The Safe Way to Rewire A Table Lamp

POLARITY MATTERS! Shocking - but true (pun intended)!
For many years, I thought it didn’t matter how you wired a table lamp, just as long as you got the wire securely affixed to the terminal screws, you used an Underwriter’s Knot, and everything was tucked away so nothing shorted out.
It turns out, there’s a bit more to it than that, and that “bit more” REALLY matters. Robert Ibbotson, who I met at a Woodsmith® Workshop in Iowa, told me about what’s overlooked many times, and that’s POLARITY. I was able to put his insight to use when I needed to rewire a lamp. Thanks, Robert!
To be honest, what I’m going to show you is right there on the product package when you buy a replacement light bulb base. Yep. All of it. But if you’re like many people, we don’t take much time to look at directions, especially if what we see looks like it needs no explanation.
The basics are you need to install the new part with the correct polarity and you need to assure that any tugs on the lamp cord are resisted by a knot in the cord under the lamp base, NOT the terminal screws. We’ll show you the knot in the video, but let’s explain a bit about polarity.
Lamp cord has two conductors, one that is designed to be “hot”, and the other is the “neutral.” To designate which is which, the hot side has a smooth surface, and the neutral has a rib. It’s not that easy to see, but you can readily feel it when you handle the cordage. The ribbed side will get wired to the silver terminal, and the smooth (hot) side will get wired to the brass-colored terminal. Of course, to have this work correctly, if you are rewiring the plug end as well, you’ll need to follow the same wiring protocol.
Wiring it this way will greatly reduce any shock hazard once the lamp is plugged in. That’s because the electricity goes to the switch in the lamp base FIRST. This means that when the lamp is off, there is no electricity present in the base, or the shell surrounding the threads of the bulb. It’s “hot” only at the bottom of the bulb, where it’s very difficult to touch. If it’s wired with the neutral to the brass, and the hot to the silver, then the shell around the lamp threads are energized, with the circuit “waiting” to be completed at the base. The risk of YOU completing the circuit by grasping the shell is greatly increased. That’s not a good experience.
Manufacturers provide a cardboard sleeve in between the inner threaded and outer shell. The outer shell is made of metal as well, typically in nickel, chrome, brass or deep bronze color. It is both decorative and structural. Because it is metal, it also conducts electricity. So, the cardboard sleeve between the inner and outer shells is another level of protection to reduce the risk of shock.
So, be sure to get it safe, and right. For the protection of those around you, as well as yourself!
Sure, you can either discard the lamp or take it in for repair, but why? With what you've learned, you can JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

[@maryhaley7700]

Jay, thanks for your help, I’m a 73; yo woman that husband has dementia. I have a Waterford lamp that needs rewiring, thanks for your help I saved $100 that a repair man said he would do, then he canceled appointments a couple of times. So I took the challenge, that many said I couldn’t do, and successfully retired it myself.. never tell me I can’t do something. Lol

[@DirtFarmerJay]

God bless you Mary Haley. You remind me of my wife. I call her my WOA (Woman of Action). She doesn't wait around for me to get to something unless she's already tried and can't make it work. Best to you! DFJ

[@stevenmangrum9128]

@@DirtFarmerJay I got

[@ronijava]

Love your post, Mary. I am a senior lady in the same situation. My beloved husband has dementia and can no longer do these things. He has been my fountain of knowledge all these years and I’m a lifelong tomboy, always getting out the tools. Im sad we cannot do these projects together anymore. So special thanks to Jay for helping us with these extra tasks in our already-packed caregiving days. We love you fellas out there, too. ❤😊❤

[@sharonelliott2831]

I’m in the same situation and am determined to do it myself. You have given me confidence.

