How to Shorten A Lamp Cord: Four Easy and Safety Methods

Your lamp cords are too long, they make your space messy and you don’t know how to shorten a lamp cord? Let’s read this blog to learn some methods.  We will provide three safe and easy methods to reduce length lamp cords for inexperienced people. 

What Are the Parts of A Lamp Cord?

We have to understand the components of a cord before practicing reducing length lamp cords. It is very essential for everyone. We summarized parts of a cord below:

• Conductors: Lamp cords usually have two conductor wires, one carrying electricity to the lamp and the other returning it to the power source. These wires are usually made of copper for good conductivity.
• Insulation: The core of the lamp cord consists of two or three insulated wires. These wires are usually made of copper because copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. The insulation around the wires is typically made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl, which helps to prevent electrical shock.
• Jacket: The outermost layer of the cable, typically made of PVC or similar materials. The jacket protects the cable from abrasion, moisture, and other environmental hazards. It may also provide strain relief at the point where the cable connects to a device.
• Braiding: A metallic braid wrapped around the insulated conductors. It acts as an electrostatic shield to prevent external electromagnetic interference (EMI) from affecting the signal traveling within the cable. EMI can come from nearby power lines, radio waves, or other electrical devices.
• Shielding: A conductive layer applied around the insulated conductors or the entire cable. Shielding works similarly to braiding to block EMI but can be more effective. It can be a metallic foil, a metallized plastic layer, or a combination of both.
• Fillers: Non-conductive materials inserted into the cable to fill empty spaces. Fillers help maintain the cable's shape, improve its flexibility, and provide some cushioning for the conductors. Common filler materials include plastic rods, tapes, or fibers.

Method 1: Cutting and Reattaching with the Old Plug

This is the first safe method that we wanna help you answer the question: “how to shorten a lamp cord”.

Materials	Uses
Safety glasses	Protection from flying objects and debris Impact resistance Protection from dust and airborne particles Avoidance ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Electrical tape	Electrical insulation Securing and bundling wires Temporary repairs Marking and color coding Surface protection
Wire cutters	Cutting wire Stripping insulation Cutting thin sheet metal Gripping and holding Crimping (with specific tools)
Phillips screwdriver	Driving and removing screws with Phillips heads
Replacement lamp cord	Replacing the old or failed lamp cords
New lamp plug	Replacing the old or failed lamp plugs

Step 1: Disconnect the Lamp to the Power Source

This is an important step to protect implementers from getting an electric shock. Therefore, don’t forget to find your house’s electric source and turn it off before practicing the next steps. You must check the power source when you shorten the lamp cord. 

Step 2: Measuring and Marking the Cord

You have to consider the location of the lamp and the desired distance from the power outlet. After that, measure the length you want to move and it’s a good idea to leave some extra length in case you need to make adjustments in the future.

Employ a marker or a strip of tape to designate the precise location for cutting the cord, thus averting potential confusion during subsequent wire reconnection.

You should remember checking the safety of your lamp cord. If it breaks down too much, you ought to change the other one instead of shortening the lamp cord. 

Step 3: Cutting the Cord

Upon rechecking the length of the surplus lamp cord, proceed to cut it at the designated spot using wire cutters. Apply gentle pressure to ensure a clean, straight cut. Inspect the severed end to ensure it is clean and free from frayed or damaged wires. Should any fraying be present, meticulously trim the end to eliminate any compromised sections. Once the excess length is removed and the integrity of the cut end is confirmed, move on to the next step.

With the cord now shortened, it's time to prepare the wires for reconnection. In the following step, we'll strip the exposed wire. However, remember to dispose of the discarded cord segment properly in accordance with local regulations. Responsible handling and disposal of electrical components are essential.

Step 4: Stripping the Cord Ends

First of all, you should choose the right size. Starting by finding the appropriate gauge setting on your wire strippers that matches the thickness of the lamp cord wires. You can usually identify the gauge settings on the strippers themselves.

After that, you need to position and squeeze. Placing the wire strippers on one end of the already cut cord, about half an inch from the tip. Gently squeeze the strippers closed.

The next step is rotating and removing. While maintaining pressure, rotate the strippers around the cord once to cut through the insulation. Once you see a clean score mark, carefully pull the strippers away from the cord to remove the unwanted insulation section.

The last is repeating and matching. Doing the same process for the other end of the cord. Make sure both stripped wire ends are roughly the same length.

