Wire a Light Socket for Your Reptiles (Easy!)

A simple guide for learning how to wire light sockets for reptile enclosures (or anything really). No need to buy overpriced prewired ones!

Supplies:

A cheap lamp cord. I get the cheapest 16 gauge 6 foot extention cords from hardware stores, but a lamp cord will work too. You can also scavenge them from existing devices. This kind is often in clearance bins for 3$

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-15-ft-16-2-2-Prong-Indoor-SPT-2-Light-Duty-General-Extension-Cord/3135033

A keyless porcelain/ceramic light socket. Porcelain is essential if you intend to use this for heat bulbs as it won't melt or otherwise degrade. Will also work for CHE bulbs. I typically get this one:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Eaton-660-Watt-Porcelain-Keyless-Ceiling-Socket-White/1001438400

Tools:

Wire cutter/stripper. No need for anything fancy

A Phillips head screwdriver

Make sure everything is unplugged before starting work! Prepare your power cord. You only need the plug and cord, so cut off whatever is attached on the other end with your wire cutters. Separate the two wires by pulling them apart.

Strip the last 1/2 inch of both wires with your wire stripper. Combine the individual copper strands together and form them into a loop by turning clockwise.

Read the instructions on the box to make sure you're connecting the wires to the right terminals. The ridged wire is the neutral wire so goes to the silver terminal for this socket. The smooth wire is the hot wire so goes to the golden terminal.

Insert your wire loops to the appropriate terminals and screw them in. They should be secure and not pull out when tugged, but not tightened as much as possible.

Put a working bulb in it and plug it in to an outlet. If it works, you did it! If it doesn't, check that the wires are on the correct terminal and try a different bulb.

All you have to do now is screw it in to the top of your reptile enclosure!