Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500178
06/24/03

Repairing Lamp Switches


If a lamp goes out, first get a bulb that you see
lighted or a new one and put it in the lamp. If it will
not light when you turn the switch, the switch is
probably faulty. The switch may be chain pull, push in,
or knob turn.

1. Disconnect the lamp from the wall outlet.

2. Press on the side of the "top" with your thumb and
lift it and the insulator off.

3. Loosen the little screw on the side of the "bottom"
and slide it down the wire.

4. Remove the wires from either side of the switch by
turning counter clockwise.

5. If wire has burned off, cut, strip, and reattach.

6. If old wire is stiff from age, replace it with new
wire.

7. If switch is the fault, take it to the hardware
store and get one like it to install.

(Vis. 1)

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from MSU Extension
bulletin Electrical Repairs You Can Do.

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