How to Install a 3 Way Lamp Socket

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I show how to install a 3 way lamp socket. If you have a socket that is just an on and off socket, you can convert it to use a 3 way bulb.
#lamp

[@num1dan1965]

Just want to say thanks. I'm a 73-year old female who's never done anything like this before, and your instructions were clear and concise. You made my day. My lamp works, and I'm sure its safe.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Daniel Wright Glad I could help. Check out our weekly podcast for more tips itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@kirbymarchand2226]

This is the best video showing how to do this. He covers all of the safety issues, underwriter's knot, hot, neutral wires, etc. Don't even look at the others!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Kirby Marchand Thanks! We also have more tips on our weekly podcast www.stitcher.com/s?fid=49441&refid=stpr

[@KZ3W]

Kirby Marchand .... Yep ,,, I've watched like 5 before this and none mentioned safety , underwriters , hot / neutral wires . Gonna go back to them and recommend this one .

[@kingkole72]

Nice simple explanation without an unnecessary blah blah blah.

[@susanmb6071]

Excellent video and awesome idea for changing a one-way to 3-way! I have a lamp to repair and one that I will now change and make a 3-way!! Thank you soooooo much!!!

[@almafely8040]

Thank you so much for the step- by-step instructions. You made it very easy to follow along.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@shawnbeck2303]

Watch when checking the new socket. I put the bulb back in. There's no paper there to protect from shock. Wanted to test the lamp before putting back together. Bam! So be careful. It was wired right. Thank so much for the great info video. Shawn.

[@joanielivermore1895]

Perfect, clear, easy-to-follow instructions! THANK YOU - I took apart a lamp with one of those weird touch-controls. It flickered and didn't work right. I took that part out, checked wires, got a 3-way socket, and FOLLOWED your instructions precisely, and my lamp is working beautifully - 3-way with new LED bulb. Really appreciate how clear and patient you are. BRAVO!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it helped, We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@ladykenja2700]

- Thanx 4 a through explanation of the socket. VERY helpful.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Thanks for making this video. It's very easy to follow & gave me exactly the info I needed to do this job.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@richardperkins3460]

Your video was a big help. Replaced a three-way socket with a new one and had no problems. I had to strip the wires a bit. No big deal. Wife will be happy

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@susanbowman4621]

Thank you! When I first put the bulb in, it had no loose filaments that I could hear but it only stayed on the 100 watt. I then read that there is a 50 watt filament, thus figuring that my 100 watt was working by not the 50 which meant I couldn't get 50 or 150 to work. I put in another 3 way and voila, it worked great. Thank you sooo much, I have been wanting to change my lamps out and this video helped me do that with no trouble. Again, thanks! Susan

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome.

[@zetaprice7903]

Thank for your reply. Will let you know when the lights come on.

[@nanceenana3010]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I was very confused about the screws because none of the other videos showed this type of switch. Then I found one that did, and the guy *fast forwarded* through THAT part!😖 I give you a 👍🏻 and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks again, gonna sub and see if you are my new go to handyman or something 😉

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it helped. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast, Fix It Home Improvement. You can subscribe on your favorite podcast app. www.stitcher.com/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement-5/fix-it-home-improvement

[@crackerjackcarnivore]

Thank you. This video was very well done and very helpful.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome

[@lukeoxner]

This is still super helpful in 2021 - thank you!!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome We have more home improvement tips on our podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087

[@zetaprice7903]

Thank you, I thought that is what I needed to do, but you gave me confidence. Now to find new sockets! Another thing, I could not determine the smooth side due to the spliting of the wire to the sockets, both sides were rough. Finally traced back down the plug end and walla. Again thank you, Zeta P.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

[@rajbharadia3643]

Great info! Sure cannot make a mistake!

[@yow2018]

So clear. Great teacher. Thanks

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome Check out more home improvement tips in our e-books www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2KW1FQ9?notRedirectToSDP=1&.

