Replacing a light bulb sounds very easy and sometimes it really is. However, there are some things related to personal safety that you should pay attention to. Sometimes, you need to change light bulbs in difficult places, for example on very high dome ceilings or in a car.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Removing the Bulb
Step 1. Make sure the power is turned off
This is very important to do whenever you are dealing with electronic devices. Why not just be safe?
- Simply turn off the power by moving the lever in the fuse box to the side labeled off. Keep in mind that this will cut off all incoming electricity, not just the area where you want to replace the lamp.
- You will also need to remove the lampshade before replacing the bulb (if you have one). Otherwise, there is a chance that you could be electrocuted. Remember, you should always be careful when dealing with electricity.
Step 2. Pay attention to other safety measures
There are a few things you need to keep in mind, especially if the lamp you want to replace is in an area of high ceilings.
- Let the bulb cool down before removing it. A freshly extinguished light bulb is usually too hot to touch and can injure your fingers.
- If the light bulb is on the ceiling, don't use an unbalanced footing like a rocking chair or anything like that. Use a sturdy folding ladder. This way, you can reach the bulb without falling.
- In addition to folding ladders, you can also buy special tools to mount light bulbs in very high places. The use of these tools tends to be safer than stairs. Don't forget, you can also call a handyman! You shouldn't need any other tools to replace the bulb.
Method 2 of 4: Replacing the Ordinary Light Bulb
Step 1. Remove the light bulb from its socket
If the lamp holder is easy to reach, the process is actually very simple. Lamp sockets are usually different, depending on the shape of the hood or the position of the lamp that is installed.
- If the base of the lamp is shaped like a bayonet (this type of lamp is very common in the UK and New Zealand), gently hold the lamp and turn it counterclockwise while pulling it gently. This will remove the bulb from the socket. This type of lamp socket is usually equipped with two prongs.
- If the light socket has a screw-like shape (this type of socket is very common in America and most countries in Europe), rotate the bulb counterclockwise. The bulb will loosen from the socket so that it is easy to remove.
- If the bulb is screwed in, you'll need to use pliers to remove the screw. Make sure the power is turned off, then remove the screw from the holder.
Step 2. Insert the new light bulb into the socket
To attach a new light bulb to the light socket, you must turn it clockwise. Remember: turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it; Turn the bulb clockwise to install it.
- The bulb will lock itself or you will need to turn it several times until it can no longer be turned. It really depends on the socket used. Do not attach the bulb too tightly or it may break. If you're using a bayonet-shaped light bulb, you'll need to align the butt of the lamp with the two pins on the socket. Push the bulb in, then turn it clockwise while pressing it up.
- If the bulb used has a screw-like shape, simply insert it into the socket and twist it. Use a new lamp with the same amount of power as the old bulb, unless you want to make the room appear brighter or dimmer than usual.
- Check the label on the lamp socket or holder for the maximum power limit. Make sure the power used by the bulb does not exceed this limit (see the power rating listed on the lamp sales package).
- Turn on the power so you know when to stop spinning the light bulb. When the light is on, stop turning it.
Method 3 of 4: Replacing Hard-to-Reach Bulbs
Step 1. Replace the light bulbs in the ceiling lampshades
You must have seen this one thing mounted high on the ceiling. To replace the bulb inside, you will need to remove the lamp cover screws (these caps are usually made of glass or plastic). In general, there are 2 to 3 screws used in the enclosure frame. Remove the screw from its place using a screwdriver.
- Next, gently remove the cover from the frame. Some lampshades are equipped with a “peeling mechanism”. This means that the lamp can be opened by pressing the cover up, turning it slightly and then pulling it down. If this mechanism is on the lamp cover, do so to remove it.
- If the cover is not screwed in, you can twist and remove it by hand. Wear rubber gloves to make your hands tighter. Some cover mounts are attached to the frame using metal clips. Try removing one of the clips so the cover can be opened. Some types of glass lampshades come with a single nut that must be removed to open them.
- If you want to open a metal-frame lampshade, you should be able to remove the frame with your bare hands. However, there is a chance that you will have to remove the "seal" first. For example, the person painting the ceiling may hit the frame and the paint will dry between the joints of the cover and the metal frame. Try to push the lamp cover up, then turn it counterclockwise after the "seal" is removed (you can use a flat-head screwdriver to clean it. Be careful).
Step 2. Replace light bulbs in high ceilings
What if the light bulb was on the high dome ceiling? Or is it used as an additional light source? As an illustration, some houses have ceilings as high as 5 meters.
- Go to a home supply store for a long stick to replace the lamp. You can also search for the tool online. This cane can help you reach very high areas.
- Insert the suction funnel into the hole. Tie a piece of string to the side of the funnel so that it can be removed from the bulb.
- This series of processes also applies to decorative lights. The wand is capable of attaching the suction funnel to the light bulb. Extend the stick until it touches the lamp holder. Attach the suction funnel to the light bulb, turn it gently, then remove it. Pull the attached string to remove the bulb from the funnel.
- Place the new bulb at the end of the suction funnel that is firmly attached to the wand. Aim at the light socket, twist it in, then pull the string to loosen the suction of the mouthpiece.
Step 3. Replace the light bulb in the car ceiling
Replacing a light bulb in a car is not difficult. You can do it yourself.
- Remove the lamp cover. You may need a screwdriver to open it as some lampshades are attached with two screws. If not, you can just pry it out with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Position the screwdriver in the opposite direction to the light switch. Push the screwdriver until the cover opens. Now, remove the bulb from the socket, then install a new one (find a lamp that fits your car at the nearest auto accessory store). Put the lamp cover back in place and secure with screws if necessary.
Method 4 of 4: Throwing Out Used Light Bulbs
Step 1. Do not throw light bulbs carelessly
Light bulbs are very fragile. Therefore, you should not just throw it in the trash. If a light bulb breaks, the shard could injure someone.
- Put used light bulbs in their packaging before throwing them away. You can also wrap it in newspaper or scrap magazine.
- Dispose of in a place that children cannot reach. Be sure to recycle the light bulbs whenever possible or required in your area.
Tips
- Be careful when dealing with glass objects as they can be very hot.
- Consider using CFL lamps (compact fluorescent lamps) which are more environmentally friendly.
Warning
- Dispose of used CFL bulbs properly
- If you just put out the light, it's usually very hot! Touch the bulb a few quick times to feel if the surface is cool enough to hold.
- Do not install a light bulb with a power greater than the recommended power indicated on the light socket label. This matter will cause a fire! If in doubt, ask an electrician for help.
