The Clinical Way Of Replacing A Fluorescent Light Bulb

Replacing a fluorescent light bulb is not something that a novice can easily perform nowadays. Changing a light bulb requires some expertise and some special tricks. It is not like the days when you used to bring the new bulb and replace the old one in few seconds. Nowadays, you have to apprehend several things before replacing even a light bulb.

Earlier, fluorescent lights came primarily in the shape of long tubes that used to fit into the ballast. In modern day scenario, fluorescent lights are more compact and are available in several shapes like U and Circular. U-shaped tubes are commonly used beneath the cabinet. They fit comfortably in the ballast located at one end. The circular bulbs are used in sockets.

Another feature of a fluorescent light is that they come in different shades as well. You can easily find them in a variety of colors and shades of white.

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.

It is quite difficult to determine the right time to change a fluorescent bulb. A fluorescent bulb does not give you the look of 'burnt out' unlike the conventional incandescent lamps. The notified flickering of the fluorescent bulb may be accredited to the faulty electrical supply or faulty ballast as well. If you notice that one side of the bulb is darker than the other then it may point towards a possible replacement in the coming days.

If you are not aware of the condition of the ballast then try checking the bulb or the tube in the other working ballast or socket.

During replacement of the light, always turn off the supply to the ballast. Try to set the light bulb or tube in the ballast/socket gently as forceful action can damage the ballast or socket.