[@drew.ducote]

Cool story bro

[@ThisGirlSews]

I did it! I have a very old lamp (probably 80-90 years old) and I was able to rewire with your video. Still learning at age 67... Thank you, Jay!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

ThisGirlSews - YOU ROCK! To hear you are a life-long learner and still being a participant in life is really great! We're glad this helped you and you now have a lamp you can enjoy and be reminded of your new-found wiring ability. Thanks for taking time to write! Best Regards, DFJ and DFM

[@LeeHansen-eu3be]

Thank you so much! No one else talked about the smooth side and Ridge side. They would say red to hot and white to neutral. Red, white, what?.. it's a black cord with gold wire. 65 year old woman and I didn't have to ask for help because of you.😊

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are most welcome. I'm glad to be of help. Kudos to you for taking this on and getting it conquered. Best, DFJ

[@UberYooTuber]

Jay, THANK YOU for your lamp repair video! Yours included very important tips that several other videos on the same subject didn't bother mentioning -- like the difference between smooth and ridged wires and the Underwriter's Knot (which the other guys didn't even do)! Your clear instructions made the job not difficult at all!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it helped, JonnyYooToober! We just rebuilt another lamp that was having problems just a week ago. Good as new. Glad you've acquired this skill and now it is yours! Best, DFJ

[@tylerwatts1649]

Thanks Jay. I know how to wire lamps, but I needed a video to show someone else how to do it. Your video is detailed and thorough. Much appreciated!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching our video and taking time to write. Best, DFJ

[@virusboy07]

My dad spotted your truck today at the local WinCo. He was so happy, told the whole family :) thanks for the videos !!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

GerardoMjr - your dad is a very friendly and confident man. It was good to talk to him and hear of his enjoyment of our video episodes. I'm glad you find the videos to be helpful as well. Thanks for being a part of our viewer family! Best Regards, DFJ

[@kelsybobelsy]

Thank you! I've had two antique lamps they've needed fixed for years. I finally decided to try myself and I did it! I'm so happy. Thank you so much.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! Best, DFJ

[@burgundygriffith3859]

Excellent teaching! Plenty of detail without wasting time. My Pappah left me two hideous old lotus lamps and I LOVE them! They’re getting rewired and reshaded. 😁

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful, Burgundy!

[@Gaibz]

Thank you so much. I was really nervous about rewiring my table lamp and now feel I can confidently do it with peace of mind. 😀

[@writerlisakaye]

Tanks so much for mentioning the underwriter's knot. I'm about to rewire my first lamp and that was not mentioned on the lamp repair kit instructions

[@pattycassady]

Thanks for your good explaining skills. I’m sixty years old and basically I still consider light bulbs, live T.V. and radio magic. My dad instilled adequate fear of jumping a car battery and anything to do with electricity, but now I can safely fix my lamp!💁‍♀️ I raised an engineer…but basically…it is still all magic IMO, and I’m glad you all have it figured out!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks, Patty. Your note brought us a smile. Best, DFJ

[@sharrjarr7327]

thank you for clearing that up, I have been doing it right and i am almost 70... your friend is right about polarity, i watch so many videos about rewiring and it makes me cringe to see that they never point out the difference between proper wiring...thanks for sharing...

[@Hjerte_Verke]

5:11 A BIG THANKS -- You are the only one I've found that has illustrated how to determine polarity BEYOND the screw color designations. There's older sockets out there that are perfectly fine but lack the color coding on the screws (all silver screws for example). You took the time to show us the shapes of the terminals and what they connect to. This, I feel, is more substantial and more concrete than the color of the screws. This video could help someone who is color blind for example or has a factory defective socket (brass screw in the wrong place, two brass screws, etc).

[@sarah.fb.lindsay]

This was so informative and well taught! Thank you I successfully saved an awesome lamp from the landfill!!

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Very informative,,that’s why I keep coming back to your channel,, thanks for sharing

[@philliptabaldo9871]

Thanks for the help, didn't know which one was power, no other video on here explains the wires, good job!!!👍

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! DFJ

[@LooneyLuny]

Thank you so much for making this! I just got a rewiring kit to repair an old lamp, and the instructions it came with were horrible. This video was really clear and easy to understand, and now my lamp works perfectly! :D Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome!

