Light Socket Covers

Lighting Accessories FAQ

What are the main parts of a light fixture?

Whether you’re planning on installing a chandelier, pendant light, or wall sconce, there are a few basic parts that every fixture has, including a canopy, rod or cord, light bulb sockets, light bulb, and shade or cage. If you’re buying a ready-made fixture from us, we provide everything you need for your fixture, like lighting accessories and electrical components, except for the light bulb and sometimes the lamp shade.

We want you to participate in the customization of your light fixture, so we encourage you to choose your own light bulb, change bulb socket cover colors, and customize your shade to define your aesthetic.

What is swagging a light fixture?

Swagging a light fixture is when you create a unique design to manage hanging or dragging cords from a plug-in design. Wall sconces, lamps, and pendant lights can all plug into a wall outlet, so you might need to swag a cord along the wall with cord stays or swag hooks to keep things neat and create a cool design. Check out these articles on swagging for more guidance:

• How To Add Swag
• How to Hang Swag Lights
• 8 Other Uses for Decorative Swag Hooks

When you choose a swag cord, you may want to match the colors to other parts of your light fixture, like the canopy or light bulb sockets.

What is the lamp electrical part of a fixture that holds the light bulbs?

This is known as a lamp light socket or lightbulb socket, and it mechanically supports the structure of the fixture. These essential accessories provide the electrical connection to ensure a compatible lamp base that allows you to safely replace various elements of your fixture. You can find matching light bulb sockets in our light sockets and covers collection. These accessories are available in a variety of materials and colors for your convenience.

How does lamp wiring work?

Our brief DIY wiring guide above should provide you with the basics of how to wire a light fixture, but you still may not understand exactly how it works.

When it comes to wiring, the current flows through the “hot” (black positive) wire to light your bulb and returns via the “neutral” (white negative) wire. This is why most of our fixtures have at least two wires. Some of our fixtures, usually hanging light fixtures, will have a third that’s called a “ground” (green) wire.

If you are new to working with electrical components like these, please consider contacting a local electrician to help you wire your new lighting.

Can I rewire an older fixture with new parts?

Depending on the type of fixture and the accessories you need, it’s definitely possible to rewire an older fixture to ensure it still works — as long as all the parts are compatible, including light bulb sockets, socket rings, cord grips, and more. You’ll need to read the specifications of every component to ensure part diameters, threading, and sizes will work together.

You can also revamp an older style with basic light fixture accessories, like colorful electrical cords, fresh lamp shades, lamp light sockets, and swag hooks. Update old fixtures with a new look when you shop here!

If you have any other questions about our electrical parts or accessories, the Color Cord Company team is here to help. Use our chat tool to discuss light bulb sockets, washers, canopies, and more with one of our experts right away.