This tri-light floor lamp with a night-light base came in for a complete rewiring. The lamp was of great sentimental value to my client. Coincidentally, my parents had the same lamp so many years ago.
Materials
Processes
COMPLEXITIES
This lamp was not easy to repair, but I love challenges. It was essential to restore all the wiring to the BC electrical code for many more years of safe enjoyment.
Threading four wires up a 60" tube required careful movement because damage to the wire sheath could easily occur.
There were two 3-way switches, one mogul base tri-light switch, and one push-button night-light switch in the base.
a rat's nest of wires
Wiring this lamp required 18 temporary labels to separate the polarity of the wires, dictated by the neutral and load-wire plug and switching functions. In the mogul cap and cup holding the three candle lamps, there was an organized nightmare of wires from the base night light and power cord.
I wired the 3-way switch for the three candle lamps attached along with the mogul base switch assembly, meant for three-wattage levels. Then, I soldered the wire ends together, capped them with Marrette® connectors and carefully taped them with electrical tape. Finally, I attached all the wires to the plug wire.
Push switch with socket
You can see the original switch compared to the new one, which gives you a good idea of the condition of the wires that needed repair.
Here you can see the wiring for the candle lights.
Here you can see the original socket and switch compared to the updated version with the LED bulb.
translucent base
The decorative semi-translucent plastic base is a night light. This lamp base required a switch attached to a standard bulb socket. However, there was very little space for the socket and bulb. Also, due to how difficult it is to change the bulb, I wanted a low-wattage, long-lasting LED bulb and found one with a 13-year lifespan.
The lamp was finally ready for my client. He was considering sending the silk shade for repair to @the_victoria_lampshade_shop in Victoria, B.C.
