Fluorescent ceiling lights are observed in an increasing number of houses due to their energy efficiency and long life. Although tube life is way beyond conventional incandescent bulbs, they do require periodic replacement. Replacing ceiling light tubes — or those of any fluorescent fixture beneath cabinets or above bathroom countertops — is accomplished in the exact same manner. The tricky part would be figuring out how to remove the cover to get the fluorescent tube, once you understand the fundamentals, but even this is a simple task.
Inspecting the Fluorescent Fixture and Cover elimination
Place a stepladder or step stool. The use of work gloves and protective eye goggles is suggested to prevent injury in the event a bulb breaks up.
Inspect the fluorescent fixture to ascertain how the cover is attached. Some covers are attached with metal side mounts the others lift from place in drop-ceiling installations — and some utility or decorative fixture covers are secured by clips. A less common form is the fixture attached to the suspended ceiling rails in contrast to the wooden ceiling beam. Used primarily for business applications, the cover is anchored to the fixture.
Eliminate in line with the kind of fixture. Bracket covers free, turn screws with a screwdriver and remove pull mounts and mounts. For drop ceilings, press upwards on the cover and slide from place into the ceiling tile. For the form, squeeze the cover gently and pull it free. Put one hand on the cover, if you’re working with troffer fixtures, turn metal clips downward with fingers or screwdriver and lower your hands to permit cover to open and hang freely on the hinges.
Turn on the change and determine that tube requires replacing if your fixture has multiple tubes. It is generally better to replace all tubes because they have lifespans that are comparable, and it is only a matter of time until others burn .
Clean the inner surface of the cover with paper towels and all-purpose cleaner. This step is optional but can eliminate environmental and dust mites contaminants to permit as much light through the cover.
Replacing Fluorescent Bulbs
Turn the switch off and permit the tubes to cool to get a half hour or so. Cutting electricity at the switch is satisfactory, As you won’t be subjected to connections or bare wires. If you’re uncomfortable around electricity, cut room electricity by flipping the labeled circuit breaker into your home’s electrical box to the”off” place.
Turn the tube one-quarter twist with your fingers and pull straight down with both handson. Turn one-half-turn in the opposite direction if the tube does not remove easily and pull. If the tube will not remove easily, consider pushing it. Some fixtures utilize within the socket. The contrary tube-end will be freed — accomplished by pushing the socket when depressed and let pulling the other side. In all situations, pull exercise care to not grip, push or flip the tube with force to prevent breakage. It will pull out of place with ease, After the tube is in the right removal place.
Look at the mark stamped on the fluorescent tube close to the metallic socket for ordering mention and also write them down. The markings will include a string of letters and numbers to recognize width bulb span, socket pin kind and bulb wattage. If markers cannot be discovered, wrap the tube in bubble wrap and take it to a hardware or home supply store for analysis.
Install the light by pushing lining up the two prongs in the socket opening and turning the tube a quarter of a twist. For socket fixtures, insert one end of the tube to one outlet, push with mild pressure and add the tube end that is contrary in the socket.
Reinstall the cap in the exact same manner as it was eliminated, supply power to the light with the circuit breaker (if turned off) and turn on the the light switch to check for performance.