How to remove a fluorescent lamp in a suspended ceiling. How to replace a U-shaped fluorescent lamp with LEDs in a table lamp

Decor elements 14.10.2023

Decor elements

Fluorescent lamps have become widespread over the past few decades. Although more advanced light sources have appeared on the market, fluorescent light bulbs are still popular due to their efficiency and quality lighting. However, any equipment breaks down, so over time, fluorescent lamps will need to be replaced. How to change a fluorescent lamp will be discussed below.

Required Components

To replace the light source, you will need the following set of components and tools:

throttle;
starter;
1–2 light bulbs.

Before changing the lamp, turn off the power supply. Working under voltage is unacceptable, as it is life-threatening. It is recommended to carry out repairs wearing protective gloves - this will prevent injury to the skin of your hands from sharp elements of the device.

Types of socles

An integral component of a lighting device is the base. This part is used to secure the light bulb in the socket and supply electricity to it.

The following types of cartridges are used in fluorescent light sources:

E14. These threaded cartridges are called minions.
E27. Medium-sized threaded plinths. They differ from E14 only in size.
Pin base G. There are several types of sockets (they differ in the distance between the contacts) - G5, G13, G53. Also, the name sometimes contains a second letter indicating a specific model (for example, GU10).

Lamps with G5 and G13 socket

The most popular light bulbs in ceiling luminaires are equipped with G5 and G13 sockets. These sockets are especially often used for lamps in kitchens, bathrooms, and local lighting (for example, mirrors).

The most common cause of fluorescent light fixture failure is the lamp. Sometimes the cause of the breakdown is the throttle or starter. A burnt-out light bulb can be easily identified by the dark ring around the bulb.

Replacement instructions:

We purchase a lamp of the required size and power. If difficulties arise in determining the characteristics of a lamp, we take it with us to the store. This will help the seller choose the right light bulb.
Turn off the electrical appliance. To ensure safety, it is recommended to completely de-energize the room by turning off the electricity in the panel.
We dismantle the lampshade (lighting fixture grille). The ceiling lamp is attached to the lamp body using latches or screws. Sometimes the lampshade is held on by the lamp itself. To dismantle the lampshade, simply pull on any of its edges.
Unscrew the light bulb. We grasp the lamp with both hands (closer to the edges of the bulb) and rotate it along the axis 90 degrees. We pull out the light bulb carefully, but with little force, so that the contact pins come out of the guides of the socket.

We mount the lamp in the lamp. We insert it into the cartridge until it stops, and then turn it around its axis 90 degrees. The direction of screwing does not matter.
We check the operation of the lamp. If everything is done correctly, return the lampshade to its place. If the light does not appear, turn off the lighting and carefully move the light bulb (turn it slightly). If these attempts are unsuccessful, pay attention to the throttle or starter - most likely the problem is in them. Replacing the throttle and starter is a rather complex operation and is best left to a specialist. In this case, it is recommended to install a new lamp, since the cost of repair work will exceed the cost of purchasing a new lighting device.

Lamps with G23 socket

Bases of subtypes G23, 2G11 and GX23 are most often used for local lighting - in table and wall lamps. The sockets differ in size and shape, but the principle of contact between the light bulb and the socket is the same everywhere.

The lamp is replaced in the following order:

We buy a light bulb.
Turn off the electricity.
Unscrew the lamp from the socket. Carefully pull it by the edge of the bulb towards the lampshade. The movement must be a bending motion to remove the bulb from the retaining clip. This must be done carefully, without damaging the retaining bracket. When the light bulb is released from the clamp, pull it out, slightly swinging it in the direction opposite to the socket.
Installing the light bulb into the lamp is done in the reverse order. You need to insert the lamp into the socket and press the end of the bulb to push it inside. The successful installation is indicated by the click of the locking mechanism. Movements should be confident, but careful. It is important not to damage the plastic retainer, as it gradually wears out and breaks easily.

Note! A fluorescent lamp contains 3–5 milligrams of mercury. This element is extremely toxic. It is unacceptable to throw away fluorescent light sources along with other garbage.

Replacing a fluorescent lamp is a simple operation that even a novice home craftsman can handle. To complete the task, you only need attentiveness and accuracy.