[@jguerrarn]

Thank you! Your video was very helpful!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome. We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B01BK2K0JM?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

[@mirandaassociates6760]

Thank you very much for your explanation, it helped me a lot. God bless you.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it helped We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@BigDog1101116]

Nice job. Short, sweet and to the point. Thank you.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Bigdog Thanks. We have more tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@beachelephants]

Very nice video. Succinct, yet thorough.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@lswanson3405]

Thanks for the video. I was able to rewire my 3-way lamp perfectly! :-)

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it helped We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@shawnbeck2303]

Some of the lamp sockets don't have the screws. Just holes to slide the wire into. Then it holds the wires. Just converted my to the screw type. Still works the same. Shawn.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

We have more home improvement tips on our podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087

[@JRo605]

Thank you! Just replaced the socket in my bedside lamp---$7 investment for a new 3-way lamp.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. Check out more home improvement tips in our e-books www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2KW1FQ9?notRedirectToSDP=1&.

[@KZ3W]

Going to go back to the 5 previous watched "incorrect" videos on this subject ,, and send them here .. Thanks .

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@vapemcvaperson]

Thanks, good video

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Thanks. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@BarnaliD]

Thanks for this! Now I feel confident I can fix my lamp that's been broken for five years.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Great. Let me know how it goes. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@julienielsen3746]

The switch on my 3-way lamp is getting hard to turn. I'm going to get a new 3-way socket and fix it. I watched a couple other videos that were good, but I learned the most from yours. I like how you showed to do the knot.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@LynnetteB79]

Just used this video to help me replace a worn out three way socket (it no longer "clicked' into the three places and also it would no longer turn on. Perfect video! Thank you so much! super easy to follow and grateful for your posting it!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it helped We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@tbonebryant9]

THANK YOU!!!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+tbonebryant9 You're welcome. We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B013YR9UOC.

[@jstone6030]

Thanks bro just change one out for my grandparents!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome Check out more home improvement tips in our e-books www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2KW1FQ9?notRedirectToSDP=1&.

[@lucylein1103]

Thank you.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@patriciab616]

thank you for your detailed description my three way lamp did not work even though I had a new socket and bulb...... I had the ground and hot wire mixed up.... never knew the one was ribbed...and I hate it when people say the obvious.... like try a new bulb like I have not done that

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+Pat Vander Ploeg Glad the video was helpful. We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B013YR9UOC.

[@joes9601]

Nice thanks!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement/id880903087?mt=2

[@eriksmith6873]

Your video was very helpful -- particularly in helping me figure out how to safely wire up a polarized plug and your advice on tying an "underwriters knot." I am a little spooked by shock hazards and want to prevent them. But I have one other question for you. The replacement Westinghouse 3-way socket and switch that I bought has a plastic knob that I have to screw on. But the knob doesn't screw all the way to the bottom of the metal switch shaft. Even when the cardboard insulator is inside the two-piece metal socket-and-switch casing (just like the one in your video), the switch can rotate just a tad to the right or the left when you are turning the lamp on and off. I realize this is to be expected with this design. But because the knob doesn't screw all the way in to the switch, there is the possibility that at some point, as the switch rotates to the right or the left, the metal switch shaft may touch the metal socket-and-switch casing. Is this a shock hazard? I like to believe not, because this is the way the socket came when I purchased it at the Home Depot. And when I went back to look for a different knob, the replacement knobs are provided with metal shaft extenders -- an indication that the manufacturer is unconcerned that metal may touch metal. But I just want to check -- this isn't a shock hazard, is it?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, the knob won't be a shock hazard. To use the socket, you will be turning it clockwise so it will stay in place for you. Glad it was helpful. We have more tips in our home improvement book www.amazon.com/dp/B01BK2K0JM?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, I've had good luck with Unique Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator. You can pick it up at the hardware store. It is a bacterial and enzyme product. The enzymes break apart the urine and then the bacteria will eat it. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

[@trevoblaster52]

so im buying a house and it needs some work but in the mudroom they had dogs or cats that pissed all over and the smell is so strong idk what to do is there anything that I can use that wont cost a lot to get the smell out?

[@Choppini]

That simple. Thanks. Got a wonderful and expensive - though non-functional - table lamp for $5. The switch on the 3way socket was broken and someone brought it to the recycling station. What a lucky day for me! I went to the hardware store for a 3way socket, took a picture of the old connection, just to be sure.... I had not really an idea if it is going to work, but it took literally just a few minutes to change the socket and... TADAAAAA! I have a new lamp for almost free! And now I find this video. Short, easy explained and most importantly, for future projects, thanks to your video I know how to determine which wire is which. LOL

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+Choppini Hi, glad it was helpful.

