How to Change Fluorescent Bulbs

Change fluorescent bulbs when needed.

Many living spaces have one of two types of lighting--incandescent or fluorescent. If your home has fluorescent bulbs, changing them out takes only a few minutes and is simple to do. Light bulbs often last months depending on how often they are used, and the packaging usually indicates how many hours of use are in each bulb. Replace your fluorescent bulbs as needed to maintain the ideal amount of light in your space.

Things You'll Need

• Step stool
• Ladder
• Screwdriver
• Replacement bulb

Instructions

Screw Bulb

1. Make sure the light source is turned off. If the burned out bulb is on a fixture with other bulbs, turn off the lights to cool them down before removing them. Allow the lights to stay off for at least 5 minutes to prevent burning the hand during removal. Remove the fixture covering by unscrewing any fasteners that hold the cover to the light source, using a screwdriver if necessary.

2. Place the step stool or ladder directly under the light source, making sure it’s sturdy. Grasp the bulb as close to the base as possible with one hand, and hold the fixture socket with the other hand. This will allow you to take out the bulb without twisting the socket.

3. Turn the bulb counter-clockwise until it completely unscrews from the socket. Apply a gently pressure at the base of the bulb if it feel stuck, but don’t squeeze too hard or the glass may shatter in your hand.

4. Place the base of the replacement fluorescent bulb into the socket and screw it in clockwise while holding the base of the bulb. Stop turning the bulb when you feel pressure, which indicates it is firmly in the socket.

Tube Bulb

1. Turn off the light source, and wait at least 5 minutes for the bulbs to cool down before attempting to remove the bulb. Position a ladder or step stool under the light source.

2. Grab the fluorescent tube at one end of the fixture using two fingers and thumb. Twist the tube half way in any direction to be removed from the slot in the fixture. Do this to both ends of the fluorescent tube bulb.

3. Hold the replacement bulb. Place both ends into the provide slots on the fixture. The pins on either end of the bulb will slide into place.

4. Twist the tube bulb upward with a quarter turn to secure it into the fixture.

References

• AFB.org: Changing Light Bulbs: An Overview