How to change a light bulb if the old one is burned out? For everyone, this seems like an obvious and simple action, but if you replace the light bulb incorrectly, you can get bad consequences.

Everything is very simple at first glance, however, in order for the light bulb to last as long as possible, you need to follow several rules.

Which light bulbs require proper replacement:

incandescent light bulb;
halogen;
replacing the LED light bulb;
luminescent.

Replacing an incandescent light bulb

Before you begin the process of replacing the light bulb, make sure that there is no leakage at all. To do this, move the machine’s toggle switch to the “off” state in the distribution panel.

After you complete this action, be sure to check whether the apartment is actually de-energized, since sometimes distribution panels can be difficult to understand, and there are no marks there.

Tip: Before turning off the power, check to see if any appliances are turned on, as they may be damaged or even burnt out.

The power of lamps is measured in watts, and usually a lamp with a power of 100 watts is suitable for simple use.

How to change a light bulb correctly:

to replace a light bulb, unscrew the old lamp counterclockwise;
screw in the new lamp clockwise, but do not use much force when screwing in, because you can damage both the lamp and the luminaire;
turn on the toggle switch in the distribution panel;
turn on the switch of a regular switch.

If you change the lamp in a chandelier, you do not need to stand under it when you turn it on for the first time. Externally, the lamp may be in good working order, but in fact, sometimes there are defective lamps. When turned on for the first time, such devices may explode and injure you with shrapnel.

How to change a halogen or LED light bulb

In suspended ceilings, spot lighting is usually based on the use of halogen or LED lamps. In order to correctly replace such a lamp without being struck, you need to know some nuances.

First you need to unlock the light bulb in the lamp housing. To do this, carefully remove the special round-shaped ring. After the lock is removed, you can unscrew the lamp. Usually this is not difficult.

When replacing the light bulb, hold all parts with your hands, since the retaining ring has the appearance of a spring that can slip out of your hands.

If you previously had yellow lamps, but there was not enough lighting in the room, you can purchase a new lamp of the same color, but white. It will give more light, and the amount of energy will be spent the same as the yellow one.

If you are faced with the issue of adding more to your room, it is worth considering that you will need the same light bulbs as the ones you already have.

The thing is that different lamps not only have different features, but also appearance, so it is advisable to use lamps from the same manufacturer in the same room when it comes to spot lighting.

And the most important thing about halogen lamps is that they should not be touched with bare hands. All actions should be carried out only with gloves, because this will help protect the lamp from premature damage.

By the way, if you do touch the light bulb, don’t be upset, you can gently wipe it with a cotton swab with a little alcohol on it.

Replacing fluorescent lamps

When using this type of lamp, it is important that it is in order.

Replacing such a light bulb is not at all difficult; it is similar to the process that we described when replacing an incandescent lamp.

However, if such a lamp has burned out for the first time, you need to remember that when purchasing a new one, its power should either correspond to the old lamp, or be based on the following principles...

Firstly, fluorescent lamps give a greater glow with less power, so there is no point in looking for the most powerful one, because 50 W may well be enough for you to illuminate a large room.

Secondly, this particular type of lamp gives soft light and diffuses it well, so you definitely won’t need several lamps in one room.

However, it is worth understanding that if you decide to replace, for example, a conventional incandescent lamp with a fluorescent lamp, then the latter option will possibly flicker and also be very sensitive to high temperatures. At the same time, little will affect the service life of such a lamp, and it often lasts 10-20 times longer than an incandescent lamp, of which, by the way, you may need several for one room. Create in your room and protect your eyesight!

When it comes to fluorescent lamps

. Next you need to, and then pull it out.
. Insert new lamp
. To turn on the light,

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When it comes to fluorescent lamps, many immediately imagine a white glowing tube on the ceiling.

The association is correct, but it does not give a complete picture of the many possibilities and advantages of this lamp, especially since the overwhelming majority of the population thinks that fluorescent lamps are not entirely suitable for apartments due to their bulkiness. Most often, they are used only to illuminate various types of work surfaces, for example, in the kitchen or workshop. But it is worth considering the fact that today there are a variety of fluorescent lamp options on the market, developed by modern designers. They can have different colors of light, mainly: daylight, cool white, warm white and warm. This feature distinguishes them from simple light bulbs. The shapes of fluorescent lamps are: tubular, compact and shaped. In order to light such a lamp, a starter is required, which is located in the area of the lamp base.