[@nottoday8001]

Thank You. I rewired my wheat grinder an after watching this video it was just dumb luck that it worked. Your videos make a light bulb go off in my head and I understand!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! Best, DFJ

[@anitastender7461]

Thanks for the educational information about hot and neutral sides and which screws to put them on properly. I just watched another video where the guy said it didn't matter! He disregarded the cardboard saying it's old and he used tape instead. I'm glad your video popped up first! Thanks for all the good advice! 👍

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Anita, it's good to hear from you. I'm glad you found the info on proper routing of hot and neutral leads to be a safer way to go. When something is in a device, it's because it is needed for some reason. If the manufacturer could have left it out and saved costs, they would have. Best, DFJ

[@anitastender7461]

@@DirtFarmerJay thank you! I agree!

[@danielchrisronan2281]

Another good and more easily understandable way of saying it is that if you "reverse the polarity the lamp will always be energized." I absolutely copy and pasted that LOL

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Well said, Daniel, even if it wasn't originally yours. LOL! Thanks for writing. Best, DFJ

[@omniscientgrunk]

"an unpleasant circumstance" , I'll say ! A very responsible video to have explained the ribbing on the neutral wire. You did not point this out when you wired it ( you did show a picture tho),but you had gone over it in the beginning so I think you have us covered. Also, some cord ends are painted on the soldered end black for hot connection. I am now subscribed Sir.

[@janiceconnett3192]

Thanks for this clear instructive on lamp cord replacement!

[@andreahighfield783]

This video was very helpful and a very good reminder about the UL knot as well as polarity. Thank you, My husband has old oil lamps that have already been converted but need to be re-wired. I'm also hoping to add a switch to the cord as to avoid knocking them over when turning them on as we are clumsy :) Have a great day.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful Andrea Highfield. Keep watching and commenting! Best to you, DFJ

[@kathywilliams1050]

Your video not only told how but then educated with why for more safety. Good instruction.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Kathy Williams. Keep watching and commenting! Best to you and yours, DFJ

[@Suzette-gb7uj]

I bought two, late 1940s, early 1950s table lamps. I believe that I got a great deal, because they are gorgeous. However, there was no way that I was going to plug them in when I got them home. Jay, your video gave me the knowledge that I needed to be able to rewire my beautiful lamps. Your thorough instructions, and photographs made it much easier than I thought it would be. I was so impressed with myself 😉

[@DirtFarmerJay]

That is awesome!

[@monicacaruso5461]

Thanks to this video, I successfully rewired a favorite table lamp. I didn't want to get rid of it just because the cord started to fray and it was dangerous. A local company that repairs lamps has gone out of business, so I decided to try myself. Thank goodness for KZbin videos!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

YOU ROCK Monica Caruso!!! Thanks for watching and putting into practice what you just learned!! Best to you, DFJ.

[@meganmassey2017]

Great video! So much great info! You’re definitely a true showman. And As a 39 yo women who just spent $2k at the Lamp Man, I really appreciate

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for letting us know!!

[@willow2333]

Thank you for the information on polarity of which I knew nothing about... !

[@Sparky-ww5re]

Very helpful, especially regarding polarity as many people think that if the bulb turns on and off properly with the switch, that the lamp is safely wired. It's very easy to touch the shell as you're screwing in a bulb, and you want that to be neutral. For example earlier this year my mother inherited a very old lamp from my great grandmother after she passed. Grandmother has used the lamp ever since I can remember, and Mom remembers Grandma using the lamp when she was a young girl. I pointed out to Mom that the plug should be changed, and the wiring verified, and explained to Mom that this plug has two prongs the same size, and you have a 50 -50 chance of getting buzzed when changing a light bulb, unless we replace this plug with a polarized plug and make sure the neutral is connected to the wide prong and the shell on the lamp. Mom had no idea since it worked for at least 50 years, if not longer with no problems. Just another helpful tip if you inherit an old lamp or other appliance, or have a relative that has older devices still in use.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for writing about this and sharing your insights AND family story. Best, DFJ

[@debmcguire2161]

Thanks, Jay! I just put a new socket in a >40 yr old brass lamp, and now I have 3-way light again, instead of just the dimmest setting!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Excellent!

