How do I change a flourescent light tube?

Question

I am new to this type of lighting, and it isnt the lighting of my choice. It is too high and I cannot figure out how to get them out to put new ones in.

Answer 1

You'll need a chair or ladder to stand on first.
Remove the cover, if any, to get at the tubes.
You give each tube a 1/4 turn, either direction.
They will drop out into your hand, remove both ends.
Put the new tube in, the reverse way, one end first.
Line the 2 prongs up with the slot, push up & 1/4 turn.

Answer 2

Fluoro lights can go out or stutter for two reasons:

1. the tube itself needs replacing or
2. the starter needs replacing.

What's a starter? It is a little thing shaped like a small battery that fits into the fluoro frame. They are very inexpensive, so I suggest the following:

Find a safe way to reach your light fitting, and remove all fluoro tubes and the starter/s, which screw/s into the frame like a bayonet light globe. The starter screws out (like a light globe) and the tubes twist out, rolling horizontally forward and back.

Take all tubes and starters to your nearest hardware or lighting store to buy replacements. Tube varieties come in lengths - that is, the wattage is determined by the length of the tube.

When you have your new tubes and starters, ask the assistant to give you advice and go home and replace everything. It's not that difficult, I have done it a dozen times.

Fluorescent lighting takes getting used to, but it is much less expensive than incandescent lighting, and more eco-friendly.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

At both ends of a florescent bulb there are 2 prongs. If you look in the fixture you will see a slit in the receptacle holding the light bulb in place. twist the florescent bulb until the prongs can slid through the slit (90 degrees). pull the bulb out.

Answer 4

Turn off the light at the switch. Twist each lamp 1/4 turn and they will come out. Some may be stubborn and you have to work with them. Reverse the process to install.

Answer 5

Look at the very end of the tube where it mounts in the socket. If you see a vertical slot the bulb will twist/rotate out. If you don't see this slot, then you push the tube horizontally to the end (spring loaded pins).