Floor lamp loose connection

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 8:52 am

Hi folks

I have a Ranarp floor lamp from Ikea. It has a loose connection somewhere (the lamp goes out every so often). I have tried multiple wall sockets, and different lamps and it is just this lamp wherever I plug it in. So I'm guyessing there is a loose connection in the plug (unlikely), lamp holder or switch. The first problem is the switch is fitted inside the steel tube that forms the lamp stand. Photo attached. Any ideas on how to get the switch out of the steel tube?

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:10 am

Looks like the switch was "installed" during manufacture?
I assume you don't use the switch? if you don't why not push disconnect the lamp holder, push the switch in* and pull it out from the bottom and replace the flex from plug to lamp holder, and no switch.

* The switch will be destroyed in the process

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 10:36 am

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:10 am Looks like the switch was "installed" during manufacture?
I assume you don't use the switch? if you don't why not push disconnect the lamp holder, push the switch in* and pull it out from the bottom and replace the flex from plug to lamp holder, and no switch.

* The switch will be destroyed in the process

Happy to destroy the switch (we do use it, but I'm expecting to need to fit a new one). However Its very tightly fitted - no give whatsoever when i try to push it in. I'm expecting to fit a new cable too, but even if I snip off the cable from either end of the tube containing the switch, the switch is still in there. Very frustrating!

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 11:31 am

I was thinking more along the lines of "shove a screwdriver into the switch and smash it to bits, and let the bits fall out the end"

Dave54 · Post by **Dave54** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 11:55 am

And what's the betting that it's not the switch at fault?

Until you're absolutely sure that it is the switch, and the only way to tell that is with a multimeter, or at least by it definitely being the switch sometimes not working, then you're guessing.
Check the rest of the connections first.
And check the cable as well.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 12:26 pm

Dave54 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 08, 2020 11:55 amAnd what's the betting that it's not the switch at fault?

But he can't re wire it, or check the lamp holder cable because the switch is in the way.

I honestly think the switch was slid in, the tube compressed slightly. Look at the picture, above and below the switch, looks like it has been flattened slightly? (Hold in the switch)

Dave54 · Post by **Dave54** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 12:37 pm

I don't know what he can or can't check. I don't know the details apart from a photo of the switch.
Yes, the switch is obviously crimped in. So if the lamp needs rewiring, then the switch will have to go.
My point was really to check every thing he actually can first, before destroying anything

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 2:30 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Sun Nov 08, 2020 11:31 am I was thinking more along the lines of "shove a screwdriver into the switch and smash it to bits, and let the bits fall out the end"

Aaah, got ya! Ok will do.

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:55 am

Well i got the switch out....

How do I test the lamp holder (in case it wasn't the switch that was problematic)? It still has a length of cable attached from the factory. Would I check resistance between the terminals and the cable ends? Or continuity once a bulb is in? I have a multi meter, but never used it!

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:40 pm

Put a plug on it, put a lamp in and shake it

and for more fun, plug it in and repeat

Ideally you should check the resistance of each core of the cable, but looking at the state of that blue wire............

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:36 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:40 pm Put a plug on it, put a lamp in and shake it and for more fun, plug it in and repeat

Ideally you should check the resistance of each core of the cable, but looking at the state of that blue wire............

Oh yes that switch is in the bin already. I just wanted to show the state it was in. So how much resistance should be between the terminals in the lamp holder and the other ends of the cables?

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:00 pm

As low as possible

hiace_drifter · Post by **hiace_drifter** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:44 am

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:00 pm As low as possible

I'm guessing there is a formula though based on resistivity of copper, conductor size & length? I just like to know the theory :)

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 10:55 am

There is, but you don't need to know.
Not only do you not need to know, it has a lot to do with the cross-sectional area of the cable that is in the lamp, since we don't know what that is just check the cables resistance and see what it is. Oh and do shake it, or get someone to hit it (gently) while you are doing that. The resistance should not change, if it does you have a problem (Re wire)