How to fix a lamp switch. Lamps can serve a variety of purposes both in your home and in your business. Good lighting can make you look healthier, more beautiful or well-rested, or just plain feel better.
The one thing that’s often overlooked by many when it comes to lamps, including the different types of dimmer switches they may be fitted with, is the relatively short lifespan that some tend to live which can cause them to either not work at all or simply stop working properly over time.
So if this happens to you and you want a way around replacing something then please continue reading as we’ve got an easy DIY fix for this problem for you.
How to fix a lamp switch
All lamps rely on light bulbs to move their magic, which is why they come in a variety of styles, shapes, and finishes. The bulbs can be easily replaced.
Fortunately, lamps and light bulbs are relatively cheap, so losing their shine isn’t the end of the world. Anyone can change a lightbulb without much difficulty.
Turn off the lamp
Unplug the lamp. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes so the light has had sufficient time to cool down and the bulb itself has cooled down. Once you remove the old bulb, replace it immediately with a functional one.
Remove the metal light bulb
Unscrew the metal light bulb holder into which you will put the lightbulb while turning it counterclockwise by holding onto its bottom.
Check out the switch
Look at the switch. You will see that it has two individual electrical wires, each one of which is attached by a small brass screw to the switch.
Reach in and see if you can wiggle either wire. If you notice one wire moving independently from the other one, tighten both screws with a small Phillips head screwdriver, replace the metal bulb holder as well as the light bulb, plug in the lamp, and test it.
A faulty lamp switch is oftentimes caused by loose wires and does not need to be replaced.
If the lamp does not turn on again after tightening the screws, repeat steps 1 and 2 to expose more of what’s inside your power cord in case there are any additional loose wires that need to be tightened down properly.
Disconnect the extension cord
Disconnect the extension cord from the wall socket and then unplug the lamp. Take the extension cord, and pull up both wires near where they turn down into the base of the lamp.
The electrical cord will be pulled out through the lamp. Pull some extra 6″ for safety so that you can wrap it around with a piece of electrical tape to prevent it from falling back into the lamp body. Ensure that your appliance is protected.
Disconnect the wires
Unscrew the two brass screws and clip the wires from their connections.
Removing the switch
Make sure the lamp is turned off – whether it is via the switch or by removing the plug. As soon as you have done this, remove the ‘collar’ that holds the wire in place from around the stem of the plug with needle-nose pliers.
Unscrew this section and remove it. The switch will now be removed from the lamp.
Reassemble the lamp
Reverse these steps to install your replacement light switch, then reassemble the lamp. That’s all you need to do, and you don’t even need a screwdriver.
FAQs
Why does my 3-way lamp switch not work?
With a 3-way bulb, if it is actually not appearing at all, then it is most likely out of energy. If only one part of the lighting fixture glows, then you will want to replace the light bulb.
If you have a 3-way light bulb that works as it ought to in a good 3-way socket and also only one of the two elements appears in various sockets, the issue is with the receptacle.
How do you turn a lamp light switch on?
Locate the power outlet that is controlled by the light switch. Plug your lamp into the power outlet. Flip on your light switch, then turn on your lamp.
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