Step 5: Reattaching Wires to Lamp Socket

To reattach wires to lamp sockets, you have to identify the wires. Figuring out which wire is hot and which is neutral. Typically, the hot wire will be black or red, while the neutral wire is usually white or green.

Twisting the strands is the next task for you. Take the exposed end of each wire and twist the individual strands together tightly to form a solid bundle. Do this for both the hot and neutral wires.

Next, you align the wires by holding the twisted ends of the hot and neutral wires side-by-side, making sure there are no loose or frayed strands sticking out. Using one hand, firmly hold the exposed ends of the wires together. With your other hand, screw a wire nut onto the combined ends. Twist the nut clockwise until it feels snug and secure.

Finally, you give the wire nut a gentle tug to confirm the connection is strong and won't come loose.

Step 6: Securing the Wire Connection

• Wrapping each individual wire connection: Wrap electrical tape tightly around each connected wire end. Overlap the tape to ensure complete coverage. Use tape size appropriate for wire thickness.
• Wrapping connected wires: Wrap electrical tape tightly around the connected wires, including the insulated sections. Wrap lengthwise, overlapping the tape. Continue until connections are fully covered with no gaps.
• Smoothing out any wrinkles: Use fingers or pliers to smooth out wrinkles and create a flat surface. This ensures a secure connection and prevents tape from peeling.
• Inspecting the area to ensure: Carefully inspect the area around the connections for exposed or loose wires. Address any issues to ensure connection safety. Use pliers to tighten loose screws or connectors.

You can also watch this video to understand the way to reduce length lamp cords:

Method 2: Using a Lamp Cord Length Adjuster

This is the easiest method out of the three ones to shorten the lamp cord because you only prepare some simple tools. Those are a lamp cord length adjuster and ruler. Moreover, if you choose this method, you won’t cut your lamp cord. It is very easy and safe for you.

Step 1: Measuring and Marking the Cord

It’s the same as method 1, you have to identify the excess cord you intend to remove. After that, remarking on your cord. You need to measure anywhere on your lamp cord.

Step 2: Using a Lamp Cord Length Adjuster to Adjust 

At this step, you will use the lamp cord length adjuster to shorten the lamp cord:

• Threading the cord: Locate the hollow center of the adjuster. Depending on the adjuster design, you might need to thread the cord through the center or wrap the cord around the adjuster itself.
• Adjusting the length: Pull the longer section of the cord through the adjuster to shorten the hanging length. The friction within the adjuster should hold the cord in place at your desired length.
• Securing the cord (optional): Some adjusters might have a locking mechanism to secure the cord in place. Refer to the specific instructions for your adjuster if it has a locking feature.

Step 3: Check Again

Once the cord length is adjusted, reattach the lamp to the ceiling and plug it in. This step is to ensure that your lamp cord’s length is enough. Using your ruler to measure again. If the cord length isn’t correct, you can practice the steps again.

You can watch the video below to understand deeply the way to use the lamp cord length adjuster:

Method 3: Replacing the Lamp Cord with a Shorter One

Some tools is necessary for you: 

Materials	Uses
Safety glasses	Protection from flying objects and debris Impact resistance Protection from dust and airborne particles Avoidance ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Electrical tape	Electrical insulation Securing and bundling wires Temporary repairs Marking and color coding Surface protection
Wire cutters	Cutting wire Stripping insulation Cutting thin sheet metal Gripping and holding Crimping (with specific tools)
Phillips screwdriver	Driving and removing screws with Phillips heads
Replacement lamp cord	Replacing the old or failed lamp cords
New lamp plug	Replacing the old or failed lamp plugs

Step 1: Choosing a Suitable Cord for Your Lamp

Select a new lamp cord with the appropriate length and gauge to match your lamp's needs. Gauge should be similar to the old cord's thickness for proper functionality. You can find lamp cords at hardware stores or online.

Step 2: Disconnecting the Lamp to the Power Source

This is an important step. You must always remember to disconnect the power source before implementing the work involving electricity. You find the lamp’s plug and unplug it from the electric source. 

Step 3: Cutting the Old Cord

When cutting the lamp cord, the first important step is to locate where the cord enters the base of the lamp. Next, you use wire cutters to carefully cut the old cord at a designated point. If unsure about the cutting location, refer to your lamp's manual or consult a professional for guidance. This ensures that the cord replacement is done safely and accurately.

Afterward, you also need to dispose of a lamp safely to prevent releasing harmful mercury and protect our environment.

