How to Change Fluorescent Lightbulbs

Fluorescent bulbs diffuse a large amount of energy efficient light over spacious areas.

Although fluorescent bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, they do eventually burn out. Compact fluorescent bulbs change out in the same way as standard bulbs. The elongated tube fluorescent bulbs which serve as overhead lighting can be trickier to replace.

Things You'll Need

• Fluorescent bulb

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the light fixture at the switch and at the main circuit breaker.

2. Remove the light diffuser, the translucent cover in the fixture. Often the cover is removable by simply pushing up on the cover, tilting it upward and removing it . Sometimes the cover is held in place by screws. To keep from damaging the diffuser, check the cover for brackets and screws holding it in place and remove them first.

3. Turn the bulb one quarter of a turn. The ends of the bulb have prongs that need to line up with slots on the fixture to allow the bulb to slide out.

4. Pull the bulb downward and remove it slowly and without applying too much force. Pull on the metal ends of the bulb and not the middle of the glass tube to reduce the risk of the bulb breaking.

5. Place bulb to the side in a safe place where it will not roll.

6. Hold the new bulb up to the fixture and rotate the prongs on the tips of the bulb to align with the slots.

7. Push the bulb in firmly and turn it a quarter turn to secure it in place. Turn the power back on and test that the bulb is working properly.

References

• Tenants Handbook: Changing a fluorescent tube or starter
• DaveP42 (YouTube): How to install or change fluorescent bulbs

Resources

• Bulbs.com: Fluorescent bulbs