[@kimainsworth4857]

I think I did it! Found a few differences along the way - One screw on the old socket was tinted a greenish-blue. (Not brass.) The other was silver. I took that to mean the tinted one was for the hot wire. Also found no ridges on the black electrical lamp cord but there was a very fine bit of printing on one side of the wire. I put the whole thing together and no sparks flew. No circuits blown. Thank you for going into such detail on the polarity. You made my day!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks Kim Ainsworth. Viewers like you make me smile and want to continue to share knowledge gained over my 65 year of life. Thanks for watching and commenting AND YOU MADE MY DAY today! Best, DFJ

[@kimainsworth4857]

@@DirtFarmerJay Thank YOU!!!

[@etoyeparkman1053]

So how do you tell which side positive/negative if there’s no ribbing.. I have a lamp with a green wire on one side intwined with other wires and on the other side there is black black stripping - does striping = ribbing?

[@margueriterizzo7925]

Good advice, good lighting in video.

[@karinturkington2455]

Thanks for detailed explanations. Very helpful.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are welcome.

[@FknNefFy]

Such a great explanation and demonstration! 👌🏻

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad you liked it!

[@karenrambo9750]

Thank you. Saved our cute can’t be replaced lamp!!

[@hootis952]

Polarity should also be observed if the problem is the opposite end of the lamp cord, the plug. When replacing the molded plug with an aftermarket replacement plug, the wider terminal is the neutral and the narrower terminal is the live, or hot terminal.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Rodney, you are absolutely correct. I made more of an emphasis on that point in the video description, but should have done so in the video content itself. It does no good to wire it correctly at one "end" of the rewire and not do so at the other. You'll still have wrong polarity with all the inherent dangers. Thanks for the nudge and taking time to write! Best, DFJ

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Rodney, I really like this topic and have decided to do another video building on the concept you've mentioned. I'd like to give you credit for it. How would you like to be mentioned? Here are some of the typical ways: 1.) Your screen name - Rodney Magee. 2.) Your known name, which also appears to be Rodney Magee. 3.) Your first name and last initial - Rodney M. And, finally, 4.) a variation on any of these - whatever way you wish to be identified (fully or partially), with a location. That would sound like, in the case of option 3, "Rodney M. of (City, State), wrote in and commented, .... we've taken his insight to heart and have created this episode. Thanks, Rodney, for the idea and inspiration..." Get back to me at your earliest opportunity and give me your thoughts on all this. And, thanks for being a part of our viewer family and being so engaged. Best Regards, DFJ

[@hootis952]

@@DirtFarmerJay That's fine with me. I don't have a particular preference, so I'll leave it up to you. Looking forward to seeing it!

[@Padraigan13]

This is very helpful because I took both wires off before getting the knowledge of polarization. So happy I watched more than one video and read others comments. Thanks!

[@williamszymanski987]

Simple and to the point. Great common sense video.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

William, thanks for the kind comments and for being a part of our viewer family. I appreciate reading your comments. Yes, we notice! Best Regards, DFJ

[@jody2873]

Great explainations! Thank you!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marymarysmarket3508]

I think this will become a most watched video. Our local Illinois hardware store, until about 10 yrs. ago, had an older man who would rewire things for $10. So handy to my vintage boutique down the street. Not sure I'll master this but still have many lamps that need re-wiring.. So helpful. Happy healthy 2020*

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Mary Mary's Market - thanks for watching and taking time to write. We appreciate your kind comments. Glad to be of help to you, and well wishes to you as well for a happy and healthy 2020! Best Regards, DFJ

[@micahalexander6929]

Thank you, Jay!

[@jfan4reva]

Thanks for the info on AC polarity. Too many KZbinrs think that since this is AC current, polarity doesn't matter. Which is fine until you accidentally touch the live 120 volt outside terminal of the socket. Having been zapped with 120 volts once in my life, I am studiously avoiding it happening again. You want to check the lamp cord to determine which side of the plug connects to the live side of the circuit and make sure that conductor gets connected to the center (brass) contact in the socket. This is especially important with older plugs which are not polarized (both prongs are the same width.) It wouldn't be a bad idea if you're repairing an old lamp with an non-polarized plug to replace the cord with one having a polarized plug.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and writing. Good insights you've shared. Best, DFJ

[@phillipmorris1334]

hello from the Ozarks!! awesome tip!

[@chuckstu]

Thanks for your helpful advice.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. Best to you! DFJ

[@katyberrycomedy]

This is great! Thanks!

