subject: How To Change A Fluorescent Bulb Properly ? [print this page] Long ago, you did not have enough choices when it came to the replacement of a fluorescent light bulb. However, modern day market is flooded with a huge variety of fluorescent light bulbs. Such a huge variety makes it difficult for a novice to choose the appropriate replacement fixture. In order to replace a light bulb in correct manner, you have to follow certain guidelines.
Fluorescent lighting fixtures are long tubes that come in various weights. Nowadays, they are also available in U shapes and circular shapes. The U-shaped tubes are commonly used underneath the cabinets with ballast at one end. In case of circular bulbs, they are used in sockets.
The other use of fluorescent light is to provide a single type of bright and glaring light. Nowadays, they are also available in various shades of white color like cool, soft white etc.
Replace the old fused bulb with exactly the same sized new fluorescent bulb. Also, take care of the wattage limit of the bulb. Never try to replace the old bulb with a bulb which can exploit the maximum wattage. Doing this will support overheating in the ballast and the possibility of fire would increase.
Fluorescent bulb needs several things to run properly that include the bulb holder, ballast, switch and starter. Holder holds the bulb in position, switch is used to power on or power off the bulb and the ballast/starter gives current to the bulb that ionizes the gas inside the bulb and makes it glow.
How can you determine the appropriate time for the replacement of a fluorescent light bulb? Answer to this question is quite difficult as fluorescent bulbs do not show any signs of 'burn out' like in incandescent lamps. When one side of the light becomes darker than the other, it may be the time to arrange a replacement.
However, an accurate judgment is difficult because flickering of fluorescent lights may be accredited to poor power supply or faulty ballast. To overcome this difficulty, one should check the light in ballast that is working fine.
Before changing the fluorescent light bulb, turn off the main current supply. Now, unscrew the bulb or push the tube to one side and pull it down and out. Similarly, put the replacement tube or bulb inside the socket. Do not try to fit the tube into ballast forcefully as it can spoil the ballast.
