How to Connect a Two-Prong Cable to a Lamp Socket

Lamps with worn or frayed cables or cords can be a real safety hazard in the home. It's easy to ignore a problem like that until it's too late and someone has suffered an electric shock or the frayed cord has started a fire. You can fix this problem with a little preventative maintenance by simply attaching a new two-prong cord.

Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Wire cutters

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the lamp from the wall socket, if it's connected.
- 2
  Loosen the nut securing the socket to the lamp. You'll find the nut at the base of the lamp socket. Use an adjustable wrench if you can't undo it with your fingers.
- 3
  Pull the socket out of the lamp. Loosen the two screws, one on either side of the lamp socket, and pull out the wires from under the screws.
- 4
  Pull the old cord out of the bottom of the lamp.
- 5
  Insert the end of the new power cord into the lamp and push it up to the top. Pull several inches of the cord out of the lamp. Remove 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the two wires in the power cord. Slide the bare ends of the wires under the screws and tighten the screws.
- 6
  Pull the excess cord out the bottom of the lamp and place the socket to the lamp. Tighten the nut holding the lamp socket in place.

How to Add an Indicator Light to a Switch

DIY Lights for Stairs

Electrical Repairs