[@WavitoGaming]

I’m doing a project and to make a complete circuit I have a 9v battery with alligator clips connected to the 3 way lamp socket but I haven’t been able to get it to turn on what am I doing wrong?

[@AOmonsta]

Great video sir. I have a lamp with 2 bulbs at the end. I have yet to see a video about replacing this. I'm not familiar with electrical work. Any advice would be great.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, you can email me some pictures to [e-mail].

[@ferrariunicorn]

Thank you! Do have a question though!! I notice the sockets look very similar; the regular switch on the inside has the opening for the silver metal piece but it is missing VS the 3 way that has the silver metal piece in the opening.... why isnt that a way to convert the socket to a 3 way?? I mean are we paying for the exact same socket but with the little silver metal piece in it????

[@ferrariunicorn]

@Alan Whiteside I hear ya! I really think a piece of metal is all you need... I don’t plan on doing this but looking at it, being so similar, it crossed my mind that it’s likely easy to do. I mean people convert car to electric etc etc etc anything’s possible 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@GBucPigBob]

Thanks! Wasn't sure about silver vs gold/ribbed vs smooth. Now I know: RIBBED = NEUTRAL = SILVER SMOOTH = HOT = BRASS Thanks, much!

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@jamesmurray3128]

I can't get the socket to pull away from the base.

[@maryrodger5130]

Thanks for this video it's helped me overcome my crazy fear of doing it myself.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Glad it was helpful. We have more tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/4891735

[@maryrodger5130]

Thanks! Allow me to add that a handy man company wanted to charge me $150 which only drove me to YT which is how I found your channel.

[@maryrodger5130]

I tried squeezing and rocking the socket from side to side and it still won't budge...any ideas? Thanks

[@charliebee2028]

thnx

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

You're welcome. We have more tips in our home improvement book amzn.com/B01MRGO8C5. Free download til 11-15-16!

[@arisrafa188]

Hello. I bought a regular lamp and I want to make it into a touch lamp. I saw your other video and bought the socket for the 3 way and the 3 way bulb. I am stuck because I cannot replace the original "plastic" to replace it with the 3 way socket nor the metal socket like you had advised on the other video. My husband has tried to pull/tug/screw it off but it doesn't move. I am afraid if my husband continues to pull it, he is going to brake something. Please help. Thank you.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

+Christina Balbi Hi, can you shoot me a picture of it to [e-mail].

[@cocolu815]

Is there a video of how to install a 3 way terminal lamp socket (with night light on bottom) from beginning to end? thanks

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, sorry, I don't have one. We have some tips in a podcast episode. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIi9imRqn66Ijqc

[@vickipolo9529]

I followed your steps to replace the socket, now only the medium light works. Any suggestions?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, did you check the socket that it is for 3 way bulbs. 2 contacts inside and the bulb is a 3 way.

[@patriciabaker332]

Great video.... Question.....what happens if neutral and hot, ribbed and smooth were not checked before attaching. Hazard? Would the lamp still light?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, yes the lamp will turn on and off, but if it is wired wrong, it could be a shock hazard. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast castbox.fm/u/6389499.

[@ExWEIMan]

Great video. I examined the wiring on our lamp and both wires are smooth, there is no ribbing and the wall plug is NOT polarized. What do you suggest?

[@zetaprice7903]

Had to clip wires on each of the sockets, before I could tell where the hot wire was. Have green(the longest), white, and the brown wire. It looks like the hot wire goes to only one socket but I can't tell which one. Does it matter as long as I connect the green and hot to the brass side on the sockset?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, Does one socket control both lights, or does each socket work independently?

[@zetaprice7903]

Finally finished the lamp. Tks to you and my daring. Too long a story, but the house did not burn and the lamp works.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, On most lamp cords, you will have 2 wires. The wire that is connected to the narrow side of the plug goes to the brass (hot) screw and the wire on the wide side of the plug goes to the silver (neutral) screw.

[@zetaprice7903]

Pull chain on both, thus each is independent. Had to wire crazy due to space for wires. Will send diagram on how I did it later.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

OK

[@lindal2831]

I realize this is an older video but how do you rewire a lamp that has a regular socket and a night light below at the base?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, depending on the setup, you will need a special socket that has an extra screw terminal to send power down to the night light. A lighting store should be able to special order it for you.

