This page was last updated: January 22, 2024
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HT001
How to Inspect Your Lamp
Always unplug your lamp prior to inspecting (If you do not feel comfortable doing this, take your lamps to a lamp shop to be check from time to time)

Basic table lamp
Look over your lamp for any visual problems!
Things to check  for a single socket basic table lamp
Cord
Things to look for:
Frayed insulation
Stiffness (Cord should be pliable)
Damaged insulation (Especially if you have a pet, some will chew on the cord                       and unless you look carefully you may not notice)
Non-polarized plugs should be up graded to a polarized plugs (will not effect
                     the operation of your lamp but will provide an additional degree of safety)
                     Refer to plug replacement!
Socket
Things to look for:
Metal clip together and cast brass screw together socket
Outside should not be bent, crimped, smashed or loose upper socket shell
                             Remove bulb look inside the socket is it burnt, is there corrosion or are
                             there cracks in the bottom.
Skip to next step if socket is keyless
Turn knob, push thur or pull chain does it turn, push both ways or pull
                             smoothly.
The paper insulator is it burnt or dark brown (should be the color of a 
                              brown paper bag).
Loose socket (a loose socket will make it possible for the cord  to be
                             twisted in side the lamp this can be a serious hazard you may not be able
                              to see without disassembling the socket and pulling up the cord).
                      Phenolic/Plastic Socket
Cracks
Loose fit cap to shell (lower and upper outer socket).
Remove bulb look inside the socket is it burnt, is there corrosion or are
                             there cracks in the bottom.
Skip to next step if socket is keyless
Turn knob, push thur or pull chain does it turn, push both ways or pull
                              smoothly.
              If everything looks good install appropriate bulb (do not exceed wattage rating)
Things to look for:
Plug in lamp
Turn on and off or low medium high and off, does the socket function
                      smoothly.
If any of the above step are not satisfactory you will need to correct the problem or 
      have a qualified repair person do the job for you! Do not use a lamp that is unsafe!

Basic two lite table lamp (usually a top or main socket that also controls a lower night lite socket)
Follow all of the steps for a basic table lamp plus the steps below
Lower socket for lamps with a second socket
Things to look for:
Look at the socket or sockets for cracks or chips
Look inside is it  burnt or corroded
Look at the wires are the stiff, frayed, nicked or loose
If everything looks good install appropriate bulb (do not exceed wattage rating)
Things to look for:
Plug in lamp
Turn on to all positions, does the 2 circuit socket turn on and off both bulbs,
                     should function smoothly
If your lamp has a separate 2 circuit switch that operates the sockets check it as step
       above

If any of the above step are not satisfactory you will need to correct the problem or have a qualified repair person do the job for you! Do not use a lamp that is unsafe!
How to Inspect Your Lamp
Rands Creative Creations   Harold Rand Enterprises
3729 Freeman Rd Jacksonville FL 32207
  904 398 7925
[email protected]