You probably don’t know how to fix a lamp switch. So, in this ultimate guide, I will teach you both how to replace a lamp switch and how to fix a lamp switch as well.
If you are dealing with a flicking lamp. You have to fix your lamp switch immediately.
Contents
Types of Lamp Switches
Rotary Switch
There are different types of lamp switches to on and off it and a rotary switch is one of them that is commonly used. It consists of a threaded stem to which a plastic knob is attached.
While the other end of the threaded stem connects inside the light socket through a switching mechanism.
Usually, a rotary switch is used to control different electrical circuits with a single switch. Because it can move in a circle and is also stoppable in various positions. It is specifically designed to have many contacts happening at a time on a single switch position.
Rocker Switch
The other widely used lamp switch is a rocker switch that rocks instead of trips whenever pressed. So, that means one side of the switch will be raised and the other side will be down in both on and off conditions.
It may have a circle on one end to let the user know the lamp is on. While on the other end it has a horizontal dash line that indicates the lamp is off.
Rocker switches are widely used in many other electronic devices like power supplies, home appliances, and more.
It has two different circuitry states, independent and dependent. Independent circuitry has a light-activated on the head of the switch that allows you to find the switch easily in dark. And in the dependent circuitry, the light will be activated only when you turn on the switch.
Inline Cord Switch
A lamp switch that can be installed on the lamp cord is known as an inline cord switch. This self-contained switch eliminates the difficulty to reach the knob on the base of a socket.
So, it will be more suitable for a lamp that is far from your bed like a floor lamp. It is specifically designed to interrupt the current flow by connecting and disconnecting a hot wire, especially to the lamps.
Cordline Switch
A switch has a double pole action with screw terminals and also earth through these screw terminals is called a cord line switch. To reduce the strain on the terminal connections it is specifically designed for round three core flexible cords.
Should you Fix/Repair or replace a lamp switch?
Replacing a lamp switch is an easier and simplest project that can be tackled by anyone. While repairing a lamp switch could be a little bit difficult.
Replacing a lamp switch means you have to remove the old one and buy a new switch. But repairing is a process that leads to removing the fault from a lamp switch, you don’t need to buy a new one.
Simply fix the old one.
But you may not able to repair a lamp switch by yourself. So, this would be a bad idea to repair a faulty lamp switch. Replacing it is a better option you should go with this.
How to Fix a Lamp Switch
Safety Measures
Before you begin fixing your lamp switch, there are a few safety measures you should take. First, make sure that the power is turned off to the lamp. You don’t want to be electrocuted while working on the switch.
Remove the lampshade so that you have clear access to the switch.
Unscrew the switch plate and set it aside. Now you can see the wires that connect to the switch. Be careful not to touch any of the exposed wires.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the switch in place.
Lastly, pull the switch out and replace it with a new one. sixth, screw the switch back in place and reattach the switch plate and lamp shade.
Replacing a Socket Switch
Step 1
- Buy a new Socket Switch
As I mentioned above to replace an old and faulty socket switch first you have to buy a new one. You can find it in most hardware stores, whatever type you needed for your lamp. A new high-quality socket switch usually costs around $2 to $5 as WikiHow said.
Step 2
- Remove Power Supply
You have to be careful while working with electricity. So, unplug the lamp before starting.
Step 3
- Remove the lamp Shade
On most lamps, the switch socket is located under the shade. So, don’t forget to remove the shade, bulb, and wires
Step 4
- Squeeze and Pull the socket
To remove the socket shell from the lamp, simply squeeze and pull the socket. Because the socket shell is the actual point where you’ll find the switch and bulb screws. If you find it difficult to remove it due to a jam or some other reason. You can use a screwdriver to lose it. But keep safe the socket shell from damage.
Step 5
- Locating the wires
Locate the 2 wires that are attached to the socket shell. One is hot and the second is neutral. The wire attached to a brass screw is hot wire while the wire attached to a silver screw is neutral.
Usually, the neutral wire will be marked or in a different color. After locating the wires you need to cut them closely from the existing switch. After cutting the wires you need to strip insulation from the wires with a cutter.
Step 6
- Attach the wires to the Screws
Wrap the wires tightly around the screws but you need to be careful while connecting. Wrap the neutral wire to the silver screw and the hot wire to the brass screw.
After that, place the new socket shell into the lamp. And fix the bulb and lampshade.
You are done, Plugin the lamp to check!
Replacing a Cord Switch
Step 1
- Determine the Switch size
To replace a cord switch first of all you have to determine the switch size you need. You can find it on the lamp cord in small printing form. You’ll find SPT-1 or SPT-2 which refers to the thickness of the lamp cord.
Step 2
- Cut the Wires
Determine the wires you have to cut because in some switches you only need to connect the hot wire. While in some switches you need to connect both hot and neutral wires. Cut the wires and remove the existing cord switch. Strip insulation off of the wires to connect them.
Step 3
- Match the wires
Matching the hot and neutral wires to the accurate screws is a crucial step in both cord switch replacement and socket switch replacement.
If there is only one screw that is for the hot wire. But if there are two wires then the hot wire will connect to the brass screw and the neutral wire will connect to the silver screw.
Avoid doing a make a wrong connection to stay safe from any hassle.
Step 4
- Wrap the wires around the screws
Wrapping the wires around screws is easier with your fingers. But you have to make sure there is no visible portion of wires when you assemble the switch. Mistakenly if you exposed the wires too long, first cut the extra length and reattach the wires.
Step 5
- Cover the Switch
Place the switch cover on it and screw it well. There should be no visible wires around the switch.
Step 6
- Let’s try the new Switch
Recheck all the connections you’ve made and make sure everything is securely connected. It’s time to try the lamp. Plugin and turn on the lamp.
You are done!
If it won’t. Repeat the steps and recheck the connections.
Related Topic: How to Replace a 3-way Lamp Switch
Wrap up
If this article helps you with how to fix a lamp switch must give your valuable feedback in the comment section. For further queries about this topic on any other, you can also comment. I’ll try to respond to your queries because this is my top priority.
FAQs
Can I replace a Lap Switch easily?
Replacing or fixing a lamp switch is the simplest thing that can be tackled by anyone. But you need to follow the steps in the given sequence I’ve mentioned above.
What is the reason for the faulty lamp switch?
Like other electronic things, lamp switches can go bad over time. electricity short circuits or sparking could be a reason. But usually, lamp switches are long-lasting because they have simple functions to do.
Related Topic: How To Fix A Cloudy Lava Lamp Without Opening?
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