How to Replace a Fluorescent Lightbulb

Changing a burned-out fluorescent lightbulb is only a bit harder than replacing a conventional one. Here we'll walk you through it and help troubleshoot a couple of possible problems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fluorescent Lightbulbs
• Ladders
• Ladders

Replace the Bulb

1. Make sure the light switch is turned off.

2. Remove the lens or diffuser to access the bulb. On most fluorescent lights, the lens or diffuser is a plastic panel below the bulb. Push the panel up and tilt to remove.

3. Check to make sure that the problem isn't something so simple as a poor contact. This can usually be corrected by giving the bulb a gentle turn a few degrees and then back to the lock position.

4. Hold the old bulb firmly at one end, and rotate it one quarter-turn clockwise. This should put the end prongs in line with the loading slot.

5. Slide the bulb free.

6. Lower the end of the bulb carefully out of the socket. When one end is free, pull slightly and the other end should come out also.

7. Set the old bulb aside and lift a new bulb into the fixture.

8. Hold the bulb horizontally, and rotate the new bulb until the prongs on each end are lined up with the grooves in the socket.

9. Insert the prongs in the socket and rotate the bulb a quarter-turn in a counterclockwise direction. The bulb should click into place on each end.

10. Test the light at the switch. If the light still doesn't come on you may need to replace the ballast.

Replace the Ballast

11. Find the ballast, usually seated near one end of the bulb. It is a silver, cylinder-shaped item with a diameter similar to that of a quarter. The ballast provides the starting voltage and then stabilizes the current for the fluorescent bulb.

12. Loosen the ballast by turning it 1/4- to 1/2-turn counterclockwise.

13. Pull the ballast out of fixture and take to hardware store to match with a new one.

14. Insert a new ballast into the light fixture; twist clockwise to lock into position.

15. Replace the lens cover.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a new ballast be sure to take the old one with you to get a proper replacement.
• It's always a good idea to mark the light switch controlling the fixture you are working on with a note saying, "Warning - Do Not Use." This will help prevent the possibility of electric shock.

[frj1211]

on 8/20/2009 I have several fluorescent fixtures. I have replaced the bulbs due to dimming, blinking, or just not coming on. The answer was not in a new bulb. There is no ballast or silver cylinder or starter. I guess I will have to buy new fixtures. To pay someone to repair a starter that is inside the fixture will probably cost more than the fixture. Why couldn't they just leave the starter on the outside for us to replace? Anyone got any suggestions for me? Thank you.

[ralphsmyth]

on 6/28/2009 Thanks this solved all my problems.

[kenl123]

on 3/8/2009 AUNTGG, You are confusing the starter with the ballast. The cylindrical thing that you can replace is called a starter, and you will sound foolish if you take that into the hardware store and ask for a ballast. Most modern fixtures don't even have a starter.The ballast is hidden, and you need to have an electrician replace it. Also, be aware that if the fixture has two or more tubes, they should all be replaced at the same time.

[AUNTGG]

on 8/6/2008 AFTER YOU REMOVE THE TUBES .HOW DO YOU GET TO THE STARTERS?

[ncblu66]

on 10/14/2007 safety tip-

if you want to change a tube when the power is on - no biggie. as you put one end of the tube in and while lining up the prongs dont touch the prongs on the other end, it will be a very nasty shock, around 4-5 hundred volts.