Replacing A Fluorescent Light Bulb

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Replacing a Fluorescent Light Bulb Transformer? I am behind in technology, I just found out they changed the Magnetic Transformers into Electric Transformers lol. There is no store that sells the exact version, however, they sell a version very similar. I am not very knowledgeable on this subject, so I wanted to know if you guys knew the answer. I want to replace the Advance Transformer R-2E75-S-3-TP with this model http://www.amazon.com/Satco-F96T12-Instant-Slimline-Ballast/dp/B000UX3YB4/ref=sr_1_13?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1325902416&sr=1-13 I was just wondering if this is safe/possible? For extra information, I want to use this for 2 F96T12 60W 1.15~Amp fluorescent light bulbs.
   
   • ANSWER:
     I totally agree with Stan. The new fixtures come with electronic ballasts which should be more reliable than the old transformer ballasts. Furthermore, 48" tubes are commonplace, come in a wide variety of color temperatures, and are reasonably priced. We had an old, 8' fluorescent fixture in our laundry room. The ballast died a horrible and smelly death. We replaced it with three, 4' fixtures. It was a very good decision. If you are capable of replacing a ballast transformer, then you should be capable of wiring for an additional, 4' fixture to give you more light, if you wish. Just make sure power to the lights is off before you start work and make sure to get your work inspected by the municipality/county you live in.
     
2. QUESTION:
   How do you feel about the incandescent light bulb being replaced with Compact Fluorescent bulbs? I don't like Compact Fluorescent bulbs because the light they give out is not the same as a regular light bulb. I prefer the use of halogens in my home. They use more energy, but the light output is much more crisp. How about you Do you like Fluorescent bulbs or regular light bulbs?
   
   • ANSWER:
     I love the new CFL's CFLs save up to 75% less energy because they operate at lower temperatures and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. To me this sounds like a no brainier. I save money on my electric bill and they last a lot longer. I know they cost more upfront, but in the life span of the bulb it is a lot cheaper to use CFL's and recycle it than use the halogen bulbs. Everyone is right they do contain Mercury, but for a few dollars you can recycle them through the mail. It is still cheaper to buy and recycle a CFL. Than to use a halogen light bulb. I go to https://veoliaes-ts.com/RecyclePak/RecyclePak%20Order?id=1064 to recycle my light bulbs. It is fastest and easiest way I have found.
     
3. QUESTION:
   Why the traditional Idea bulb as an incandescent light bulb is replaced by Fluorescent light bulb? why is it happening so ?
   
   • ANSWER:
     Energy efficiency. An incandescent bulb wastes a lot of power as heat, as the filament must glow "white hot" to emit white light. The fluorescent light emission is a (near) cold process. Thus more energy efficient, less power is required to produce white light.
     
4. QUESTION:
   In NYC ConEd replaced light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps but now I can't insert a regular bulb? Seems like there is a piece of plastic left in the light fitting which prevents a normal edison screw bulb from fitting in there... I guess to force us to use the CFLs. This happened in the bathroom with the vanity lights - so there aren't many standards for that.
   
   • ANSWER:
     A CFL fits in the exact same socket as an incandescent. If you can't gt a regular bulb in there look for something broken in the socket. Do not look for a conspiracy.
     
5. QUESTION:
   Any tips on replacing fluorescent bulbs with LEDs in light box displays? Several days ago,I have got a LED display from http://www.stage-lights.com/ProductsType/Outdoor-Full-color-LED-Display.htm yet I cannot figure out how to assemble? Are there any tips on replacing flurescent bulbs with LEDs in light box displays? Please have you suggestive solutions as well as instructions.
   
   • ANSWER:
     You might as well try to consult seller from the original site.
     
