Shock Proofing

Thanks for the comprehensive article on repairing a table lamp (“Repair Table Lamp, Step by Step” by Paul Bianchina Oct. 29) but I must point out a few things that are not consistent with the National Electrical Code as someone following your step-by-step method may unwittingly violate the code and possibly create a hazard.

Article 410-42 (a) of the code states, in part, “Portable lamps shall be (meaning must be) wired with flexible cord . . . and an attachment plug of the polarized (meaning one blade larger than the other) . . . type. And . . . the grounded conductor (usually the neutral or white) shall be identified and attached to the screw shell and the identified (larger) blade of the attachment plug.”

Article 410-47 states, in part, “ . . . Where supplied by a circuit having a grounded conductor, the grounded conductor shall be connected to the screw shell.”

The basic intent of the code is to require the screw shell, the brass portion that a person is most likely to come in contact with when changing a bulb, to be connected to the grounded or neutral conductor, thereby eliminating a shock hazard when changing that bulb. New lamps sold today usually don’t have cords over 6 feet in length and have a polarized attachment plug with the larger blade connected to the grounded conductor.

The polarized plug will only fit into a polarized receptacle outlet one way, thus insuring the intent of the code.

Additionally, all flexible cord sold has a means of identification, such as a ribbed pattern on the exterior of the insulation to readily identify that as the conductor to be connected to the grounded conductor of the system, the polarized blade of the attachment plug and the screw shell of the lamp holder.

If the consumer is allowed to purchase any length of flexible cord and then purchase a non-polarized attachment plug without knowing the subtle differences in the attachment plug or identification of the flexible cord, and the relationship between the two, a potential hazard is created.

I believe a solution would be to recommend the consumer buy an extension cord with a minimum of No. 18 AWG wire size, in a length not to exceed 6 feet with an attachment plug that has one blade larger than the other, cut off the female portion of the cord, identify the wire that attaches to the larger blade and connect that wire to the screw shell (usually the white screw) of the lamp holder.

RONALD S. RUBIN

Downey

Rubin is owner of Rubin Electric Co.