To replace a failed fluorescent lamp with your own hands, you need to follow a few simple rules, and, regardless of the shape and length of the lamp, the replacement principle is the same:
. First you need to determine what exactly burned out: lamp, starter or throttle. If the lamp itself burns out, its ends turn black.
. When the lamp is noticeably darkened, in this case it must be replaced. For this, first of all, it is necessary to turn off the switch, i.e. de-energize it.
. Next you need turn the burnt-out lamp clockwise by hand and then pull it out.
. Insert new lamp replace the old one and turn it in the opposite direction.
. To turn on the light, to check how the new lamp lights up.

Don't forget about the burnt out lamp. It must be handled very carefully and with care as it contains mercury. It is advisable to place it in the same cardboard packaging in which you bought the new lamp. Although, according to the rules, you should pack a fluorescent lamp in a special container. You should not give it to children, and when throwing away a box with a lamp, you should ensure that it does not fall into the hands of anyone.

The popularity of fluorescent lamps is growing rapidly. This is explained by the fact that such lamps are characterized by high luminous efficiency, while consuming a very small amount of electricity. This feature attracts Russian buyers, since electricity becomes more expensive from year to year and the issue of saving becomes extremely pressing. And a fluorescent lamp requires only a fifth of the energy that an ordinary incandescent lamp consumes.

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Read also on this topic “Electrical equipment”

When it comes to fluorescent lamps, many immediately imagine a white glowing tube on the ceiling. The association is correct, but it does not give a complete picture of the many possibilities and advantages of this lamp, especially since the overwhelming majority of the population thinks that fluorescent lamps are not entirely suitable for apartments due to their bulkiness. Most often, they are used only to illuminate various types of work surfaces, for example, in the kitchen or workshop. But it is worth considering the fact that today there are a variety of fluorescent lamp options on the market, developed by modern designers. They can have different colors of light, mainly: daylight, cool white, warm white and warm. This feature distinguishes them from simple light bulbs. The shapes of fluorescent lamps are: tubular, compact and shaped. In order to light such a lamp, a starter is required, which is located in the area of the lamp base.

To replace a failed fluorescent lamp with your own hands, you need to follow a few simple rules, and, regardless of the shape and length of the lamp, the replacement principle is the same:
. First you need to determine what exactly burned out: lamp, starter or throttle.

If the lamp itself burns out, its ends turn black.
. When the lamp is noticeably darkened, in this case it must be replaced. For this, first of all, it is necessary to turn off the switch, i.e. de-energize it.
. Next you need turn the burnt-out lamp clockwise by hand and then pull it out.
. Insert new lamp replace the old one and turn it in the opposite direction.
. To turn on the light, to check how the new lamp lights up.

Don't forget about the burnt out lamp.

How to replace a fluorescent fluorescent lamp

It must be handled very carefully and with care as it contains mercury. It is advisable to place it in the same cardboard packaging in which you bought the new lamp. Although, according to the rules, you should pack a fluorescent lamp in a special container. You should not give it to children, and when throwing away a box with a lamp, you should ensure that it does not fall into the hands of anyone.

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Read also on this topic “Electrical equipment”

How to change a fluorescent lamp yourself

In order to light such a lamp, a starter is required, which is located in the area of the lamp base.

To replace a failed fluorescent lamp with your own hands, you need to follow a few simple rules, and, regardless of the shape and length of the lamp, the replacement principle is the same:
. First you need to determine what exactly burned out: lamp, starter or throttle. If the lamp itself burns out, its ends turn black.
. When the lamp is noticeably darkened, in this case it must be replaced. For this, first of all, it is necessary to turn off the switch, i.e. de-energize it.
. Next you need turn the burnt-out lamp clockwise by hand and then pull it out.
. Insert new lamp replace the old one and turn it in the opposite direction.
. To turn on the light, to check how the new lamp lights up.

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Read also on this topic “Electrical equipment”

How to convert a fluorescent light fixture into an LED one - 2 easy ways.

