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Replacing a Lamp Cord

easyHome Repair30-60 minutes5 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure the lamp is unplugged from the electrical outlet before beginning any work.
  • Use caution when using knives to strip insulation to avoid cuts or damaging internal wires.

Tools Needed

Knife — Sharp edge for stripping insulation
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Materials

Lamp cord — Length of internal cord plus 6 feet(1)
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Steps

1
Measure and cut a new lamp cord equal to the length of the existing cord within the lamp, plus an additional 6 feet.
2
Strip the insulation off the end of each cord for 3/4".
Tip: Slope the knife blade and slice with the edge away from you to avoid injury or cutting the wires.
3
Loop the bare part of the wire around the screw of the plug/socket in a clockwise direction.
Tip: Wrapping clockwise prevents wires from being forced out from under the screw head as it is tightened.
4
Repeat the looping process with the second wire, wrapping it around the opposite prong of the plug.
5
Tighten the screws to secure the wires firmly in place.

Pro Tips

  • Always use a light touch when stripping wire insulation to avoid nicking the copper conductor.

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Sources

Synthesized from 3 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Electricity for the 4-H ScientistView →
Gutenberg: Dwelling ConstructionView →
Gutenberg: Electrical GuideView →