How to Install A Three-Way Lamp Socket

A DIY tutorial on how to install a three-way lamp socket

How do you change a one-way lamp into a three-way lamp socket? 

You know, the best lighting is the kind that you can adjust, make brighter or dimmer, not simply turn on or off. But the fact is, you can make practically any lamp into a three-way lamp simply by changing a socket. 

What’s a three way lamp socket? Just as it sounds, a three-way lamp socket has three electrical contacts. In addition to the two contacts of the standard socket, a third contact is added.Three-way sockets look very similar. The difference is that there's a third contact that’s a bit smaller than the metal tab and set slightly off center.  

So how do you change a one-way lamp into a three-way lamp socket? Start by unplugging the lamp, unscrewing the bulb and removing the harp or bracket that holds the lampshade. 

To remove the socket itself, look for the word, press on the side. Push on that with your thumb and pop it off. Loosen the terminal screws and remove the wires from the old socket. Then attach the wires to the terminals on the new socket. Finally, replace the socket cover, reattach the shade bracket, screw in the bulb and replace the shade.

Plug the lamp back in and now you've got lighting for just about any mood or occasion. It’s easy to install this yourself with a little effort. If you’re ready to tackle more electrical projects, you’ll want to browse these five easy to use tools for testing electrical outlets.