Changing a recessed flourescent light to incandescent?

Question

I recently moved into a condo that had in the powder room, as its single light source, a recessed flourescent light. The bulb was a 2 pin Sylvania DULUX D 13 W flourescent. If I want to change to a screw in standard incandescent can I just change the buld recepticle or do I need to change the whole assembly? Is there a special transformer of ballast that is hidden somewhere that I need to worry about? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

the only way to do this is to replace the fixture. not very hard if you are good with tools. or call an electrician if you need to, the charge should be around 100.00 to 150.00 if you call someone close. there is a ballast that works fluorescent type lamps. you never mentioned if it is a 4", 5" or 6" can. i am betting on a 6" since it is the most widely used. is there an attic above or living space? attic is best for the diy type. but if there is living space i would say to call a licensed electrician. he would know better on which replacement to use. good luck

Answer 2

It's most likely that there is a ballast above the ceiling adjacent to the fixture. Your best bet would be to replace the fixture with a new one if you wanted something with a standard base. However if you use an incandescent bulb you will be using more wattage than a fluorescent bulb would, no matter what base it has. There are fluorescent bulbs that have a standard base and do not need a ballast to run. These bulbs have the ballast built right onto the base.

Answer 3

( if it is a can light) cut off the power to the light, remove the the old bulb......pull down on the light unit from the sides, it should be spring loaded and 2 sets of arms will slide down with it......pinch the arms towards each other, and this will release the light fixture.....then look to see if there is a ballast...i dont think there will be one......if u see plug in from the wires of the light to the top of the can just unplug it and take it to ur local supply house and they should be able to match up a replacement.........in incandescent.

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 4

Incandescent. The light is softer and less harsh on the eyes. And no, I don't care if fluorescent ones are better for the environment. They can kiss my not-so-green ***.