Do you have an old lamp sitting around the attic or basement that could be cleaned up and used? Is the problem that the electrics looks crazy old and need replacement? If you have an old lamp you want to rewire, you can easily rewire your lamp at home. Do it yourself and save money while saving the old lamp from the dump!

What you need:

  • A new Standard Lamp Socket
    (assuming the old one is shot/not safe to use)
    Or consider an upgrade with a Dimmer Socket
  • A length of suitable electrical cord – consult your hardware store for proper gauge for your application – for most standard lamps (think 60W or less) and short lengths, most any UL approved cord will do –  for longer runs or higher wattage lamps, you will need a heavier gauge cord to prevent overheating
  • 2-wire electric plug to attach cord to wall outlet

How to rewire a lamp:

  1. Be safe; know what you’re doing. Always consult a professional electrician for any questions. Always unplug any electric appliance before servicing.
  2. After unplugging the lamp, remove any shade and bulb
  3. Remove the socket and old wiring. You may need to cut the old wiring to remove. Discard the old parts
  4. Take your length of new cord and attach the plug. Typically this will involve either stripping the wire and attaching it with screw mounts OR inserting the cord and crimping the cord in some fashion. Consult the directions that came with your new plug for complete instructions
  5. Feed the free end of your new cord up through the base of your lamp and our through where the old socket attached.
  6. Separate the two ends and remove a small length of the insulation from each of the two wires. Twist the wire inside tightly.
  7. Now, take your new socket attach one wire to each of the two terminals of the lamp socket. Usually this is done with screw-down connections. Be sure that the wires attach firmly and are not loose or frayed out. Consult the instructions that came with your new socket for complete directions. You should tie a knot in the cord to keep any tugs from a pulled cord from detaching the connections
  8. Attach the socket to the lamp, usually screws on to base.
  9. Final inspection. Ensure all connections are properly attached and insulated, no gashes have been made to cord in the process and all is tightly attached.
  10. Put a bulb in and try out your new re-wired lamp!
  11. Consider purchasing new lamp shades to give new life to an old lamp