How to add an inline lamp cord switch

Add a light switch to a cloth cord

Fabric plug-in light cord sets have become very popular and readily available. The problem is that, just like the IKEA Sekond cord set, many cloth cord pendant light kits don’t come with an integrated switch, which can limit their usage. Adding a cord switch is easy and will take you under 15 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

*Note that they sell various types of in-line switches, but make sure you get a heavy duty switch to allow the thick cloth cord to pass through, like the Leviton HD feedthru Rocker switch.

Determine where to put the switch

The first step is to determine where on the cord you want to install the switch. Consider what the lamp is used for when positioning the switch. For a table lamp, you’ll want the cord close to the lamp base, while for a sconce, like this DIY copper pipe wall sconce, you may want the switch lower down to reach it while in bed, for example.

Peel back the outer fabric to reveal the wires

Once you’ve determined where you want the switch, you will need to make a cut into the outer fabric to expose the 2 wires inside. To do this, use a utility knife to score the cord all the way around (1,2). Be careful in this step not to cut the inner wires, only the outer fabric shell. Make a second incision about 1 inch from the first incision, again scoring all the way around the cord (3,4). Make a final incision, this time parallel to the cord between the 2 score marks (5, 6). You should now be able to peel back the fabric and sleeve. If not, make the incisions a bit deeper. Wrap the cut fabric with some electrical tape to prevent the fabric from fraying.

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Cut the black wire

Now that the wires are exposed, sever the black wire in the middle using wire cutters. Using wire strippers, strip about 1/2″ from each end of the black wire.

Install the switch

Remove the 2 screws to remove switch cover plate. Place the wires as shown. Wrap the exposed black wires around the screws and tighten the screws so the wire is snug. Replace the cover and tighten the screws.