6. QUESTION:
   Can you use an incandescent bulb in a light fitting that has been used with a "compact" fluorescent bulb? Firstly, can I say that I know NOTHING about electricity or wiring or the ins and outs of light bulbs. I only have experience in changing them, so please be kind to me :) I've just moved into a property where the light fitting shades/covers have all been removed, and the previous tenant has left HUGE and ugly "compact" (though not really) fluorescent bulbs that prevent me from replacing the glass oyster covers (leaving the wires and everything visible and ugly). I have managed to get replacement glass covers, but I will have to replace the light bulbs with more compact ones so the glass will fit over the top... In my endeavors to do so, I bought standard (incandescent) light-bulbs (assuming the light-bulbs the previous tenant used were more for energy saving purposes). I had 8 lights to change, but I got to the eighth one, and I'm having issues!!!! I'm trying to figure out why the last bulb I'm changing won't work? When I put incandescents in the fitting, they don't work, but when I put the "compact" fluorescent back in, it does work. The fitting looks exactly the same as the rest in the house, but Is it possible that this light fitting is fluorescent-only? Is it weird that it's the only one in the house that is not accepting an incandescent bulb...? It probably means I need to go out tomorrow and buy a smaller fluorescent bulb and try it out...but just thought I'd ask for others' thoughts....
   
   • ANSWER:
     Incandescent bulbs are very cheap so the quality control is not great. You probably just have a bad bulb. Have you tried changing it for another incandescent ? If you have, then it might just be that the connections on the fluorescents stick out a little more so they make contact. If this is the case then the lampholder should be changed, the terminals should be sprung so they make good contact. If they don't make good contact one spring is bad and the fitting needs changing. I know some people are not fond of compact fluorescents, but they have another advantage apart from being cheaper - they run a lot cooler and your light fittings will last much longer. It sound like the fluorescents that you were left are the big old heavy type with a thick glass bulb. But now you can get smaller, lighter ones. you can even get them with a frosted outer glass so you can hardly tell them from an incandescent bulb. All of our bulbs are compact fluorescents and not one of them is big or heavy. The light they give is brighter than incandescents, and our electric bill is a lot lighter too. Do try one modern fluorescent, you may be peasantly surprised.
     
7. QUESTION:
   Is it possible to change a 4' standard fluorescent light fixture ballast and replace with a 3' bulb? Is it possible to use the same ballast from a 4 feet light fixture and use it with a 3 feet florescent light bulb?
   
   • ANSWER:
     The fluorescent ballasts are designed to operate specifically desingned fluorescent bulbs. It takes a higher voltage to start a 4 foot fluorescent bulb than a 3 foot fluorescent bulb. You will definitely greatly shorten the life of the 3 foot fluorescent bulb if you connect it to a fluroescent ballast desingned for a 4 foot fluorescent bulb if it does not burn out almost immediately.
     
8. QUESTION:
   How to pick standard fluorescent light bulbs? I want to replace my incandescent light bulbs with standard fluorescent light bulbs but the problem is that fluorescent light bulbs happens to be extremely dim and the area in which light spreads is really small. I bought a 150W replacement which consumes 30W but when i compare the luminosity and area which light spreads is worse than a 80W incandescent light bulb. Any tips on how to choose the right fluorescent light bulb?
   
   • ANSWER:
     Fluorescent lights are good way to provide natural light spectrum to your indoor garden while cutting down the waste heat produced by the light bulbs. you can find better options as per your requirement...
     
9. QUESTION:
   If we replace light bulbs with fluorescent ones, what do we do with the unwanted incandescent ones we removed? Won't they just end up in the waste stream? Is there a eco-freiendly way to discard them? I now have only fluorescent bulbs throught out my home, but I'm also stuck with a box full of incandescent bulbs I don't want and probably can't even give away
   
   • ANSWER:
     I have to take a different position that a few of the other answerers here. While there are non-profits, schools, and poor people who might gladly accept your old incandescent bulbs, you must NOT let them get re-used. Why not? Because then there might not be an actual reduction in carbon emissions. Think about it. Your old bulb created a relatively large amount of carbon emission. Your new CFL bulb will create much less carbon emission, but it will still generate some. If you give your old bulb to someone who might not have otherwise used that bulb, there could well be a NET INCREASE in global warming as a result of your actions - as both your old bulb and a new one would be in use. "Our goal is not just to reduce our PERSONAL carbon emissions, but to think about how to reduce OVERALL carbon emissions, also." You will be hard pressed to find a convenient way to recycle your old bulbs. I fear your best bet is to simply throw them away. Yes, you are prematurely increasing trash going to landfill, but I believe that's a reasonable trade-off for the certainty of years of reduced carbon emissions. GreenJoe.com says "Out with the brown, in with the green!"
     