When the lamp is noticeably darkened, in this case it must be replaced. For this, first of all, it is necessary to turn off the switch, i.e. de-energize it.
. Next you need turn the burnt-out lamp clockwise by hand and then pull it out.

. Insert new lamp replace the old one and turn it in the opposite direction.
. To turn on the light, to check how the new lamp lights up.

At first glance, replacing lamps seems like a simple operation, but there are many features. Reasons for replacement:

the old lamp is out of order;
power needs to be changed;
not satisfied with the type or design of the lamp;
new organization of interior lighting.

Replacing the lamp yourself

In all these situations, the first thing you need to do is find new lamps.

Choice

First you need to determine what is best to install in the lamp. The simplest solution would be to replace the lamps with the same ones, since finding a new one is not difficult with all the variety of lamps: fluorescent (FL), incandescent, LED, halogen and others.

Most buyers take regular lamps of the same power; they are the cheapest and are always on sale. In the price range, LL are above them, and then LED. As the model becomes more complex, the cost increases.

What types of lamps are there?

The correct organization of diffuse, reflected and directional lighting allows you to control the shape of objects, zone areas and highlight the necessary objects in the premises.

Replacing faulty lamps

Failed lamps are replaced with new ones. Each type has its own characteristics.

Incandescent lamps

As lighting is used, its intensity is redistributed. In some places it is necessary to increase the power, and in another place it is necessary to reduce it. Therefore, they often take a slightly different light bulb. If practice shows that it is worse than it was, nothing will prevent you from returning to the previous option. For a medium-sized room, 100 W main lighting is sufficient.

In incandescent lamps, the bases are destroyed over time by exposure to high temperatures. Therefore, you should always have a spare cartridge at home.

First of all, to replace the light bulb you will need the following tools:

chair or stepladder;
tester, probe;
new lamp;
several pliers of different sizes, a screwdriver, a knife;
gloves.

Unscrewing a faulty incandescent lamp

The wire to the light bulb is predominantly supplied through a single-pole switch. The phase must be passed through it so that there is no voltage on the cartridge when it is turned off. This is simply checked with an indicator screwdriver.

It often happens that sometimes you have to unscrew the light bulb, but the base remains in the socket. It can be removed using pliers. They should be available in several sizes and with insulated handles. A film should be placed under the lamp.

When replacing a lamp, the light must be turned off. It wouldn't hurt to turn off the machine either. You should check with an indicator the presence of voltage on the destroyed base. Not every owner remembers which position of the switch key corresponds to de-energizing the circuit.

Small pliers open inside the base, after which it is unscrewed. If it does not give in, you need to grab its edge with pliers and gradually loosen it until it moves. It’s even easier to unscrew the base along with half of the cartridge body, after which it will be much easier to remove it.

The new lamp is screwed into the socket clockwise. Here you cannot press hard on the glass body and apply a lot of torque so as not to damage it.

The functionality of the lamp is checked by applying voltage to it. If it does not light, it must be screwed in all the way or the contact tabs in the socket must be bent. When switching on, do not stand under the lamp due to the risk of explosion.

Luminescent

Replacing an LL with an E27 cartridge is no different from the previous ones. For one room, a power of 50 W will be enough. At the same time, the light of this type of lamp is soft and evenly diffused. They have built-in electronic ballasts with high frequency current and do not flash.

Tubular lamps are somewhat more difficult to replace if you do not know how to connect them. In addition, they are often mounted on the ceiling, and at high altitudes, working with them becomes difficult.

The room is de-energized, and the transparent diffuser is removed from the lamp. There are two pin contacts on each side of the tube. They fit tightly in sockets with clamps, and to release the lamp you need to turn it in one direction until it stops at 90 0, holding it on both sides.

Fluorescent lamp with diffuser

The new tube is installed perpendicular to the cartridges in the slot, and then turned 90 0 until it clicks. After it is fixed, you need to check the reliability of the fastening by slightly pulling towards yourself. Over time, the socket wears out and the lamp may fall out if not secured correctly.

After installation, the operation of the lamp is checked and the cap is installed in place. If the new lamp does not start, you need to check the functionality of the ballast elements.

