Antique Lamp Wiring - advice please !!

[Maddy]

I recently bought an "antique" lamp at an auction ( probably 1960s/70s). My problem is that it came without a plug, and the wiring isn't colour coded at all - just a plain flat white cable that splits into 2 at the end.
Should I forget about trying to attach a plug and just get it professionally rewired or is there something I can do myself to get it working ?

 

[breezer]

you do not know the history of the cable (it may be damaged /wrong size)

i would suggest you change it to be on the safe side, its not as hard as it may look, get new flex (small enough to go through any orifies, physicaly tie new cable to old, but strip and twist cores together, and pull to test it) then remove lamp holder and gently feed and pull new cable through.

if lamp holder is metal (brass or similar) you will need a 3 core flex

 

[supersparks]

yes... make sure it fits through all your orifies

 

[journeyman]

You should check the condition of the lampholder. If it is cracked or badly discoloured, then it should be replaced.

Use heat resistant flex for your rewire and/or put heat resistant sleeving over the inner cores at the lampholder end.