How to change a fluorescent light bulb?
Question:I have a circular fluorescent light bulb in my kitchen which recently burned out. I've never worked with one of these before, so I have no idea how to remove and install another one. Can you help me out?
Thanks.
Answers:
When implaced, the lamp "snaps" into curve-shaped springs, so you will have to pull down on the lamp to extract it from the base.
You will find a plug at the end of the wires that extend from inside the base. The plug is fitted into prongs on the lamp, so you will have to "tug" on the plug to seperate the lamp from the base.
When installing the re-placement lamp, the plug must be carefully aligned with the prongs on the lamp, and them firmly pressed into place.
By circular, I don’t know whether you mean a long tube or a spun tube. I will help you with both.
Spun tube:
This is like a normal light bulb, but they are more energy efficient. You just unscrew it like a normal bulb and replace it with another. You can’t throw it in the garbage though, because it has mercury in it, which is bad for the environment if not properly disposed. If you have a lampshade and the spun tube bulb won’t work, you can buy new compact fluorescent bulbs that are shapes like old incandescent ones for that purpose. All styles should be available at hardware stores, department stores, and even grocery stores now.
Long tube:
These are held in place and powered by two pins on each side of the tube. They rock in to almost snap in place, and rock out to be replaced. You just spin the tube in your hand (towards you or away from you) and the bulb should pop out. When putting a new one in, align the pins into the receptors, and rock into place. You can get replacement tubes like these at hardware stores (home Depot, Lowes) or maybe even Target or Walmart.
*Interesting note, these tubes are prone to flickering (constant on-off0 due to the gases inside. Sometimes the bulb is not dead, but just needs to be readjusted. Try spinning it and snapping it back in, or switching sides (left side is now right side) and it may start working again. These bulbs are advertised to last 5+ years, but it is rare to see one actually go out (I’ve had ones working 8 years in the office, always on, and just need to be rotated every one and awhile). Same deal with these though, you need to put them by themselves at the garbage (like by the side or on top of the can so the garbage men can see and deal with it seperately and specially). Some hardware stores offer free disposal if you come in and buy a new bulb from them, so that might work.
Good luck!
Unplug it and put another in.
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