subject: Handling, Installing And Disposing Light Bulbs The Safe Way [print this page] Because of their prevalent presence in modern life, we tend to take lighting fixtures like bulbs, tubes and lamps for granted. We expect these lighting fixtures to be installed by professionals like electricians so we don't get our hands dirty, singed and cut by out-of-order bulbs.
However, you must also learn how to handle and install new bulbs and then dispose of the old bulbs in and around your house. You simply cannot be calling for the professionals to do the simple job of replacing old bulbs when you can do it yourself. Plus, you save on the expensive professional fees for such a simple DIY task.
With that being said, read on and discover the safest way to handle, install and dispose lighting fixtures from bulbs to tubes. You will find that these tips not only save on money but can save precious lives, too.
Breakable Materials:
Obviously, light bulbs and tubes are made from glass and other breakable materials so handling these light fixtures with great care and caution is a must. Be sure to handle the lamps by its metal screw cap instead of its glass bulb mainly because your hands may exert too much pressure on the latter, thus, breaking it. Avoid handling halogen lamps by their glass parts with your bare fingers because the oils on your skin can break down the materials, thus, shortening their lifespan.
It should also be emphasized that light tubes and bulbs especially fluorescent lights can contain hazardous chemicals. You must ask local authorities in your area how to properly dispose of these lighting fixtures. Other types of lights are relatively safe aside from the danger of cutting your skin on broken glass, which means you can discharge these lights as regular waste.
Perfect Fit:
When installing the bulb on to the socket, you must make sure that these two parts fit perfectly. You should have an easy time removing and installing the bulb from its fitting, no forced entry, so to speak, or else you risk breaking the glass.
Essentially, you want to install a push-fit bulb into a push-fit fitting, a twist lock bulb into a twist lock fitting, and a screw-in bulb into a screw-in fitting. You get the idea. Your best bet is to ask the online customer service representative for the specific fitting required.
Safety in Installation:
So, now you are ready to install the right kind of light bulbs into the right fittings. Keep these safety precautions in mind.
. Always make sure that the switch is on the off position before removing the busted bulb and putting on the replacement. You want to avoid any risk of electrocution or shock no matter how small it may be.
. Put on light gloves when changing bulbs. This way, you can avoid putting on your skin's oils and imprint on the bulbs especially on halogen lights while also lessening the risks for cuts should the bulbs break.
. Check that the lights are not installed close to combustible materials.
. Always follow the maximum wattage in relation to the bulb shape specified for the lighting fittings and fixtures. Otherwise, you increase the risks for fire, electric shocks and other hazards.
Light bulbs provide illumination to your home but you must be sure to follow certain precautions so that these can be used safely.
