How to Rewire a Lamp

A couple of economical supplies and the correct associations can make an old light new once more

When you purchase an antique torchere, such as the one dissected here, or any vintage floor lamp that has not been restored, inspect it thoroughly to be sure every part is in working order. After time and extended use—or disuse—the sheathing (called a jacket) that covers and protects the wires inside the electrical cord may be cracked or frayed, or completely exposed. The prongs on the plug may have corroded, and the switch may not operate correctly.

STEP ONE // How to Rewire a Lamp

Outline Graph for Rewiring a Light

Always unplug a lamp before attempting any repairs.

Once it is unplugged, take the lamp to a hardware store to determine what type of cord and plug will suit it best. Electrical cord may be flat or round. A flat cord will take a clamp-style flat-cord plug; a round cord will require a two-prong round-cord plug.

A socket is composed of several parts: an outer metal shell; an insulating sleeve; the threaded socket with its switch and two screw terminals (one silver, one brass) to which the two wires inside the cord attach; and an insulated cap, which protects the terminals.

A two-prong, round-body plug is composed of several parts, too: the plug body, the shell, and the cord clamp. A clamp-style flat-cord plug comes in two pieces, a core with prongs attached, and a shell.

STEP TWO // How to Rewire a Lamp

Remove the Base

Pry cover off the base of the light to uncover the nut holding the pipe through which the line goes from the attachment to the fitting. Haul the pipe halfway out the highest point of the light, with a specific end goal to unscrew and evacuate old attachment.

                 STEP THREE // How to Rewire a Lamp

Thread the New Cord

Cut off old fitting; append new string to old line and draw as far as possible up through pipe; cut off old string and dispose of.

STEP FOUR // How to Rewire a Lamp

Make the Wire Connections

Split finish 2 creeps of line coat off new rope; strip ½-inch of protection off wire closes; frame uncovered wire closes into circles. One wire end is "hot"; the other, which is furrowed, is viewed as "unbiased." 

Fasten new attachment; tie Financier's bunch amongst attachment and top; snare hot wire around metal terminal and nonpartisan one around silver terminal; fix screws; slip protecting sleeve and external metal shell over attachment and switch.

STEP FIVE // How to Rewire a Lamp

Reattach the Base and Connect the Plug

Tighten nut around pipe at base; re-attach base. (Cover with a new piece of felt, if desired, to prevent lamp from scratching floor.)

To wire a two-prong round-cord plug, pry out body; feed cord into shell; strip ¾-inch of insulation off wire ends after splitting bottom 1¼ inches of cord, as per Step 4. Tie wires into Underwriter's knot; twist wire ends clockwise and connect to plug screws; snap plug body into shell; tighten clamp.

For a clamp-style flat-cord plug (like the one pictured here), pinch prongs to release plug core; spread prongs. Feed blunt end of flat wire through hole in bottom of shell, inserting it so that the ridged, neutral wire connects to the wider prong; squeeze prongs together; re-insert core in shell.