[@SwissplWatches]

Thank you, that is very helpful!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You're welcome!

[@asabifatosin1150]

Thank you!

[@suz1848]

Jay, this video was amazing! I am 74 and lost my husband last year. I knew that it was not hard to change the socket, but I did not know where to begin. Tomorrow I go out to get the new socket and do it myself. Are there different sockets for 3 way lamps the just 1 wattage bulbs? I will be so proud when I talk to my handy friends and tell them I did it myself.

[@swimmarfishy]

AWESOME video, thanks - I was able to show my son how to do it since he wouldn't listen to me lol!

[@gmdiaz007]

Very informative thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@winnaheilman622]

Hey Mr. Jay, Any chance you know how to shorten a tall table lamp? I inherited some nice lamps but they are too tall. If you could help I will send you a photo. Thanks. Linda PS: Your video helped me change my struts for my 2012 DGC. That was very easy with your help.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Winna, good to hear from you. Yes, indeed, feel free to send pictures of the lamps to: [e-mail]. I'll take a look and let you know what I think. I'm glad that we were helpful on that strut change out. Let's see if we can help on the lamps! Best, DFJ

[@Being_Joe]

This was very helpful.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help, Jose de Los Angeles. Best to you, DFJ

[@mrharlemike28]

Great video! Thank you! Now I need to watch a video on a 3 way lamp switch. 😁

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Best, DFJ

[@lesliejeancamp]

Hi, thanks for this. Mfr. Did Not Install Cord Properly. I did! Replaced corroded cord. Polarity fixed. I feel like a rock star!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You ARE a rock star lesliejeancamp!!! Keep watching and "just doing it yourself"!! DFJ

[@Tendonitis123]

This video is rad. liked and subscribed

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Excellent. Thanks for subbing! Best, DFJ

[@susanmacdonald4288]

Thank you! I have two old lamps that were always in our living room, that I love. I'm not sure if they work anymore, and it would probably be safer to rewire them anyway.

[@PNWGlinda]

Thank you.

[@halleighkraker1886]

Thank you!!

[@wesbromberg6204]

After unplugging take pictures of every step taking it apart. I spent 3 hours trying to put it back together. Well it’s in the trash can in a bunch of pieces now

[@DirtFarmerJay]

That's great advice. Thanks for sharing. Best, DFJ

[@JHoffTrumpeter]

thank you!

[@ruckuswethepeep4384]

Good Info

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! Beste, DFJ

[@catofalltrades3428]

Wow! Thank you

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! Best, DFJ

[@samueltucker8473]

So glad you explained the hot and neutral. Safety first.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad to be of help. Thanks for writing. Best, DFJ

[@kathywood8006]

We have a old double chain cord, my husband really got mad when I spray paint it black over the pink he said that was was 1st color, enough with that. This lamp has a funny upside down Y shape to me.

[@Eli-qr9hc]

Looking at the plug, which metal plug in is the hot or neutral ..the wider plug or thinner?

[@user-vw4kr5tm7r]

Thanks😊❤

[@loridonner-smith1119]

Do you have a video on how to replace vintage two socket lamp cord?

[@ellesnyder942]

I have a 1970's leaded glass swag lamp that I just bought. The cord was cut 2 ft from the bulp and I spliced a new one from a kit with new chain and a rolling type switch to it. It works... I checked it for the groove on the cord- neither side has it.

[@garyf1048]

Thanks dude. Polarity did not come out till later. It was without polarity back when......

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and writing, Gary. Best Regards, DFJ

[@nikolekloosty4485]

Hi I have an old metal swag lamp with what looks like a ground wire attached to the top. Where do I put this? Nikole

[@bigallis1]

Great explanation of the connections. You did not show how to get the socket apart.

