Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 04, 2003 09:54pm | #1

   So what's your question? Is the original wiring missing?

   My mother has a lamp like that. IIRC, the main bulb is a 3-way bulb, the switch for that is a four positions switch, off, dim, medium, and bright. The other switch is a two position switch that turns the bulbs on the three arms on and off together.

1. 
   jmo2 | Dec 04, 2003 10:37pm | #3

   Thanks, yes.  I wanted to map out how the wiring was put together so when I rewired it, I would just proceed backwards.

   Not as easy as it sounded.  Everything was buried and tangled together in the central "well". 

   The wire that needed to be replaced was the wire that plugged into the outlet and connects everything else to the source of electricity.  Of course, it was buried under all of the OTHER wires that connect to the switches, the main bulb and the three branches.

   So, right now, I have a new wire that is threaded up the column of the lamp with two connections.  I have 4 wires that are threaded to the chandalier arms (?).  A switch device that needs to be connected for the main bulb.  And two extra wires, each with one "exposed" end and a screw attached to the other.  Between the nest of wires on the one level of the lamp (near the chandalier arms) and the main bulb is a porcelein device with many holes.  Some are for screws to bolt it down inside of the lamp.  Some are for screws to bolt down the metal connector for the bulb.  Are some for wires to be threaded through?  Or does the main wire connect to one of the screws at the bottom with the current running up the metal of the screw?

   It's like a cool puzzle.  Except that if I get it wrong....zap!

   Argh.

   If this is too hard to picture, I can post some photos of the pieces on my website tonight when I get home...maybe someone can give me some guidance? 

   Thanks.

1. 
   BossHog | Dec 04, 2003 10:57pm | #4

   I think electrical stuff is best worked on if you break it down into steps.

   Don't try to look at all the wires and switches at a one - Too confusing. Narrow your focus to one wire and one connection at a time.I've always been a dreamer, spend my life running around. But it's so hard to change... [Eagles]

1. 
   davidmeiland | Dec 05, 2003 12:15am | #5

   Don't look at the wire. Get a continuity tester and see what's hooked to what. I bought my tester at Radio Shaq for a few bucks--it looks like a writing pen, and it's got a probe and a short wire lead with an alligator clip. When there's continuity a little light bulb goes on. Love that thing.

2. 
   JohnSprung | Dec 04, 2003 10:02pm | #2

   About the only thing even a little tricky about old lamps is that some have switches with 3 wires, line and two loads.  Each turn of the knob goes to the next condition, off, load 1 only, load 2 only, both loads 1 & 2.  A little testing with an ohm meter should make clear what's going on, or if the switch is bad.

   -- J.S.

3. 
   DavidxDoud | Dec 05, 2003 02:57am | #6

   keep in mind that the 'chandelier arms' are generally switched 'off,  one bulb,   two bulbs,  all three,  and back to off' - - this adds to the complexity - - you have by condolances,  a few years ago my father got to the same point as you and called me to bail him out - - it was a head-scratcher -

1. 
   jmo2 | Dec 05, 2003 04:57am | #8

   Yup, that's the lamp!  What did you do? :) 

   I'm laughing because I'm sure it is impossible to explain.

   And the fact that are of the cords INSIDE of the lamp are still the cloth covered kind gives me no clues either.  THOUGH!  The one that comes up the center of the lamp is black.  The ones going to each chandelier arm are cream.  And the two attached to screws are white.

   Yup, these photes will be up tonight at http://www.houseinprogress.net if I can get 'em done.

1. 
   jmo2 | Dec 05, 2003 07:31am | #9

   OKay, guys....it is ON the website...parts and all.  HELP enLIGHTen me PLEASE!

   XOXOXOXO,

   jmo

4. 
   pm22 | Dec 05, 2003 03:14am | #7

   JMO,

   As long as you're working on lamps, here's a few additional pointers:

   The white [neutral, aka grounded conductor] is connected to the shell of the lamp socket. If you are using zip cord, you will notice that one side has litle ribs on it. This is the neutral side.

   Once you get the zip cord inside the fixture, use an "underwriter's knot". [Use Google for directions on how to tie this.]

   Those little metal tubes with the threads on the outside [3/8" dia. by ~2~3" long] can be cleaned up with a NPS 1/8-27 die.

   ~Peter

   View Image