How to Replace a Plug on a Lamp in 6 Steps?

Are you dealing with a faulty lamp cord? It can be frustrating and even risky, posing a fire hazard. This post will walk you through 6 simple steps on how to replace a plug on a lamp. These simple procedures will allow you to solve the issue on your own and ensure your lamp is safe to use again.

Difficulty	Duration	Cost
Medium	45 mins - 1 hour	$6 - $10

Step 1: Prepare the Tools and Materials

How to install a plug on a lamp cord? Before you begin, it's essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here's what you'll need:

Tool/Material	Purpose
New lamp plug	To replace the damaged or worn-out plug
Wire strippers	To take out the lamp's wire insulation
Wire cutters	For cutting wires if needed
Screwdriver	To remove and tighten screws
Electrical tape	To insulate the wire connections
Multimeter (optional)	To check electrical connections for continuity and voltage
Safety glasses	To shield your eyes from sparks or debris

Having all these items on hand will ensure a smooth and efficient plug replacement process.

Step 2: Unplug the Lamp and Remove the Old Plug

Safety First: Before undertaking repairs, Hirosart recommends that you unplug the light from the electrical socket. This is crucial for preventing electrical shock.

Locate the old plug

First, find where the old plug is attached to the end of the lamp's power cord. It's usually right there at the end.

Remove any screws

Look for any screws holding the old plug in place; these screws are typically small and easily accessible. Your trusty screwdriver will make quick work of them.

Disconnect the wires

Gently pull the old plug away from the cord, being careful not to pull on the wires themselves. You may need to use wire cutters to snip the wires if they are tightly connected.

Inspect the cord

After disconnecting the wires, you Check the lamp's power cord for damage, such as fraying or cracking. If the cord is damaged, it may be necessary to replace both the cord and the plug.

Step 3: Prepare the Wires for the New Plug

Measure the cord 

Determine the length of the cord that needs to pass through the new plug. This will assist ensure a good fit.

Strip the wires

Firstly, to begin replacing the plug, use a utility knife to cut off the old plug and about 1 - 2 inches (2.5 - 5.1 cm) of the cord. Measure down from the plug and make a straight cut through the cord to avoid fraying the wires. Once cut, discard the old plug immediately. If you find it challenging to cut with a utility knife, scissors can be a good alternative.

Opening up the cord's sheathing about 1.5 - 2 inch

When preparing the wires for a new plug, carefully open the outer wire sheath about 1.5 to 2 inches. Use caution to avoid nicking the inner wires. Once the sheath is opened, gently peel it off to expose the individual wires inside. Next, trim off any excess sheath material carefully.

Remove 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of insulation from each wire using wire strippers

To strip a wire, start by using wire strippers to grip one of the wires about half an inch away from the end. Pull the strippers toward the end of the cord and squeeze the grips together to remove the insulation. Discard the insulation piece that comes off. Repeat this process for the other wire so that both are exposed. Make sure you strip the third wire on your lamp if it has one for grounding.

Identify the wires

Examine the wires and determine which one is the live wire (usually brown or black), the neutral wire (usually blue or white), and the ground wire (usually green or bare copper). 

However, it is sometimes difficult to determine wires because each manufacturer will have different color regulations. To be sure, you can read our guide on ways to identify which lamp wire is hot, neutral wires

Twist the exposed wires' frayed ends to make them easier to attach

To make it easier to connect the wires, twist the frayed ends together so they become a single solid wire. Hold one wire end and twist the frayed parts clockwise. Repeat this with the other wire. Do not twist the two wires together as this will make connecting them to the plug later on more challenging.

Step 4: Connect the Wires for the New Plug

Insert the cord through the plastic plug cover

Gently pull the two lamp wires through the opening in the cover by holding them together. After covering the wires with the cover, draw them through to the opposite side. Keep the cover positioned about 3 - 4  inches (7.6 - 10.2 cm) away from the cord's end to avoid hindering your work. If your new plug has a hinge rather than a separate cover, you can omit this step entirely. This ensures a smooth setup and proper alignment of all components.