[@shoemaker5335]

Jay, I want to rewire a lamp that came on an industrial sewing machine. It's quite old, and instead of the kind of lamp cord you show in this video, it has two separate cords, one black and one white. Is one of the colors the hot wire and the other the ground wire? Thank you! This is an excellent video, and I'm going to use it to rewire some nice floor lamps that I have, that stopped working. But for now, I just want to rewire that machine lamp.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Shoe Maker - sorry I missed this earlier. The usual convention for current in cordage is the black conductor is "hot" and the white is the neutral - NOT the ground. The "white" circuit is the "return" back to the main panel or breaker. It sounds like you have an older ungrounded device. That needs to be corrected for your safety. Best, DFJ

[@user-sq5ef2uz8i]

What do I do when the switch is at the base of lamp? I have only found replace socket and cord like the ones in your video.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Dianne, thanks for watching and writing! You have a slightly different type of lamp and lamp base, but it's still readily repairable. Here's the basics. First, the lamp base you'll need is called a keyless lamp base. Here's a link about this you might find to be helpful: www.antiquelampsupply.com/18-how-to-choose-the-right-socket-for-your-lamp. This type does not have any switching device, but utilizes a switch either somewhere on the lamp itself or a "line switch" on the power cord. Second, you'll need to get a length of lamp cord, the new keyless base, and a switch and simply replace the parts that are now currently on your lamp. When you do, you should be good to go! Let us know how it turns out! Best, DFJ

[@loridonner-smith1119]

Do you have a video on how to replace a vintage two socket lamp?

[@joepadilla7871]

Cool 👍

[@luvluvluvluvcats]

Hello Jay. I just inherited Dad's ancient double socket floor lamp. But each socket has only one wire for it. Is this wire supposed to be hand-separated for wrapping around the two screws? The whole idea seems extremely unsafe. I wish I had taken note of the original config when I took it apart last summer.....

[@debbiescott6498]

Learned

[@aroundtownrealestatewithth4682]

Great video! Thank you. Unfortunately my lamp does not have a switch by the bulb. The switch is on the cord. It seems that when the light is turned on and you move the cord. The light blinks. I'm thinking it just needs a new cord or the cord is loose somewhere inside the lamp. Do you have a video for that, that you can send me to? A lamp that has the on/off switch on the cord? Thanks!

[@johnbusher6375]

I'm not an electrician Theresa but it sounds like you're right about needing a new cord. You should be able to get the cord at a hardware store or 'big box' place that has the switch on the cord then do everything that Jay did. If you want the switch on the socket you can buy that style too and a regular lamp cord. There are three types of sockets, one with no switch, one with a twist switch and the type that pushes on/off. You can also get a twist switch for a three way bulb.

[@WSNO]

If a lamp was not given correct polarity, is it immediately obvious? I know a lamp i own had been rewired, it has never shocked me or anything but since i placed it near some electronics, they all stopped working. Is any of this related? I'm going to pull it apart this weekend to check.

[@kurtkeaner]

Thanks. Do you recommend tinning the lamp cord ends before connecting to the terminals? Or just leave bare

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Kurt, I just saw this. Sorry for the delay in responding. If you have the set up to tin, do so. It's an "above and beyond", but bumps the quality of the work. So, go for it! Best, DFJ

[@aaronsaunders6974]

I got the hard ridge of the cord right. The top of the lamp (where you’re supposed 2 squeeze) doesn’t come off as easily as I thought 😢 Had 2 stop there, and I already foresee a *huge hardship* @ the terminal

[@williamkrucksr.3069]

I have a double light lamp that has two brown wires from one lamp and double black wires from the other lamp. How should this be wired?

[@necessaryJustice_4all]

Awesome video! Question. Can you replace just the switch part of the lamp socket? Like the part you turn. 🤔

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and writing. Typically, the switch is an integrated part of the whole lamp base assembly and it's easy and economical to replace the whole thing. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ

[@joang8010]

How do I take the base apart to get at the end of the wires?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I took a little screw out of a switch. Then twist until it comes apart from base.

