Wiring a Lamp Socket

Wiring a lamp socket is a fairly straightforward task that most people can do, even if they dont know much about electricity. Never disassemble or work on your lamp when it's connected to a power source.

Supplies

Lamp Cord - You'll need a lamp cord for each lamp, when selecting a cord, you'll want at least 5-6 feet of cord, also you'll want to determine if you want a switched cord or a switch on the socket.

Lamp Socket - When selecting a lamp socket, you'll need to select the appropriate one for your country. E26 stands for 26 mm and the E27 for 27 mm in diameter, these two standards are interchangeable, meaning a US E26 will fit in a European E27 base, and vice-versa. The only difference is the voltage for the bulbs, still, it's important to buy the correct bulb certified for use in your country. Two other common lamp sockets are E14, typically used for chandeliers, and E44 for very large bulbs.

Pipe Nipples -

Wire Cutters/Strippers -

Screwdrivers - any set of standard Phillips and Flathead screwdrivers should be sufficient

1. Run your cord through the base of the lamp and out through the nipple. Thread your cord into the hole at the base up through the center channel. Continue feeding it until it's through the nipple extending from the lamp body.[11]

   1. If the cord ever gets stuck, pull it back 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) and then continue feeding it through.

2. Thread the cord through the socket cap and secure it. Once the cord extends from lamp's channel through the nipple, place the center hole of the socket cap over it. Bring the it down to the nipple extending from the lamp base and turn it clockwise until it's secure.

   1. In some models, you'll have to place a locknut onto the nipple before attaching the socket cap.

3. Separate the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the lamp cord. Your cord is made of 2 wires connected together: one that is ribbed (neutral) and another that is smooth (hot). Pull them apart with your hands or—if they're tightly connected—use a pair of scissors to cut along the middle indent that separates them.[13]

   1. Take note of each wire and make sure you can distinguish them before proceeding to the next step.

4. Tie an underwriter's knot into the 2 wires. Start by making a 1 inch (2.5 cm) loop with each wire that points upward. Hold them together with your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Now, take the free ends of each wire and feed them through the loop of the opposite wire. Afterward, pull the ends outward to tighten the knot.[14]

   1. After tying the knot, pull the wire from the base of the lamp so that the knot lowers into the socket cap and there's no slack in the line.

   2. Cut the wires 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the knot when you're done.

5. Strip 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of wiring insulation from the ends. Insert each end of wiring between your wire strippers. Grip the handle at the 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) mark and pull upward to remove the insulation.[15]

   1. Hold the wire insulation firmly with one hand as you pull the wire stripper upward.

6. Wrap the ribbed wire around the silver screw. Locate the silver screw on the side of the socket. Loosen it with a screwdriver by turning it counterclockwise. Once there is enough space, wrap the ribbed wire clockwise around it. After it's firmly wrapped around the screw, retighten the screw.

   1. Double-check that you haven't accidentally wrapped the wrong wire.

   2. Make sure that none of the insulation is underneath the screw.

7. Wrap the smooth wire around the brass screw. Just as you did with the silver screw, locate the brass screw on the side of the socket. Loosen it until there's a space between its tip and the socket. Now, wrap the wiring clockwise around it and retighten the screw.[16]

   1. Double-check that none of the insulation is underneath the screw.

8. Reattach the socket to the socket cap. Slide the insulator tube that acts as the outer covering of the socket over the inner part of the socket. Be sure that it slides over the lamp switch. Now, press the socket down into the socket cap—this may take a bit of effort.[17]

   1. Listen for a click as you push the socket into the cap—once you hear it, it's firmly in place.

9. Connect the nipple to the lamp base. Whether your base is wooden or metal, it needs a nipple on top to connect to the socket. Hold the threaded nipple vertically in front of you. Thread the knurl washer (the one with ridges) onto the nipple followed by the rubber washer. Attach the nipple into the center channel of your lamp base and make sure the knurl washer is closest to the base. Keep about 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) between the top of the nipple and the washers

   1. Purchase a DIY lamp socket kit from online suppliers or purchase each part separately. If you buy your own nipple from a hardware store, select one that's zinc-plated