Replace a damaged flex on a lamp

Fit a new flex and plug on a lamp safely, matching wire colours correctly, with no wall drilling involved.

RF-01Unplug the lamp and check the damageUnplug the lamp from the socket before you touch anything. Never work on a lamp that's still plugged in. Look along the whole flex for cuts, cracks, scorch marks or exposed wire, and check the plug for cracks or a loose pin.

RF-02Buy the right replacement flex and plugMost modern lamps are double-insulated and use 2-core flex (live and neutral only, no earth). Older lamps with a metal base or metal fitting need 3-core flex with an earth wire. Buy round flex rated at least 3A for a small lamp, and a new BS 1363 plug with the correct fuse: 3A for most lamps under 700W.

2 m · 2-core round flex (per metre)

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2 m · 3-core round flex (per metre, if metal lamp)

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1 each · BS 1363 rewireable plug with 3A fuse

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RF-03Cut off the old plug and flexSnip the old plug off completely so no one can accidentally plug it in with the damaged flex still attached. Take the lamp apart enough to reach the base where the old flex enters, usually by unscrewing a base plate or felt pad.

1 each · Side cutters or scissors

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RF-04Disconnect the flex from the lamp holderLoosen the terminal screws on the lamp holder and pull the old wires free. Take a photo first if you're unsure which wire went where, though colours are standardised: brown to live, blue to neutral, green-and-yellow to earth on the earth terminal or metal body.

1 each · Small flathead screwdriver

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RF-05Strip and connect the new flex to the lamp holderThread the new flex through the lamp base first, then strip about 10mm of insulation from each wire using wire strippers, taking care not to nick the copper strands. Twist the strands tight, then connect brown to live, blue to neutral, and green-and-yellow to earth if fitted, tightening each terminal screw firmly.

1 each · Wire strippers

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RF-06Secure the flex and reassemble the baseMake sure the flex sits in the cord grip or clamp inside the lamp base so any tug pulls on the clamp, not the terminals. Screw the base plate or felt pad back on.

RF-07Wire the new plugStrip 10mm from each wire end and connect brown to the L terminal, blue to the N terminal, and green-and-yellow to the E terminal if present. Fit the correct fuse for the lamp's wattage, then screw the plug cover shut and check the cord grip holds the outer flex tightly.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Replacing a flex or plug on a plug-in lamp is not notifiable work under Part P, because Part P covers fixed household wiring, not portable appliances. You do not need to tell Building Control about this job.

RF-08Test before you use itFit a working bulb, plug the lamp in, and switch it on at the socket. Check the flex isn't warm, the plug isn't loose, and the lamp switches off cleanly. If anything smells hot or trips the socket, unplug immediately and check your wiring.

RF-09Tidy up and dispose of the old partsBin the old flex and cut-off plug so no one is tempted to reuse them. Small electrical items like old plugs can usually go in general waste, but check if your council has a small electricals recycling point nearby.

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