10. QUESTION:
    How do I fix Fluorescent light? I recently installed 4(2 bulb) fluorescent lights -about a month ago. They worked fine til recently one bulb in one light went out. Replaced bulb same thing??? New fixtures so no "starter". If ballast was bad wouldn't it affect both bulbs?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Its not the Ballast first of all. Sometimes bulbs will go bad fast depending on shipping mishandling where inner filaments are damaged some or manufacturers. Just replace both bulbs instead of just 1. See how long it will last. If they burn out again then you have a short in the end connectors. Dont bother changing the ballasts.I recommend a return for a totally new fixture before the manufacturer warranty runs out.
      
11. QUESTION:
    Wattage ratings for replacing bulb with compact fluorescent? I have a light I want to get more output from for my aquarium. It has three bulbs and is rated MAX 3 x 60W. I just purchased new compact fluorescent bulbs that only actually use 18 watts but say they replace 75 watt bulbs. I just wanted to make sure CF bulbs using 18W, replacing 75W standard would be ok to use in that light fixture.
    
    • ANSWER:
      The 60w rating is to stop the light fitting melting. The Compact flouro only generates 18W of heat, so it should be fine. Only thing to watch is that there is still some airflow around the lamp. The flouros have an electronic circuit in the base, and dont handle fully enclosed fittings very well. Also look for flouro lamps with a "daylight" spectrum, not the 'soft white' that mimics incandesent lamps. They should have a 'colour temperature' between 5,000 & 7,000 K. Soft white is 3 - 4,000K and has less of the light frequencies that plants need.. The colour temp bears no relation to the actual temperature or wattage of the lamp, just the colour of the light. Ian
      
12. QUESTION:
    Does anyone get migraines triggered by fluorescent light (energy efficient) bulbs? I am dreading the day that they replace light bulbs everywhere with these. I am very sensitive and sometimes they can trigger migraines. I am wondering if anybody else has experiences this. I also can get migraines with flashing lights (like a light bulb that is going out at the office) or with a camera flash.
    
    • ANSWER:
      These things can also trigger epileptic seizures. The tube flashes on and off with the alternating electric current that powers them. That's why you can see flicker in old dying ones. As far the light emitted by common fluorescent lights, it is NOT A FULL SPECTRUM OF WAVELENGTHS. You should have FULL spectrum fluorescent tubes to replace the bulbs, NOT mercury vapor tubes as is most common, and you will find the light easier on the eyes.
      
13. QUESTION:
    How do I replace a fluorescent light with 3 recessed lights? I have a fluorescent light in my kitchen that I need to get rid of. I've read up about adding recessed lights and they all say "run the power source to the light." Okay, but I'd like to get rid of the fluorescent, and swap it with 3 new recessed lights. I've also read when you replace lights to make sure you don't go over the current wattage. As it is now, there are two 40W fluorescent bulbs. I'd like to replace them with 3 60W energy saving bulbs, so it would actually be 14W each (42W total). So finally my question is: can I simply kill power to the room, disconnect the electrical line from the fluorescent, remove the fluorescent fixture, put three recessed lights in the same vicinity, split the electrical cable into 3 parts (3 red & 3 white), and connect that to my 3 new lights? Is that doable or is there something I'm not understanding. Thank you for the help.
    
    • ANSWER:
      You got it. Usually the wire will be black and white rather than red, but you are understanding it ok. Your wattage is fine. With the wire that is there you can even go bigger on the bulbs with no problem. 14 ga wire will handle 1400 watts total and that is the smallest wire used in home wiring. So even 3 100 watt bulbs would be fine. You are correct in your wiring. Make sure your connections are tight. Tug each wire to make sure it will not slip out of the wire nut.
      