The built-in LL for a suspended ceiling is replaced in a similar way, but a certain skill is required here, since there is little space left for its dismantling and installation.

Installing a fluorescent lamp in a built-in lamp

Built-in lamps have 4 lamps, but they are short and easier to work with. Having removed the outermost tube, access to the others will be easier if you remove them sequentially and install them in the reverse order.

Halogen and LED

In modern interiors, suspended ceilings with spot lighting are often used. To change a light bulb, it must be unlocked in the luminaire. First, the room is de-energized, and then the lamp clamp in the form of a spring ring is removed. Then you should unscrew the lamp and install a new one with similar characteristics in the vacant space. It is screwed in all the way and secured with a ring. At the same time, the parts are held so that they do not slip out of your hands.

Replacing a light bulb in a spotlight can be done by increasing the light intensity without increasing their power. To do this, purchase the same lamps with a spectrum closer to white. They are brighter than yellow ones with the same energy consumption.

Even lamps of the same type can have different appearances. It is advisable to use light sources from the same manufacturer and with the same power.

When replacing halogen and LED lamps (HL), they should not be touched with bare hands to protect them from rapid failure. If touching occurs accidentally, wipe the flask with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

If the problem is more serious than replacing the lamp, you need to know how to remove the ceiling light. The sequence of operations for removing it from the suspended ceiling is as follows:

turn off the automatic voltage supply;
take out the light bulb;
pry off the decorative rim with a knife or screwdriver;
Press the fastening latches to the body and remove it from the groove.

Reinstallation is done in reverse order.

Replacing the lamp with a different type

Incandescent lamps consume more energy and have a short lifespan. Now there is a fashion to replace them with energy-saving ones. The reason is lower energy consumption. But here it should be borne in mind that the electrical goods market is flooded with a large number of counterfeits, negating all the advantages of new models. Branded products are expensive, but counterfeit products are not cheap, although in the end they do not provide any advantages, including in terms of service life.

If you decide to replace an incandescent lamp with a halogen or LED, the easiest way is to purchase them with the same E27 or E14 sockets, and then install them in the old socket.

It will be more difficult with spotlights, since the entire lighting system will need to be changed. They are mounted on a suspended or plasterboard ceiling. You can hide all the wiring behind them. For a stretch ceiling, this is more difficult to do, since it will be visible through the transparent material.

The cheapest linear LLs use electromagnetic ballasts and ballasts. The disadvantages of the lamps are low efficiency, choke rattling and lamp blinking. Replacing them does not help, since they are not the cause. Replacing the equipment with electronic equipment (electronic ballasts) eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Another way to increase the efficiency of energy consumption is to replace the luminaires with LEDs, which are completely identical in appearance and have similar glow characteristics. The G13 base is the same as on fluorescent tubes. From the inside, adjacent SL pins are short-circuited with a copper conductor, and a voltage of 220 V is applied from opposite ends of the tube. Inside it there is a strip with a driver and soldered LEDs. All starting equipment is dismantled, significantly lightening the luminaire. In its place you can place another lamp.

Light bulbs are consumables that, depending on the quality of production and operating conditions, have a certain “lifetime”. This “life” ends the moment when, after turning on the lamp again, you are still standing in a dark or partially lit room. Sometimes you come across lamps that are so complex in design that replacing them becomes a whole undertaking. This is especially true for built-in LED and halogen devices with non-standard models.

In this article we will look at the types of sockets found in everyday life, as well as ways to remove various light bulbs from any lamp and replace them with new ones. Separately, it is worth considering the issue of replacing them in a suspended ceiling. We will also find out how to change a halogen lamp.

Types of socles

A socket is a thread or other type of connector with which a light bulb is attached to a socket or lamp. The base contains contacts that, when interacting with the contacts of the lamp, conduct current.

The following types of bases are found in everyday life:

E27 is the most common type; it is screwed into almost all chandeliers and floor lamps. It has the form of a thread with a diameter of 27 mm.
E14 is the second most common base, thread with a diameter of 14 mm. It is available in low-power models that are installed in floor lamps, bedside lamps, and wall decorative lamps.
The picture below in the second row shows the bases of tubular fluorescent lamps found in long ceiling and wall lamps.
In the third row you can see the bases of the light bulbs that are built into the ceiling lamp.

