- Cost examples and break down
- Repairing the light yourself
- Lampfix repair lead time
- Lamp repair drop off procedure
- Is it worth it?
Do you have a light fitting that needs repairing?
With all the options and ‘what ifs’ it's unlikely you can cost the job in one fell swoop. But a good estimate is actually what you need, isn't it?
Along with others here at Lampfix, I have restored hundreds of light fittings. Easy ones, hard ones and impossible ones. Pendants, chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, candelabras and wall lights. Because of my experience, I know the pitfalls and the workarounds. I can give you the accurate info you need.
Reading this article will give you control and enable you to make an informed decision.
Cost examples and break down
There are two main things to consider that drive cost: parts and labour.
1. Parts - the bits needed to repair.
E.G. If the fitting only has one lampholder, the cost will stay low. More lampholders drive the cost up.
2. Labour - the time spent repairing.
E.G. If the lamp has extra functions, small passages or odd threads, the repair time will increase. If it has easy components and a design that needs less attention, the time needed will remain low.
Here are some ballpark figures based on repairs seen over some time. Please note this only applies to basic rewire repairs, not crystal replacement or major metalwork repairs.
- Table lamps £45-£55
- Floor lamps £55-£65
- Single Lamp Wall lights £35-£45
- Small to Medium size Chandeliers £140-£350
- Large Chandeliers £500+
Why do they cost this much?
- Paid experienced staff
- UKCA quality components
- Full PAT testing and flash testing.
Repairing the light yourself
Now you have an idea of the cost of getting Lampfix to repair a light fitting. How about removing the labour element and buying the bits and doing the job yourself? Here are some key steps to take to help you decide this.
1. Find out why the light is not working
If you are not sure why your lamp doesn't work, start by taking the following steps.
1. Disconnect the light fitting from the electrical supply.
2. Clean the contacts in the lamp holder with a rag
3. Check the fuse in the plug if it has one.
If none of these work, it needs new parts eg lampholder, cable etc.
Many people are happy they can change parts like lampholders themselves. Each day we upload more videos on how to use each of our component products. These videos will help you to decide if you can repair it.
On top of that, you can send questions, photos and sketches of your light and we can respond with advice. This leads us on to step 2.
2. Get the right bits
What are the main parts I need to decide whether to replace?
The main items include:
- Lampholders sit where the light source is on the fitting. This is usually at the top of a table lamp and is where the light bulb sits. If it is old or brittle, upgrade it. It is easier and safer to fit new parts than reuse old ones. You can recycle old metal parts.
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- The cable can run inside or outside the fitting. If inside, the cable does not have to be double insulated. If outside, it must be double insulated. If the light fitting is metal it needs earthing, so the main supply cable must be 3 core. Replace damaged or brittle cable.
- Switch - this could be on the lampholder, in the cable, or elsewhere on the lamp. If brittle, it is safer to change it or remove it altogether if you can use a switched lampholder instead.
- Plug - replace if the pins are not insulated (2 of the pins should be partly sleeved). Otherwise, you can keep it, unless you want a new plug. Remember it should have a working 3A fuse.
What other parts might I need?
- Earth tags
- Locknuts
- All thread
- Grommets
- Cordgrips
What tools might I need?
You never quite know what tools you will end up using on lamp repairs.
Here are some of the basic tools you’ll need to hand:
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
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We sometimes use other tools when we need to change a light fitting to repair it:
- Pillar drill - for creating or widening holes in metal
- Bench Grinder - for shortening or smoothing metalwork
- Chopsaw - for the accurate cutting of pipes
- Dremel - for enlarging cavities
- Soldering iron - for tinning cable cores or joining cable to existing cable to pull through
- Vacuum cleaner - for sucking string through a light fitting, to pull a new cable through.
3. Learn how to use the bits
We offer product videos on our website showing you how to use each replacement part.
If any are missing, request and we’ll be right onto it. We have very responsive customer service. I promise we will get the video up and running for you within 1-to 2 days.
4. Return unused / unwanted bits
If you don’t use all you ordered, send parts back with your details (name and address is fine).
The only thing you can’t return is custom-cut lengths of flex.
Once we receive the goods back, we will book them in and refund you.
You will need to pay the postage to send items back to Lampfix.
5. Order further bits
Starting the repair may expose more parts needed to complete it.
You can order more bits for your light fitting. Our carriage is £4.95 + VAT on orders under carriage paid.
Test your repaired light fitting
You should test your light fitting for electrical safety. Read our article on this. We also offer a testing service. Single tests cost £5.90 + VAT.
Lampfix repair lead time
It is rare for a lamp repair to take the Lampfix team more than an hour.
We generally find a table lamp will take 20 minutes, floor lamps half an hour, a chandelier half an hour per arm.
Our lamp repairs sit in a queue with a cycle time of 1-2 weeks.
Lamp repair drop off procedure
Visiting Lampfix is by appointment only.
Once you have been in contact with us and have accepted an estimate, you can send or drop off your light to our workshop.
There is no trade counter on site. We do not accept unannounced visits to discuss lamp repairs.
To get an estimate, send a photo of the lights/parts to sales@lampfix.co.uk and we will respond.
We can make an appointment after this if necessary.
Can Lampfix collect light fittings?
We do have limited transport available, chargeable at £1 per mile.
When do I pay?
Pay when the job ends. If you cannot inspect the light fitting in person, you can request photos beforehand. If you are collecting in person you can see the light fitting before paying. You can pay when you arrive.
How do I pay?
You can pay by card, cash or bank transfer.
What if I’m not happy with the work at the end of it all?
Our work is likely to delight you. That said, in the unlikely event we fail to meet our obligations we will refund what is due.
Is it worth it?
There are a lot of cheap light fittings on the market these days. I struggle to understand how cheap they are and how much the people making them get paid.
So if you can buy a replacement light fitting that you are happy with for £30 then I’d say no, it is not worth you getting a repair.
But if your light has financial or sentimental value then I’d say it is worth repairing. Some things in life are irreplaceable and worth spending time and money on.
I hope this article has been helpful and you have gained an understanding of lamp repairs.
How much does a lamp repair cost?