Step 4: Replacing the Lamp Cord with A Shorter One

The implementers do following these steps below to complete step 4:

• Preparing the new cord: Begin by stripping a small section of insulation from both ends of the new cord. If you need guidance on how to strip wires, refer to previous instructions or tutorials.
• Connecting the wires: Consult the lamp’s wiring diagram, which is usually found inside the base, or get advice from a professional. Connect the new cord’s wires to the corresponding terminals in the lamp base.
• Securing the connections: Use wire nuts or screws, as indicated in the wiring diagram, to ensure the connections are safe and secure.
• Organizing the cord: Neatly arrange any excess cord inside the lamp base to avoid any obstruction or damage.
• Reassembling the lamp: Carefully put the lamp parts back together, ensuring everything fits as it should.

Note: This task involves electrical components and can be hazardous if not performed correctly. If you lack confidence in handling electrical tasks, please seek assistance from a qualified electrician.

We found a guiding video below that you can refer:

Step 5: Test and Enjoy

Plugging the lamp back into the outlet and turning it on. If the lamp functions properly, you've successfully replaced the cord.

Method 4: Looping your Cord

Step 1: Making a loop

Commence from the point where the cord will be anchored (the part connected to an unmoving device such as a desktop computer or a wall outlet). Here, it refers to the substantial connector on a lamp cord. Create a loop in the cable close to its termination. Note: The anchored end (connector end) is positioned below the functional end of the cable.

Step 2: Crossing behind

At this step, you have to take the rest of the cord lamp to cross it under the loop.

Step 3: Pulling a loop

Draw a section of the working end of the cord through the initial loop to create a second loop.

Step 4: Crossing again and pulling another loop

After passing the working end through the first loop, continue by bringing the next portion of the working end underneath the second loop (the one closest to the tip).

Step 5: Locking the end

You should avoid over-tightening the knots. This can cause the cord to kink and make it difficult to loosen them later when you need to extend the cord.

To prevent accidental unknotting, you can "lock" the end. Simply pass the working end of the cord through the loop closest to the tip (the last loop you created). This will transform the final slip knot into a regular overhand knot, stopping the entire series of slip knots from coming undone.

Step 6: Reduce length lamp cord

For quick adjustments and extending the cord to its full length easily, skip the final "locking" loop. A simple pull will then release the series of slip knots. Even without the locking loop, the cord's stiffness usually helps prevent accidental unraveling.

This is particularly useful when you might need to answer the phone while it's still plugged in. Pulling the cord loosens the slip knots from the working end, allowing only the necessary length to become free. The remaining knots act as a stop, keeping the rest of the cord securely in place.

Safety Precautions When Shortening A Lamp Cord 

You always pay attention to the safety precautions of reducing length lamp cords or any problems about electricity: 

• Wearing protective gear: Always use safety goggles and insulating gloves to protect against potential hazards when cutting or stripping wires.
• Unplugging the lamp: Confirm that the lamp is completely unplugged from the power source before beginning any work to prevent electric shock.
• Inspecting the area: Check for any electrical hazards nearby, such as damaged cords or wet surfaces, which could pose a risk.
• Keeping children away: Ensure that children under 12 years old are kept at a safe distance from the work area to avoid accidents.
• Using the right tools: Employ proper wire cutters and strippers that are in good condition to ensure a clean and safe cut.
• Measuring twice, cut once: Double-check the length before cutting to avoid mistakes that cannot be undone.
• Securing the cord: After shortening, make sure the cord is firmly attached to the lamp and there are no loose strands of wire.

Related articles:

• How Many Lumens For Bedside Lamp? (Typically, 220 - 450 lumens)
• How To Take Apart A Lamp? (7 Simple Steps)

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have four methods to help you know how to shorten a lamp cord. Doing the same steps like we guide, you will have a tidy space and a perfect lamp. Good luck.

FAQs

Where can I buy the tools to shorten my lamp cord?

You can order on the internet at some prestigious e-commerce platform like Amazon.

Is it really safe to shorten a lamp cord?

Yes, it is. You only need to practice the safety precautions before. Especially, you must turn your electric source off if you choose method 1 and method 3. 

If my cord is damaged, what should I do?

You should change to a new one to ensure the safety for you and your family.

How do I insulate the connection?

Wrap electrical tape around the connection to insulate it.

How do I identify the hot wire in a lamp cord?

Touch the bare ends of the wires to the terminals of a battery. The wire that causes the bulb to light is the hot wire.