How to unscrew a light bulb with your own hands

Each type of fixture and lamp has its own replacement instructions, but the first steps are the same for all cases.

Completely de-energize your home at the panel or meter. In this case, there is no need to worry about electric shock.
To access tall chandeliers and spot lights on a suspended ceiling, find a stable stepladder or stool. When working with such fragile parts, you need to be sure of where you stand.
We carefully stand on a stool (or remain on the floor if the light bulb can be reached without effort), working only with the switch off with dry hands.
Further steps to replace lamps depend on their type. If these are threaded sockets, then with one hand we grasp the light bulb itself (attention, it may still be hot), and with the other we hold on to the socket. Using gentle movements, we begin to unscrew it counterclockwise. Do not squeeze the glass too hard - remember, it is thin. When unscrewing a halogen lamp, remove it only with clean and soft gloves.
If the light bulb cannot be unscrewed, you need to try to loosen it, then it will give in.
If it burns out because it burst, then unscrewing it will be quite difficult. How to change a broken light bulb in this case? There is nothing to grab hold of - only sharp shards of glass stick out from the cartridge. A regular potato will help you. Cut it in half, carefully place the cut on the protruding fragments, and then unscrew the remaining light bulb with gentle counterclockwise movements.

Even if the fragments do not stick out, but the base is firmly seated in the socket, it can be unscrewed using an ordinary plastic bottle. Using a match or lighter, melt the neck of the bottle a little, and while the plastic is hot, insert it into the empty base. Wait a minute for the plastic inside to harden, then unscrew the rest. The E14 base can be removed using a wine stopper. This method is not suitable for replacing light bulbs in a suspended ceiling lamp.
Long tubular fluorescent lamps have their own fixation method. To remove, grasp the body of the lamp with both hands and carefully rotate it along its axis in any direction. During the process, several characteristic clicks will be heard along the edges of the lamp - this is how it should be, these are the fasteners clicking. After turning approximately 45 degrees, the lamp contacts will appear along the edges of the mount, and it can be easily pulled out of the grooves.

How to change a light bulb in a spotlight? With built-in lamps the situation is a little more complicated. The lamps are secured in them using special springs made of hardened metal. To interact with them, there are special levers on the body; by pressing them, you will release the light bulb from the mount, and it can be removed. The main thing is not to overdo it with pressing the levers - they are quite fragile, they are very easy to break. In addition, if you suddenly release the light bulb, it may slip out and fall to the floor, which will lead to the formation of a large number of dangerous fragments and damage to the floor covering - not the best way to replace a lamp in a suspended ceiling.

If you can't find any levers, but you can grasp the device with your hands, try gently turning it 90 degrees counterclockwise. How to remove a spotlight? There are fasteners that, after turning the light bulb and making a quiet click, allow you to remove it. After removing the lamp, set it aside in a safe place.

How to install a new one

Installation is usually the exact opposite of removal in technology.

Threaded versions are screwed into the cartridge clockwise until it reaches a sensitive stop. Do not screw too hard to avoid breaking the light bulb or cracking the socket. Halogen lamps are also replaced.
Long lamps are inserted with contacts into the slots from which the old lamp was removed. After this, the lamp is rotated by hand along its axis 90 degrees until a characteristic click is heard.
Light bulbs in ceiling and other built-in lamps are usually simply inserted back until the spring clicks; you do not need to press any levers for this. Using similar mechanisms, spotlights are replaced.
After installation, make sure that the lamp is securely fastened in its socket and does not dangle in it; this is especially important when replacing it in a spotlight.
Try turning on an LED or other installed lamp - be sure to turn away from it, and give the command “light” to everyone present so that they do not look either. Take care of your eyes when turning on new lamps - there have been cases when they, defective, burst the first time they were turned on.

Conclusion

Despite the abundance of models that can be found in everyday life, you can replace them all with your own hands. The main thing is to follow safety precautions both when removing the old lamp and when screwing it in. Be careful not to squeeze the glass or tamper with the thin and fragile parts of lamps and halogen lamps - the damage caused may be hazardous to your health.