I want to get 2 table lamps rewired, advice please? .

G

Geezerette

Senior Member
I have 2 older table lamps that aren’t working well electrically any more. I like the bases a lot so I don’t want to replace them. They are supposed to be 3 way and I have been using 30-70-100 bulbs.
Both have gotten so that they will only light on the 70 & even that seems to burn out faster.
I didn’t really use the 3 way feature that often & Id be satisfied with the equivalent of 70 or 100 watts..
I’ve hardly used the “new” bulbs In Other lamps at all, just the equivalent of 60 watts, so I don’t know what would be the equivalent of of 70 or 100 in the new designations.

Would like to know what type of place would be trustworthy to get it done and what socket & bulb would be the same light as the old 70 or 100. Thanks.
The last time I priced the job several years ago they were asking $25 for another lamp I didn’t really care that much for so I didn’t get it done.Thanks!
 

In this area we have three or four fixit shops that repair/rewire lamps, sell parts, shades, etc...

The price runs around $100.00 to rewire a lamp and the sky is the limit for a new shade.

IMO you or a handy friend/family member could probably do the job for under $20.00.

shopping

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-3-Wa...VEoiGCh0MCAiqEAQYBCABEgIFJPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Hardware stores sell the parts. It's pretty easy to do yourself! There must be a u-tube to explain it for beginners. Just make sure it's unplugged when you work on it and twist the wires white to white and black to black. You may need new sockets.
But don't be afraid to try it yourself. It's pretty simple!
 

Geezerette said:
-I have 2 older table lamps that aren’t working well electrically any more. I like the bases a lot so I don’t want to replace them. They are supposed to be 3 way and I have been using 30-70-100 bulbs.
Both have gotten so that they will only light on the 70 & even that seems to burn out faster.
I didn’t really use the 3 way feature that often & Id be satisfied with the equivalent of 70 or 100 watts..
I’ve hardly used the “new” bulbs In Other lamps at all, just the equivalent of 60 watts, so I don’t know what would be the equivalent of of 70 or 100 in the new designations.

Would like to know what type of place would be trustworthy to get it done and what socket & bulb would be the same light as the old 70 or 100. Thanks.
The last time I priced the job several years ago they were asking $25 for another lamp I didn’t really care that much for so I didn’t get it done.Thanks!
Click to expand...
First off let me just say that 3-way bulbs default to the center wattage...30-70-100, 50-100-150 so when they are 2/3 burned out only the center wattage will light. That said, if your wiring is not frayed or brittle, the plug is solid and your switch works as intended, I doubt you need to worry about rewiring your lamp.
Should you want to convert your lamps to a single switch, all that is needed is to replace the socket. I would remove one lamp socket and take it to your local hardware as @Gaer suggested for an exact replacement. When connecting the flat 2-wire cord, just make sure that the wire with the raised rib attaches to the silver screw and the smooth wire attaches to the brass screw.
Also, I'm sure you know...you can use any standard Edison base single wattage bulb in your lamps just the way they are, it just requires two extra clicks to turn the lamp off or on. Note: Stay within the incandescent wattage specified on your lamp or use LED bulbs.
Just ask if you need further help...I am a jack-of-all-trades and a master of one...as I am a licensed master electrician in 2 States. 🙂
 
Gaer said:
I yield to Hapiguy! He soumds like he really knows what he's talking about!
Click to expand...

Thank you for your kind words. :)

I didn't mention that 3-way lamps are now available in LED...but they are pricey. I haven't tried them yet as I use a cord mounted table-top dimmers for most of my lamps...which is rather neat when there is a lamp on both sides of a sofa or bed for example...one dimmer can control both lamps and the dimmer can be placed on the most convenient table. Just be sure if LED lamps are used that they are marked "Dimmable" on the package sleeve. 😀
 
Thanks so much, Hapiguy! Yes, they did default to the 70. But one of the 2 would only work at the 70 setting, not the 30 & 100, at any time. . I replaced the 1 today with a brand new 3 way and it will go to all 3 now , tho I prefer it on 70. A few years back I wouldn’t have given a second thought to heading to the local hardware store with the old socket in my hand, but arthritis and some nerve problems have limited my fine motor skills. It would probably do just as satisfactory to replace the one that only works on 70 with a push button.
I checked parts prices and basic sockets alone run about $5, set with cord about $15.
You’ve got me inspired now! Thinking about going to Goodwill or such & buying cheap old lamp and seeing if I can take it apart.
Thanks again.
 
Obviously I don't know what the regulations are in the USA, but if you do the rewiring yourself how would it affect your home insurance if the worst happens and you get a short circuit followed by a fire?
 
Good question, glow worm! I’ll look into it.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top