How to Replace a Fluorescent Lightbulb
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.
Things You Will Need
- Fluorescent Lightbulbs
- Ladders
Tip
If you aren't sure what length the bulb is, remove the old one and take it to the store when you get the new one. If you need a new ballast be sure to take the old one with you to get a proper replacement.
Warning
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.
Replace the Bulb
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Make sure the light switch is turned off.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Slide the bulb free.
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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.
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Set the old bulb aside and lift a new bulb into the fixture.
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Hold the bulb horizontally, and rotate the new bulb until the prongs on each end are lined up with the grooves in the socket.
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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.
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Test the light at the switch. If the light still doesn't come on you may need to replace the ballast.
Replace the Ballast
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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.
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Loosen the ballast by turning it 1/4- to 1/2-turn counterclockwise.
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Pull the ballast out of fixture and take to hardware store to match with a new one.
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Insert a new ballast into the light fixture; twist clockwise to lock into position.
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Replace the lens cover.