[@lindal2831]

I did order the special parts with the extra screw terminal but needed some guidance on how to properly rewire the lamp, do you have a video on that type of lamp wiring? Thank you for your reply.

[@hafcanadiana318]

I ran into the same issue. The old lamp’s switch was too hard to turn. Got a Servalite L162U 3-way at Lowe’s, then realized it had no screw terminal for the black wire. I saw nothing at Lowe’s where the packaging noted a third terminal. Will try my local ACE and maybe HDepot. Any idea if the correct animal is amazon available?

[@embracingelizabeth7933]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but can a lamp be rewired to handle a higher wattage + a 3-way bulb?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, to turn it into a lamp that works with a 3 way bulb, you can replace the On/Off socket with a 3 way socket. You can email me at [e-mail] if you have any questions. We have more home improvement tips on our weekly podcast, Fix It Home Improvement. You can subscribe on your favorite podcast app. www.stitcher.com/podcast/fix-it-home-improvement-5/fix-it-home-improvement

[@daniellebeaman1614]

What do I do if the ends of my wires are not gathered together?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, you can send a picture to [e-mail].

[@lindamarazoni9845]

This didn't work for me. The bulb works fine in my other 3-way lamp. But in the new lamp with the new 3-way socket installed, the light only turns on with the second click. I put the wire in the ribbed side on the silver screw. Can there be a difference in the wire? Mine is copper strands. In your video, the wire looks solid silver. I'm appreciative of any advice you can give me.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, it sounds like the socket is defective or only an on off socket. Does it have the 2 contacts inside?

[@lindamarazoni9845]

Thank you for replying. It DOES have the 2 contacts inside (as your wonderful video shows). So, I assume the wire type is not a consideration. I will buy another socket and try again. Thank you.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

When you tried the bulb in the other lamp, it does have 3 brightness levels? Just checking to see if you have a 3 way bulb. You need a 3 way bulb for it to work properly in a 3 way socket.

[@lindamarazoni9845]

Yes, with the bulb in the other lamp, it did display 3 brightness levels.

[@CountCarbsNotCals]

I tried this with 3 way socket, but it won't turn on a 3 way bulb, just a standard bulb on third click. Am i doing something wrong.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, if you have a 3 way socket and a 3 way bulb it will work. What happens with the 3 way bulb?

[@CountCarbsNotCals]

Well i can put into an identical socket on another lamp it works 3 way. On this one no position works. Pretty weird huh. Both of sockets have exactly same spec/writing on them. you think i have the wires reversed?

[@sandythomas663]

My lamp socket didn't have screws holding the wires ?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, you can email me with pictures and questions to [e-mail].

[@zetaprice7903]

Help ! Have 2 socket, 3 way lamp to repair. You video was great but need help.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, What is the question.

[@blueblooddragons6986]

If I mix u the wires will I blow a fuse out?

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, you won't blow a fuse, but the socket will be live when you turn it off and remove the bulb. Make sure the hot wire is on the brass screw. We have more tips in our home improvement book amzn.com/B01MRGO8C5.

[@blueblooddragons6986]

FIX IT Home Improvement Channel thank you

[@pixelkat1819]

FIX IT Home Improvement Channel i'm confused as the 3way replacement sockets I bought have both screws made of brass.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, one screw should be brass and one should be silver. Otherwise it could be wired wrong and potentially dangerous. Can you email me a picture at [e-mail].

[@andyu7987]

Looks like the wiring is backwards. The Neutral wire should be connected to the socket.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

Hi, the hot wire (smooth) should be connected to the brass screw and the (ribbed) neutral should be connected to the silver screw.

[@zetaprice7903]

Each socket has a pull chain.

[@FIXITHomeImprovementChannel]

If you look at the plug, you should have a narrow blade and a wide blade, the narrow blade is your hot side, the covering on that side of the wire should be smooth and you would connect that wire to the brass screw on each socket. The wide blade should be ribbed or marked with letters, this will go to the silver screw on each socket. The last wire should be connected to the ground. Let me know if that helps.

[@lindam.6782]

I bought a new lamp that's unfortunately a single socket but the style & design is so unique & I really like it. I was so happy to find this video. But I took out the socket & the terminals are inaccessible/internal, so there's no way to disconnect & install new one 🫤.