[@joang8010]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Thank you. Good to know.👍

[@A10TOES]

I need to rewire a lamp because when I turn it on it doesn’t click on & the bulb flickers or the bulb comes on & goes off. Maybe the insides are shot, I don’t want to throw the lamp away as the stem is marble & I paid $80 for it new 10 years ago. I also bought a used brass antique lamp I think needs a new switch cause it’s very hard to turn on & off. Thank you for the demo!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

10TOES, I agree with you, the "guts" in the socket appear to be worn out and aren't making solid contact either with the threaded portion of the bulb, or the bottom button. Either way, without dependable, solid contact, you are going to get flicker. Tem same with your brass lamp. The parts are simply wearing out. Fortunately, these parts are readily accessible and simple to change out, as demonstrated in the video. Simply get the needed keyed or keyless lamp base (aka switched or non-switched) as needed, and proceed. Let us know how it turns out! Best, DFJ

[@elkatz6785]

Hi. Can you tell me if polarity is still a concern when you're just replacing the plug part? Thanks.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Yes, it is. That's because you want the "hot" side of the circuit to go through the switch first before arriving at the lamp base. Otherwise, the lamp base and it's shield could possibly be energized and if touched, electricity could find a path to ground through you. Not good. I hope that helps. Best, DFJ

[@heathercontois4501]

We have a lamp that started smelling like it was burning. Do we replace the wire and the the socket, just to be safe?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Heather, begin with a close inspection and see where the burnt smell is coming from. Something is either shorting out or overheating somehow. Having said that, I would go ahead and replace both the wire and the socket just to be safe. Both don't don't cost that much and will give you new components in your lamp, so there is no real downside to replacing both. Thanks for watching our video! If you haven't already, please subscribe! Best Regards, DFJ

[@heathercontois4501]

@@DirtFarmerJay will do, thank you!

[@rrubio6660]

Jay, i am not sure if or when you'll read this, but I need your advice. I have a floor lamp that hasn't worked for some time now because I used a 100 watt bulb instead of the 65 watt bulb ( max) allowed. Can I still replace the socket and rewire the lamp. Or should I throw it out?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

If you like the lamp, it is easy to rewire with a new higher-rating socket and the correctly rated wiring. Also, with the lower power demand of LED lights, you can have a keeper if you want to. Let me know how it turns out! Best, DFJ

[@dm9152]

If your split wires are not obviously smooth for HOT and ribbed for NEUTRAL is there another way to tell?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

d m, thanks for writing. Another clue is to see how the plug is wired. If you have a wide and narrow blade on the plug, the wide is the neutral, the narrow is the hot. If both are narrow, and its the original plug, you have a non-polarized plug and it can be inserted either way. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@Padraigan13]

I took both wires off before making a note about which was which. I didn't know about polarity. Now I am afraid to attach them to the new socket. What should I do? Thanks so much! B.C. Canada Also there is not an underwriters knot between the wires and not any slack in the two wires also. Thanks again!

[@Padraigan13]

I think I found the answer below in someone else's comment. :D

[@geoffrundlett1697]

Excellent video, thank you. I only wish you had actually shown how to completely disassemble the lamp and run a new cord. I believe there is threaded rod running down the core of my ceramic lamp and I have to undo the fastener at the bottom and figure out how the socket base unscrews at the top. There is a tiny hex nut locking down the lamp shade bow holder with the BROKEN bakelite socket holder just above that. My socket may be "keyless" as the wires look soldered but a tiny pick might release a spring retainer so I don't have to cut and re-strip the wires. My repair is to the socket holder. I've purchased an entire new socket assembly, but I have to remove that broken socket holder.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Geoff, let me know how this turns out. Thanks for the feedback on the episode. We've had a strong interest in this topic, so it's likely we'll do another edition and will show lamp disassembly. Best, DFJ

[@geoffrundlett1697]

@@DirtFarmerJay Well, I won't be able to install the new socket for at least a week but in the meantime realized I did not need to fully disassemble the lamp. The old socket was indeed back-stabbed with tinned wires so releasing the tension with a jeweler's screwdriver was all that was needed to pull the wires intact. If there was cord damage, I could have untied the underwriters knot and pulled the cord out. The nuts at top and bottom holding the lamp together are very low profile. As I said, I need a new socket holder. With the old one "broken", I wasn't afraid of breaking it further as it would not unscrew. I broke it into pieces trying to unscrew it with pliers and discovered it had been glued onto the threaded rod. The replacement socket holder is 1/8 IP thread and should go on just fine once it arrives.

