February 23, 2009
By ©2007-2012 Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor+ Filed under Homemade Fixture Questions


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Question – Converting a Headlight to a Lamp

I have a really cool vintage motorcycle headlight that I want to make into an indoor lamp. How do I change the power supply from a battery to standard indoor electric power cord? Will a regular lamp kit work or does the headlight have to be converted somehow?

Awesome! – Well Crystal, to convert this jewel to a 120 volt lamp you’ll need to install a 120 volt rated lamp socket and 3-wire lamp cord – the third wire being a ground. Find out what the original Watt Lamp was and find a 120 volt lamp socket and bulb that will fit nicely into the housing. The intent is to protect the fixture, the user, make it safe and create a cool conversation piece that will be around for a long time.
Creative people such as yourself restore older fixtures quite a bit. The biggest factor is to ground it and also that the polarity on the socket is correct – Neutral on the outside portion of the lamp socket and the Power to the center point of the socket.


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all projects.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Your Area

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