp rewiring project, always unplug and cool the device fully before unplugging it from the power source.
Materials Required For Rewiring Your Lamp
- Lamp rewiring kit (available at most hardware stores)
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Screwdriver
- Optional: New lamp socket (if yours is damaged)
Steps
- Disassemble a Lamp: Carefully disassemble your lamp by unscrewing its finial or base to access its socket and extract its pieces.
- Remove an Old Socket: Unscrew and detach any terminal screws found on the socket before disconnecting its wires from its location.
- Cut the Cord: With wire cutters in hand, use scissors to snip off several inches below the socket to separate it from its power source and stop any further wiring from becoming active.
- Prepare the New Cord: Following the instructions contained within your rewiring kit, strip about half an inch of insulation off each wire in your new cord.
- Make Your Connections: Most sockets feature two terminals – usually brass screws for hot wires and silver ones for neutral ones – on either end. Referring to your kit instructions, identify which wire should go where. Wrap its bare end tightly around either terminal until secure – do the same with neutral wire and silver screw.
- Assemble Your New Socket: Reconnect the socket to its lamp base following its original assembly procedure and tighten all screws securely.
- Attach the New Cord (if Needed): If your lamp features an independent cord from its socket, thread the new one through its base’s hole or channel for easy connection.
- Wiring the Plug: As per the kit’s instructions, connect both exposed ends of a new cord to their designated terminals on a plug (usually green and white) with screws provided to secure them in place.
- Testing and Reassembling: Plug the lamp back in, turn it on, and see if its bulb lights up! If so, congratulations – success has been reached. Assemble the shade, harp, and finial with ease to finish up this step of testing and reassembly!
Are you struggling to wire a lamp correctly and in need of extra guidance? Visual learners might benefit from watching an instructional video tutorial online to rewire one. Simply search online for “rewiring a lamp” to locate this clear visual guide.
Are You Searching for the Ideal Lamp to Rewire?
Look No Further than Stella Lighting! With an expansive collection of desk lamps, STELLA 2, and lighting fixtures ranging from classic to modern styles, as well as replacement sockets and cords that ensure a hassle-free rewiring process, come visit Stella Lighting now and shop lamps that illuminate your space!Â
By following these simple steps, you can give new life to an old lamp while basking in its cozy glow for years to come. Happy rewiring!