Changing Fluorescent Light Bulbs Safely

Alright now it s time to talk about what in my opinion is probably the least safe light bulb on the market today the cfl.

Changing fluorescent light bulbs safely.

But you should have new bulbs on hand so you can replace them promptly when they do. Although replacing a fluorescent tube is simple it s not as straightforward as changing a regular light bulb and it can actually be quite dangerous. When fluorescent bulbs flicker have dark or smoky colored ends it s time to replace the bulb and you re faced with the choice of making a trip to the local hardware store and doing it yourself or hiring a qualified licensed electrician. Don t worry about them until the light they put out starts to weaken.

If you are going to replace fluorescent light with led lighting you must take into consideration the color temperature. Color temperature measurement is in kelvin k and most colors range from 2500 to 6500k a lower kelvin figure means the color is warm and tends to be closer to orange. How to replace a fluorescent light bulb to change the bulb safely. Cfl bulbs or compact fluorescent light bulbs use an electric current driven through a tube typically containing mercury vapor.

There could be a problem with the bulbs. By contrast a high kelvin figure like 4000k means the color is cool and white in appearance. Always check the power is off before attempting to change the bulb. This procedure would not apply for example to changing a light bulb in a desk or floor lamp where the fixture can simply be unplugged.

This procedure applies to bulb changing in complex environments with a variety of hazards such as fall and electric shock. Does your fluorescent light flicker or only come on dimly. Black ends don t require immediate replacement. Position a stepladder solidly under the light and have the new bulb ready.

Then follow the steps outlined here. Fluorescent light bulbs typically last many years but when one flickers on and off or the end turns light gray to black in color you ll just need replacement light bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs can go for years without replacement even when the ends start to blacken. Photo 1 shows how to tell if a fluorescent bulb is bad and how to replace it.

As a whole this procedure provides general guidelines to change a light bulb safely.