I'd like to re-wire several table lamps to give them longer power cords. Which power cord should I use? Thanks!
Afternoon @AmandaV
I would suggest to get a licenced sparky to do the job, might cost more but you know it will be done correctly.
Some things that people may not be aware of when they modify/fix existing table lamps are-
- Earthing, has trhe table lamp been earthed if metal or any part is metal?
- Has the internal cord been fixed in place and has it been twisted around the inside of the stand multiple times?
- Correctly terminating the cable at the power point end.
- Is there an existing inline switch? If there is, mostly I have found that it is not modifable to be able to extend the cord.
- Rating of the wire that is used. (depends on how long you want to extend it)
I am a sparky and have come across a lot of electrical work done by "someone" 🙂 and I shudder at what I have seen done. Some things can be worked on by non qualified people other things especially electrical should be treated with caution.
I know its not a tidy answer but short extension cords means that you dont need to worry.
Dave
Hello @AmandaV
It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Dave-1. I totally agree with his advice regarding rewiring your table lamps. It's best to get a registered electrician to do it. This means that your lamps will be rewired properly and to code. The best part is that your rewired lamps will come with a warranty from the electrician just like when you purchased them originally.
However, keep in mind that some lamps can't be simply rewired as they might have been manufactured in such a way that prevents rewiring. A short extension cord would be the cost-effective solution.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @AmandaV,
How did you get on with this project?
If this is still not resolved, could you please provide us with some photo's of the original table lamps that you want to modify the length of the power cables.
As a registered electrician, I can't see why you couldn't do this yourself, given decent guidance, from myself, if you are happy to go down that track.
There seems to be so much hysteria about people doing their own electrical work, but table lamps are effectively only an appliance that plug into the wall, it isn't like it connects permanently to the wiring, which is where people normally go wrong and that sort of work needs to be done by qualified people.
What are your thoughts on this?
Cheers,
Mike T.
I agree with @MikeTNZ 100% about the hysteria as I am a qualified Electronics technician legal on the other side of the power point.. Thoses who know will do a great job those who dont know will call for electrical help.
In Uk USA and parts of Australia whole houses are wired by owner builders and then signed off by electricians to make it all legal.
But it is also just as easy to buy a short extention lead these days. I do this it saves time too like Eric meantions.
I agree with whole heartedly with @MikeTNZ Many have the skills for self help
And I am qualified electronics techo of 40 years on the other side of the power point like Mike on the electrical side.
I think @AmandaV was just asking which ext lead to use how ever. If not Amanda just ask a lighting store how much to adjust lead length dont pay more than $50 I dont want them to over price.
But as a general rule If you have to ask how to do electrical stuff on a forum you may not be safe enough to make decent terminations which is a real physical skill twisting the wires together to avoid hot spots and the like with no fraying loose wire strands for shorts. Skills can be gained.
I personally use short power leads it saves time for that extra reach.
Thanks for the feedback everyone (@MikeTNZ and @Jewelleryrescue)
For now, I've done a temporary hack on both lamps. I removed the integrated switches (which were faulty), stripped the wires back to the copper, twisted them, joined the right wires together, isolated them from each other with insulation tape, and then wrapped them up in insulation tape completely. I have to plug them straight into the socket, but they work and they are totally safe. I wanted to add more wire and a new switch to each lamp but I haven't found the appropriate product at Bunnings yet. It's on my list of things to do.
Thanks - the issue I should have mentioned is that the integrated switch was faulty on both lamps so an extension wouldn't have helped.
Hi @AmandaV
A Standard two core or three core wire with a switch on the wire to turn lamp on. AS an example might be of use to you
Olex 2 Core White Electrical Cable - Per Metre I/N: 4430060 $2.52
Inline cable Switch might suit your needs. Switching the active cable on/off
Jay Car is more electronics store selling other switch types. you can view them online.
Thanks! That's really helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to send me this information to me.
If the fitting is metallic at all, it requires Earthing to the body of the fitting, this is a minimum safety requirement.
This also means you need a 2 core + Earth flexible cable to the lamp.
Hello @AmandaV,
OK... I have read through the stuff here and feel like I am pushing into circle having their own discussion - just kidding.
As requested please provide photos of the lamps and having done that many times before I should be able to provide a rewiring procedure including options to retain/remove the inline switch and also control the lamps with Smart Home automation using Alexa (or Google).
'Alexa... Turn on table lamp 1'...'Alexa... turn off table lamp '.
Cheers
G'day @AlanM52
Photos from @AmandaV may be unlikely - she hasn't posted here since October 2024.
In the meantime why don't you post some of your lamp rewiring resurrections. 😉
G'day mate I will try to find the photos meanwhile here is my usual procedure.
To pull through the replacement flex, often to simply extend the reach to the nearest GPO.
There is a lot of confusion about table lamp wiring, lay people will often quickly comment that you must use three core with grounded earth.
Depending on lamp construction two core is OK for non-conductive and three core with grounded earth a must for metal or other conductive material.
