This page was last updated: January 22, 2024
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HT002
How to Inspect Your Sconce
Always turn off power (at the circuit breaker) to your sconce prior to inspecting. (If you do not
feel comfortable doing this have a qualified home inspector, handyman or an electrician check
for you)

Basic inspection
Look over your sconce for any visual problems!
Things to check  for a single socket basic table lamp
Socket
Things to look for:
Most sconces will have a candle type socket fixed or adjustable
Remove bulb look inside (you can use a ladder or a mirror, you may need a
flashlight) the socket is it burnt, is there corrosion or are there cracks in the
bottom
Loose socket (a loose socket will make it possible for the wire to be twisted in
side the sconce arm or wireway this can be a serious hazard you may not be able
to see without removing the candle cover)
Remove candle cover and paper insulator if  present (if you can see screw
terminal where wires are connected a paper insulator should be present, some
fiber candle cover will not accommodate the insulator) look at the wires are they
frayed or do you see strands of wire stick out around the screw terminals, if there
is have a qualified repair person inspect/repair or remove and take to a
repair shop!
Metal clip together and cast brass screw together socket
Outside should not be bent, crimped, smashed or loose upper socket shell (see
photo/drawing)
Remove bulb look inside the socket is it burnt, is there corrosion or are there
cracks in the bottom
      Skip next step if socket is keyless
Turn knob, push thru 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 wire to be twisted in side
the Sconce 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 next step if socket is keyless
Turn knob, push thru 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:
Turn power back on
Turn on and off or vary dimmer if so equipped, (ensure the total watts of bulbs do not
exceed the wattage of installed dimmer) , the bulbs should function smoothly on/off or
vary! If you get flickering or not dimming properly!

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 sconce that is unsafe!
How to Inspect Your Sconce
Rands Creative Creations   Harold Rand Enterprises
3729 Freeman Rd Jacksonville FL 32207
  904 398 7925
[email protected]