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Replacing an antique electrical cord?

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pete6032

pete6032

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I picked up an antique lamp from a store nearby. The switch, which sits directly below the bulb, seems to be in working order, but I am really worried about the wiring. So much so, that I am afraid to plug it in. The cord that comes out of the base of the lamp is super old and has some kind of stretchy nylon wrapped around it instead of rubber. Has anyone ever replaced a cord like this?

I wanted to replace the entire wire but I can't seem to get the socket shell out of the socket cap. So I'm wondering if I can just cut the old cord off at the base of the lamp and then wire it to a modern rubber electrical cord? Is that possible? Or do I really need to try and replace the entire wiring setup?
 
pete6032 said:
I picked up an antique lamp from a store nearby. The switch, which sits directly below the bulb, seems to be in working order, but I am really worried about the wiring. So much so, that I am afraid to plug it in. The cord that comes out of the base of the lamp is super old and has some kind of stretchy nylon wrapped around it instead of rubber. Has anyone ever replaced a cord like this?

I wanted to replace the entire wire but I can't seem to get the socket shell out of the socket cap. So I'm wondering if I can just cut the old cord off at the base of the lamp and then wire it to a modern rubber electrical cord? Is that possible? Or do I really need to try and replace the entire wiring setup?
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No. Do not cut it off and splice it to a new cord set. The entire wire needs to be removed and replaced. If you cannot figure out how to disassemble the lamp take it to somebody that does know.

NOTE: If you are going with a new cord make sure you use a polarized plug and connect it to the correct socket terminal for the hot wire.
 
you need to replace everything, just use the antique lamp shell and nothing else. If you feel like you can't get it out, just try harder, if you break it oh well 🙂
 
It's one of those things where you either do it right or don't bother. If you can't figure it out take it to a repair shop and let them do it.
I'd be willing to bet a nickel that there is a youtube video that shows how to get it apart.
 
Greenman said:
It's one of those things where you either do it right or don't bother. If you can't figure it out take it to a repair shop and let them do it.
I'd be willing to bet a nickel that there is a youtube video that shows how to get it apart.
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What kind of shop would I look for on google?

Also is there any way to tell if the current cord is OK? Everything looks like its OK but I'm just worried by how old the cord is. There is a lot of fraying, but nothing is frayed down to the wire.
 
pete6032 said:
What kind of shop would I look for on google?

Also is there any way to tell if the current cord is OK? Everything looks like its OK but I'm just worried by how old the cord is. There is a lot of fraying, but nothing is frayed down to the wire.
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I'd look for someone that does small appliance repair, or perhaps a lighting store might do it for you.

It's impossible to tell the condition of the cord without seeing it, but if the outer case is frayed, it should probably be replaced.
 
I'm not trying to be rude but, how is it possible to frequent a computer tech forum but, not know how to replace a lamp cord? Here's a video you may be more comfortable with than dealing face to face.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
I'm not trying to be rude but, how is it possible to frequent a computer tech forum but, not know how to replace a lamp cord? Here's a video you may be more comfortable with than dealing face to face.
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helpful hint with that video. when you remove the old cord, tie a piece of sturdy string to the wire before you pull it out. Don't use twine because you will need to make a knot and that needs to be small.

Then pull the cord through with the string attached. Take off the string and then tie it to the new cord. Now pull the new cord through. That's an old wire fishing trick.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
I'm not trying to be rude but, how is it possible to frequent a computer tech forum but, not know how to replace a lamp cord? Here's a video you may be more comfortable with than dealing face to face.
Click to expand...
I could do it on a new lamp just fine but I wanted to check if there are any particular considerations for an antique lamp.
 
pete6032 said:
I could do it on a new lamp just fine but I wanted to check if there are any particular considerations for an antique lamp.
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It depends on how much of an antique it is but you definitely need to replace the wiring. Personally, I'd replace the switch as well. Contacts wear out over time and you don't want to have the switch to start arcing.

The nice thing about lamps is that even if you need a specialty switch, you can probably find it online. Often the trick is finding the correct name to search on.
 
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