Splicing a lamp cord, particularly when replacing an old one by using it as a guide to pull a new cord through a fixture, involves joining the ends of the old and new cords temporarily to facilitate the feed-through process.
Method for Replacing a Lamp Cord Using an Old Cord as a Guide
The following steps outline a method for replacing a lamp cord within a fixture's structure, utilizing the existing cord to help pull the new one through. This process involves creating a temporary splice to connect the two cords end-to-end.
Step-by-Step Guide
To connect a new lamp cord to an old one for pulling it through a fixture, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Conductors: Ensure the ends of both the new and old cords have their outer insulation and inner wire insulation stripped back slightly to expose the bare conductor ends.
- Twist Conductors: Twist the bare conductor ends of the new and old cords firmly together. Ensure a secure mechanical connection between the wires.
- Secure the Twist: Fold the twisted wire splice flat along the cord itself. This creates a streamlined connection that is easier to pull through tight spaces.
- Insulate the Splice: Wrap electrical tape securely around the entire splice area. This insulates the bare wires and helps keep the connection together while pulling.
- Initiate Pulling: Pull on the old cord from the top of the fixture where it exits.
- Feed the New Cord: While pulling the old cord from the top, work the new cord through the fixture's body. This involves simultaneously pushing on the new cord from the bottom entry point and guiding it upwards as the old cord is pulled.
- Complete Feed-Through: Continue this pulling and pushing action until you have sufficient length of new cord through the top of the fixture to make your final electrical connections.
- Separate Cords: Once the new cord is successfully fed through, clip off the old cord just below the temporary splice.
This method allows the old cord to serve as a convenient guide wire, simplifying the process of threading the new cord through the often narrow or complex pathways within a lamp fixture.