Connect the wires 

Shape the wire into a small hook and place it under the silver screw on the replacement plug's prongs, ensuring the wire wraps around clockwise. 

Carefully insert each wire into the corresponding terminal on the new plug, ensuring a secure connection. The live wire goes to the brass or gold terminal, the neutral wire goes to the silver terminal, and the ground wire (if present) goes to the green or bare terminal.

Secure the wires

Tighten screws or terminals with pliers or a screwdriver, ensuring wires are securely attached.

Step 5: Secure the Connections and Insulate Them Properly

Ensuring your electrical connections are securely fastened and insulated properly is vital for the longevity and safety of your lamp.

Wrap the connections

Carefully wrap the wire connections with electrical tape. This step adds more insulation to the lamp, preventing loose wires from contacting metal elements and lowering the chance of short circuits and electrical fires.

* Note: If, during the process of wrapping the wire connections, black tape accidentally sticks to the lamp and makes it dirty, don’t worry too much. You can easily clean a lamp at home with just 5 simple and effective steps.

Secure the plug

If your replacement plug has screws, replace and tighten them securely. Everything will stay in place throughout use and transit if it fits snugly. Loose connections can lead to unstable power delivery or even arcing, which poses risks both to you and your home’s electrical system.

Check the cord 

Take a moment to inspect the entire length of the lamp's power cord for any wear or damage. Even small nicks or frays may soon evolve into larger problems, potentially exposing live wires. If you spot any such issues near the plug connection - or elsewhere - wrap these areas with high-quality electrical tape for additional reinforcement.

Step 6: Test the Lamp to Ensure It Is Working Correctly

Using a multimeter (optional)

If you have a multimeter handy, you can use it to check the electrical connections for continuity and voltage. This step is optional but can help ensure the wiring is correct and the lamp is safe to use. Simply follow the instructions on how to test LED light at home with your multimeter to measure continuity and voltage. If everything seems good, your lamp is ready to use.

Ensuring proper functionality

To ensure your lamp works properly, use a known working outlet. This way, you can be sure there are no other electrical issues. To test the lamp, plug it into an outlet and turn it on. If it does, great! You can now put the lamp back where it was originally plugged in.

Checking for unusual sounds or smells

As the lamp is running, listen and look for any unusual sounds, sparks, or burning smells, which could indicate an issue with the wiring or connections.

Moreover, to upgrade the lamp for smoother operation, you can also install or replace the ballast. Our detailed guides will help you do this easily.

Learn how to replace a plug on a lamp by watching the instructional video below, which guides you through each step with clear and concise instructions.

Tips for a Safely Plug Replacement

Here's a quick guide to safely replacing a plug on your lamp, ensuring your lighting stays reliable and hazard-free.

• Double-check the wiring connections: Making sure the wires are connected correctly is essential for your lamp to work safely. Check each connection to confirm the live, neutral, and ground wires are firmly secured to the correct terminals on the new plug.
• Choose the appropriate size and type of plug for your lamp: Be sure to select a replacement plug that matches your lamp's specifications and the voltage in your area. Using an incorrect plug type could damage your lamp or create a fire risk.
• Ensure the plug is properly secured to the wires: If the plug isn't securely attached to the wires, it can lead to electrical problems like flickering lights or the lamp not working. Ensure the plug is firmly fastened to the wires with the correct screws or terminals.

In addition to knowing how to replace a plug on a lamp, many common lamp issues may give you trouble, like lamps not turning on or flickering. Wondering what to do? Our practical guide provides troubleshooting tips for these problems. 

If your lamp doesn't turn on, check out our detailed "how to fix a lamp that won't turn on" guide for step-by-step solutions. How about a flickering lamp? Our guide offers effective tips to resolve this issue. Follow our advice to fix these lamp problems and brighten up your space again.

Conclusion

Replacing a lamp plug may seem difficult, but with the correct equipment and knowledge, most homeowners can confidently undertake the project. By following the step-by-step guide on how to replace a plug on a lamp, you'll be able to replace a broken or worn-out plug on your lamp quickly and safely, restoring the functionality and safety of your lighting fixture.