How to Change Tube Fluorescent Bulbs
Many of us use florescent lighting in various areas during the day. Whether at work or at home or out shopping we encounter florescent lights somewhere. But changing a florescent bulb isn't like changing an incandescent bulb or standard light bulb. Florescent bulbs don't just screw into a receptacle. They are typically very fragile and much larger than the bulbs we find in our lamps at home. Changing them improperly can result in broken bulbs and possible injury. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Remove the cover that protects the florescent bulbs. The process for this will vary depending on the style of fixture. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions if you're unsure how to remove the cover.
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2
Grasp one bulb with both hands gently and twist it. Depending on the type of ballast (the device that holds the bulbs in place and provides current to them) your bulbs may twist out or push to one end and then drop down. If your bulb does not twist either direction do not continue to apply pressure as the bulb may break, continue to step 3 if it does not twist. If it does twist continue to step 4.
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3
Push your bulb gently to one end or the other of the fixture. If it does not move, do not force it, call an electrician. If it does move the opposite end should then drop down and the bulb can be removed. Continue to step 5.
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4
Gently lower your bulb out of the ballasts at each end if it twisted to remove it. There will be two prongs on each end of the bulb that will need to clear the ballasts for complete removal. Continue to step 5.
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5
Place your new bulb into the ballasts the exact way you removed the old one. If it twisted out, make sure you have both pronged ends all the way in the ballast and turn it the opposite direction. If it pushed to one end and then lowered down on the other end, place the end that did not drop down into the ballast and raise the other end into the opposite ballast. You should hear an audible click the new florescent bulb is inserted correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Never force a florescent bulb into place as they are fragile and can break and create a hazard.
