Replacing a Dimmer Socket with a Turn Knob

A customer brought in this lamp the other day and complained the dimmer switch was bad. Full range dimmer switches are a mechanical device and have a higher tendency for failure. The customer decided a regular turn knob socket would work better so we changed the socket interior.

The only lamp part for this repair is a Medium E26 on/off socket interior.

48201i - On/Off Medium Base E26 Socket Interior With Short Mandrel

First, we start be removing the lamp harp. The locking covers slide up and the harp base is squeezed out of the harp saddle.

Next, we open the socket to remove the socket shell from the socket cap.

Now, un-wire the old socket interior (the dimmer socket) from the lamp cord.

Wire the new socket interior on the lamp cord. Make sure you connect the smooth lamp wire to the brass screw on the socket interior. The ribbed lamp wire connects to the nickel screw.

Next, tuck the lamp cord in the socket cap and pull the cord from the base of the lamp to reduce excess cord in the socket. Slip the socket shell over the socket interior. Snap the shell in the socket cap.

Add a bulb and test the lamp.

Perfectly good working lamp. Total time < 15 minutes Total Cost < $2.50