14. QUESTION:
    Shattered Fluorescent lamp bulb. Do we clean everything? We were fixing a kitchen light and had to replace those fluorescent light bulbs (the long tube ones you see in offices and schools), and one shattered over the sink and some shards got onto clean dishes. Do I have to rewash and clean everything? I heard these bulbs have mercury in them.
    
    • ANSWER:
      YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please, clean everything. I know it will take some time, but it's worth it.The big fat ones had a lot of mercury in them. (T-12) The newer ones (T-8) don't have any. This is why the old ones are being phased out.
      
15. QUESTION:
    My loft fluorescent light isn't working. I've tried replacing the starter and bulb, which didn't work? ? I've tried both of these things, and have verified that the new ones work by testing them in a similar light in the kitchen. I've noticed a grey cable running from the light to the switch, and have checked inside the switch, all of which seems to be fastened correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. croasr
    
    • ANSWER:
      Is it a fused switch, in which case check the fuse? Then check your fuse board- the light may have been put in on a dedicated fuse and the micro switch may have tripped. Follow the wire back and see if it is broken anywhere- it may have been chewed by rodents, though one would expect the RCD to trip in that case. Finally, have you removed or switched off anything else that is normally on? I’m thinking that whoever installed the light in the loft ran it from another circuit (a 'spur’) and it may be reliant on another switch being on. Finally, the fitting itself may be faulty. Apart from that , don’t know! Good luck- and be careful. Electricity kills!
      
16. QUESTION:
    Do all 4 feet, two bulb, fluorescent light fixtures give off the same brightness? I would like to replace a flourescent light fixture in my bedroom. Do all two bulb, 4 feet fixtures give off the same light? I've seen some cheaper ones called utility lights. Will they work?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Anything will work in there as long as the ballast can supply the correct voltage. It's pretty standardized. The rule of thumb is that if the tube will fit, it will light. Between coatings, operating pressures, gasses, electrodes, and voltages from ballast, there is a lot of variation in light brightness and quality. Just find what you like.
      
17. QUESTION:
    What's the problem with my fluorescent light bulbs? About a month ago I replaced the fluorescent bulbs in my kitchen and now they don't come on all the way. It's like I am only getting half the wattage from them. Then some times it comes on completely bright. and it stays that way until I turn it off and the next evening turn it back on. What is the solution?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Depending on how much of the time you use those lights, you might consider leaving them on all the time. It may even be cheaper in electricity consumption. Fluorescent lights consume a large power surge when turning on, but use very little power once lit. So if you turn them off and on several times per day you may well be better off just leaving them on. And that would also solve your starter problem.
      
18. QUESTION:
    Fixing a burnt out a compact fluorescent light bulb? I have been buying these CFL light bulbs to save energy even though they cost more and they never even make it close to the life of a normal bulb. So when one of them burnt out the other day I took it apart and it had a circuit board in it so I put a new circuit board out of a new CFL in it and the old light bulb lit right up. So I was wondering if anyone knows what has to be replaced on the circuit board to make it work again.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Look at where they are made. When I first went to CFL I bought the cheapest and they lasted about as long as a regular bulb. Now I buy only from name brands and none made in China. Some of those have been in use for more than 5 years. Also if you turn the light off and on often, a CFL may not be the best bulb.
      
19. QUESTION:
    Why Are My New Fluorescent Light Bulbs Flickering? I recently replaced the incandescent bulbs in my ceiling fan light with fluorescent bulbs. Now, whenever I turn on my light, the bulbs seem to gently flicker. Is this common for newly installed fluorescent bulbs or might there be a problem with the wiring/installation?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Crap bulbs, return them and get new one
      
20. QUESTION:
    Fluorescent light bulb burned out and stunk up my whole apartment. What is that smell? Am I contaminated with? deadly carcinogens and toxins now? It happened early this morning, i left the bulb on all night and i woke up to this acrid, almost smoky smell, but there was no smoke. It turned out to simply be a burned out flurescent bulb. I replaced it with a new fluorescent bulb and everything is fine. But that smell was so gross, i had a dream that i was inside a fire, even though I wasn't. I hear that those things are full of mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. I guess now my lungs are too :( When should I start making arrangements for my own funeral?? :((
    
    • ANSWER:
      Probably burnt insulating varnish. I used to work in an electric motor rewind shop. I have always hated that smell.
      
