repairing anglepoise lamp

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Fowler on June 30, 2019 at 14:11

Hi Marian - It sounds like the bakelite unit - at the top of the lamp, and which holds the bulb - has reached the end of its useful life (not surprising given the age), and needs replacing with a new bulb-holder. It's usually fairly easy to disconnect the wires from the old unit, remove the unit, and replace it with a new plastic one (which you can get at almost any electrical/hardware shop, or at Homebase), and connect up the new one. Get back to me if you need further advice/help.

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Permalink Reply by Marian Leatherby on June 30, 2019 at 19:51

Hi Christopher

thank you for replying and for your thoughts.  Yes I've removed the bakelite unit and the bits inside that have crumbled away.  I've found a replacement online.  One of the earthing wires is a bit strange though, and I forgot to take a photograph of it when connected up.  Also the bit that goes inside the bakelite thing that the suppliers supply, looks different to what was inside before.  The anglepoise web sites all say only electricians should re-wire them. 

That's all why I thought I should not continue trying.

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Fowler on July 1, 2019 at 7:50

Hi Marian

Firstly, the stuff on the Anglepoise web site about "only use an electrician" is (a) to cover themselves legally, and (b) to try to persuade you that having it done professionally (which would probably cost as much as buying a new lamp) is not worth it, and so you buy another lamp from them. Any competent DIYer can do the rewiring, and it is no more difficult than putting a new bulb holder/switch on any other lamp. I could do it (I am now in my early seventies, and have been wiring things up and fixing household mains fuses since my father, an engineer, taught me how to do it safely, when I was 11), and would be happy to come round and do it for you. The second thing to say is that there should be _no_ earth wire on the lamp, as Anglepoise lamps are "double insulated" meaning that they are completely safe without an earth wire. If you would like me to come round and have a go at fixing it for you, let me know. My schedule is quite flexible, as I'm retired. We live near to Green Lanes and the Salisbury. If, on the other hand, you decide not to have the lamp fixed, I'd be happy to buy it from you. I have a couple of Anglepoise desk lamps (date from about 1970) and they are wonderful bits of engineering and really useful for working at a desk or reading. Anyway, let me know. 

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Permalink Reply by Marian Leatherby on July 1, 2019 at 14:27

Wow Christopher thank you for your great offer.

I could bring it round!  It'd be easy.  I haven't bought the bits to go inside yet though.

Should we do that private communication thingie?

Thanks again, Marian

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Fowler on July 1, 2019 at 14:54

Marian - I've sent you a connection request, so we can communicate that way. Hope that's all right - Chris

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Permalink Reply by Marian Leatherby on July 1, 2019 at 20:02

Thank you Christopher, I think I've responded correctly.

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