How to Repair a Table Lamp (page 4 of 4)

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How to Repair a Table Lamp: Replace a Problem Plug

Plugs on lamp cords often have a weak point where the cord enters the plug. Pulling and flexing can break the wires at this point, leaving you with a lamp that flickers when you jiggle the cord. The cure is to replace the plug. To do this safely, choose a polarized plug ($5). A polarized plug has one blade that’s wider than the other so it fits into an outlet only one way.

Before you buy a plug, take a close look at the cord. Along with other labeling, you should find “SPT-1” or “SPT-2.” This refers to the thickness of the cord’s sheathing, and the plug you buy must have the same listing so it will fit over the sheathing. If you can’t find the SPT listing, replace the entire cord as shown above.

The plug you buy may not look exactly like the one shown here, but installing it will be similar. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. When you split the two halves of the cord be careful not to expose any wire. If you do, cut back the cord and start over. Strip the wire ends and make connections. The neutral wire must connect to the wider blade. If you’re not able to identify it, replace the entire cord.

Lamp Part Sources
Home centers and hardware stores carry basic lamp parts like sockets, cords and plugs. For hard-to-find parts and a wider selection of basic parts, visit a lamp repair shop (in the Yellow Pages under “Lamps & Shades, Repair”) or these Web sites: