Ottlite PL-0094 Lamp Switch Replacement

Introduction

Our OttLite PL-0094 worked for over a year before the touch switch gave out, which apparently is common for this light. I tried repairing the touch switch, but no luck. So I decided to replace the touch switch with a miniature on/off button. This method eliminates the 4 light level feature, but we only used the brightest setting anyway. And the USB charging port will still work.

What you need

Step 1 Remove Switch

Ottlite PL-0094 Lamp Switch Replacement, Remove Switch: step 1, image 1 of 1

Lay lamp on its side and remove the 2 screws between the lower and upper lamp posts. Gently pull the 2 sections apart a few inches. Slide the plastic switch cover off by sliding upwards.
Remove the 2 screws holding the USB port circuit board to the cover.
With utility blade, carefully cut the 2 plastic mounts for the touch switch circuit board and remove from cover.
The small flat on/off button should fall out also.

Edit

Step 2 Mount New Switch

Ottlite PL-0094 Lamp Switch Replacement, Mount New Switch: step 2, image 1 of 1

I mounted the new switch in the location of the old switch button. There is a hole mostly there already if you just cut the remaining plastic to leave about a 3/8" hole.
You'll need to trim down the small plastic posts that held the switch circuit board in place.
The switch doesn't have a lot of threads, so you can't use thick washers. I used a 5/16" speed nut on the inside, which also helps keep the switch centered since hole is a little bit bigger than needed.
On the outside I used a thin plastic washer, then the nut for the switch.
Bend the tabs down as pictured so wiring will fit when reassembled. Tighten nut.

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Step 3 Wiring

Ottlite PL-0094 Lamp Switch Replacement, Wiring: step 3, image 1 of 2

Ottlite PL-0094 Lamp Switch Replacement, Wiring: step 3, image 2 of 2

Since the the touch switch doesn't work, we discard that circuit board. Cut the 4 wires at the circuit board.
I soldered my wires together and covered with shrink tubing. I suppose you could use good insulated wire connectors instead.
Connect the 2 black wires together, the one from the USB board to the one going to the lamps.
Connect the red wire from the USB board to one of the switch wires. I used the red switch wire.
Connect the other wire from the switch to the white wire going to the lamps.
Screw the USB board back in place.

Edit

Step 4 Reassemble

Feed the wires back up into the lamp post holes. Fold wires so they fit inside cover as you slide the cover back in place.
Fit the 2 lamp posts together and install the 2 screws to hold them together.
Plug in, and hopefully your light now works.