Hanging Lantern Ikea Hack

Step 4 Wiring

 Now that all the grinding is done it is time to wire it all up.  Since I am using the lantern as a reading light hanging next to the bed, I cut the cord about eight inches from the socket to place the switch within arms reach.  I used the exacto to strip the outer black casing from the two wires inside, to be sure not to cut the smaller insulation around the wires inside I only scored the casing, and pulled it apart with needle nosed pliers.   Then strip the ends of the black and white wires so they are ready for the switch.  At this point thread the top of the lantern over the socket and make sure it fits down to the keeper ring and the wire comes cleanly out the top.  Inside the switch wire the black wires to the screw leads that connect to the switch.  Since we cut the cord we need to re connect the neutral wire back together.  I found that the grey 22- 16 Wire Guard brand wire nuts fit inside the switch and make a clean look.  Then just screw the switch back together and the wiring is complete.

 

(I know that when attaching a wire it should always wrap clockwise around the screw,  I fixed the wire after I took the picture.)