What is wrong with my favorite floor lamp and can it be fixed?

Question

It makes a crackling sound and blinks sometimes and at other times it is quiet and does not blink.

Answer 1

Please unplug this ASAP. You could burn your home down. It is just as dangerous if the lights are on or off. It must be unplugged immediately. It can b e rewired very cheaply with just a knife and a screwdriver.

Answer 2

Don't use it, unplug it immediately. It's a short or broken wire. Yes it can be repaired but it involves rewiring it. Hardware stores have kits available with instructions.

Answer 3

Sounds like the contact piece inside the socket has been bent into the base of the socket and now you are staring to get arcing. That definitely is an unsafe condition and it would be very wise to unplug it and not use it till it is repaired. Unplg it, remove the bulb and look into the socket. If what I descrbed is happening you will notice where the bulb is creating an arc. If that is not it there may be a wiring issue somewhere, but I'm betting it is what I first described. Sockets are obtainable at Lighting centers, Big Box stores, and Hardware staore. Replacement is not overly complicated.