[@backatbragg]

So I’ve been watching KZbin videos on repairing lamps because one of our lamp sockets came apart. I went to ACE/LOWES/HomeDepot and all of them dont carry the size of base screw we need for our lamp. The lamp is an old heavy duty brass lamp and the screw is quite larger than the current styles. Any suggestions on where to get a Socket that has a larger screw for the bottom?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good place to start is "Antiquellampsupply.com" They have different sized lamp sockets and if they don't have what you need they may be able to direct you someplace else. DFJ

[@DirtFarmerJay]

antiquelampsupply.com (Put 2 L's in the above website by mistake)

[@backatbragg]

@@DirtFarmerJay great tip on the website

[@amandacarles1576]

I cannot reassemble the socket onto the lamp stem, no matter how hard I try. I pull the wires from below but it never can be aligned at the top to screw it on, so the socket just falls over, dangling down. I am so frustrated! Is there some trick to reassembling?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Amanda, sorry to not get back to you sooner. If you haven't solved this yet, let me see if I can help. Please go to www.homestratosphere.com/lamp-parts/. Look at the diagram and tell me if this is similar to what your lamp is. If so, use the part descriptions and tell me what parts are not going back together. We can go from there - don't give up. Best, DFJ

[@jc2636]

Safety question: Is it safe to use a stripped wire around one of the screws in the light socket that has several broken strands?

[@suzieb4900]

Well... I am confused! I have a socket with the little turn knob and I am changing this out on my lamp. My socket has three screws. I have a silver one, a brass one and a grey gunmetal screw. What am I doing with this extra screw and what is it for? Can anyone answer me correctly so I can do things safely. I am scared of electric and doing it the wrong way :(

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Suzie B., it appears you have a lamp that is wired for 220 volts, which is more common in Europe than it is in the U.S. If you are in the U.S., it appears that you have come across a lamp that someone brought from "across the pond." I hope that helps! Best, DFJ

[@suzieb4900]

Thank you for clarifying that for me 💗

[@jcvargason535]

How do rewire a double bulbed light one in the bottom and one bulb on top with a 3 way switch a Table Lamp?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Wow, you got me there. I don't have that type of lamp, so I couldn't advise you authoritatively. I'd try Quora or Reddit and see what you can come up with. Best, DFJ

[@AwesomeDude1]

Sometimes I like cutting cords from lamps that dont work or old electronics. Can I rewire a lamp using one of those cords or would you recommend a new cord? Thanks. Britt

[@DirtFarmerJay]

@AwesomeDude1, I would suggest new cords. Old cordage tends to get brittle. Having said that, if the cords you have are in good shape, still supple, and the conductors are good, why not give them a second life? Best, DFJ

[@AwesomeDude1]

I cut s cord off of a old pole lamp that was broken. I want to put it on a old green pole lamp,the current cord on the green lamp is in bad shape. It looks like the ends are burnt.

[@charliebeck4637]

What if your socket has three screws and the wire comes out has two screws what do you do with the third screw everybody showing these switches but nobody's showing the one with three screws what do you do jump one out

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Charlie, my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. You have a keyless three-way lamp. By rotating the switch, you can set three different brightness settings. Here is a short article on this type of lamp and how it is wired: www.lamppartsrepair.com/2019/05/3-way-keyless-socket-interior.html I hope this helps! Best, DFJ

[@shoemaker5335]

And here's another question: the old wiring is solid core, and when I tried to bend the end around a screw, it broke off. It's copper. Is it possible that being old and having been used with electricity for a long time made the wire more brittle?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Shoe Maker, indeed, copper, like any metal, can become a bit brittle as it ages, especially when there has been significant temperature variations experienced over a long time. Best, DFJ

[@shazmom872]

Can I change a lamp from a simple push-thru on/off lamp to a three way?

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Yes. They both use the same wiring type connections you just need to replace the single switch with a 3-way lamp socket which is readily available at most home improvement stores. Best to you, DFJ

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Of course you also need a 3 way light bulb to go with it.

[@BluSkyBliss]

I just wish Tesla’s free energy would hurry up and be revealed! 😃 For now I’ll just rewire my lamp. Thank you for showing us how!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Lisa Fair. Best, DFJ