To replace a lamp socket in the ceiling, you’ll need some basic electrician’s tools to complete the job safely. It’s good to have:
A razor, to cut around fixture if there’s paint
Lineman’s pliers
Screwdriver
Non-contact voltage tester
Wire strippers
Extra wire nuts
How to change a lamp socket?
Remove the Bulb and lamp Socket: Remove the light bulb from the socket and get a Phillips screw driver to remove the socket. Look inside the light bulb socket and locate the Phillips screw.
To change a lamp socket, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power: Before you start, make sure to turn off the power to the lamp at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Remove the old socket: If the lamp has a lampshade, remove it. Then, remove the light bulb from the socket. If there is a harp, remove it too. You should be able to see the socket and the wires leading to it. Remove the socket by loosening the screws or clips that hold it in place.
- Disconnect the wires: There should be two wires attached to the socket. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the wires in place. Then, gently pull the wires out of the socket.
- Prepare the new socket: Take the new socket and thread the wires through the base of the socket. If the wires are frayed, trim off the frayed ends with wire cutters.
- Connect the wires: Attach the wires to the new socket by wrapping each wire around its respective screw terminal in a clockwise direction. Tighten the screws securely.
- Attach the new socket: Push the new socket into place, and tighten the screws or clips to secure it.
- Test the new socket: Replace the light bulb and turn on the power to the lamp. Test the new socket by turning the lamp on and off a few times to make sure it works properly.
Use the screwdriver to loosen the screw while holding the retaining nut that is located on the back side of the socket bracket.
Once the screw is removed, carefully tip the socket into your other hand and retain the socket screw. Discard the light socket and grab its replacement.
Replace the Socket and Bulb: Now that the old socket is removed, use the screw and nut you just removed and install the new lamp socket.
How to change a lamp socket?
Tighten the screw snugly, but don’t tighten too much as the socket is fragile and could break. Insert the wires back into the fixture hole so that the wires are on the back side of the fixture and are ready to wire. Now, install the appropriate bulb. The maximum wattage is posted on the side of the lamp socket and should not be exceeded!