21. QUESTION:
    fluorescent light bulb burned out and stunk up my whole apartment. What is that smell? Am I contaminated with deadly carcinogens and toxins now? It happened early this morning, i left the bulb on all night and i woke up to this acrid, almost smoky smell, but there was no smoke. It turned out to simply be a burned out flurescent bulb. I replaced it with a new fluorescent bulb and everything is fine. But that smell was so gross, i had a dream that i was inside a fire, even though I wasn't. I hear that those things are full of mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. I guess now my lungs are too :( When should I start making arrangements for my own funeral?? :((
    
    • ANSWER:
      The burning smell is almost certainly from the plastic enclosing the electronics in the base of the CFL melting. The mercury in the sealed glass tube probably didn't escape and it wouldn't smell like that even if it did.
      
22. QUESTION:
    Too Much Light - Low Watt Incandescent vs Fluorescent vs No Bulb? I have several ceiling fan fixtures with multiple light sockets and they produce much more light than I need when all the sockets have a bulb. So far my solution has been not to put a bulb in every socket. Does a Fluorescent bulb put out as much light as it's incandescent counterpart or would a switch be worth considering to decrease the total light output? Another option I've considered is very low watt bulbs. I could put a 15 watt bulb in every socket and the same total watts as 1 60-watt bulb. Would that equal the same light output? I want to be as energy and earth conscious as possible. Also, I rent so adding dimmer switches or replacing ceiling fan/light fixtures is not an option.
    
    • ANSWER:
      4x15w=60w but for medium base you may not be able to find 15w bulb in the market. if that is the case use a dummy plug in the socket for safety purpose. flurescent bulb is expensive too bright and ugly.
      
23. QUESTION:
    Help! Can I replace the fluorescent bulb in the "All Glass single tube strip light" for my aquarium? Or is it a disposable one piece unit? I can't see a way to get the bulb out and all the Pet smart and Pet co. ads don't say? Do I just replace the whole strip? Any info please!
    
    • ANSWER:
      of course the bulbs com out ever fishtank light comes out if you could try to twist it if not take to your local petstore and ask them to do it for you while your there get a new light not being msart and good luck
      
24. QUESTION:
    Is it ecologically sound to throw out a functioning light bulb to replace it with a compact fluorescent?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Will be a waste if you go for flurescent that is not the most efficient, as stated by Pass me... LED is REALY what is worth it. you will be surprice how a 48 LED bulb that takes less than 2 watts is enought for a small/medium room, you just have to choose it in a good color preferebly warm white . Remmeber what gives you light is the amount of LUMENS of luminosity not the watts. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, right now, are more " eco-wise" then anything else most consumers can get a hold of (ie. incandescent) and currently save over 2000 times their own weight in greenhouse gases. But since my house is completely on solar / wind and we REALLY need to watch usage, every light is fitted with screw type (typical 110v lamp socket style) LED bulbs. They emit the same luminosity (typically 45) but at only 1watt rather then a 45w compact or 10w CFL. However they usually cost twice as much as CFLs which is twice as much (or more) as compacts. Still LEDs would be the way to go by far. Mercury IS the lesser of the evils, without getting toooo elaborate discussing specifics (ie. which burns ozone faster, other layer's besides ozone, disposing locations, methods, wind conditions, etc), one needs less mercury gas then most others, to obtain the same luminosity in a vacuum because of mercury's longer agitated spectral wavelength. Mercury's wavelength is more blue which is a longer more "luminous" or brighter light to say sodium, which is a more light orange or shorter less bright (red being the shortest) wavelength. so you'd need more sodium or other, in the tube or more electricity to the tube, to create the same luminosity as mercury.
      
25. QUESTION:
    How to fault detect a bad fluorescent light fixture? A few of my under counter fluorescent fixtures in the kitchen don't work. they are all less than 3 years old. I replace the light bulb, but it still doesn't light. How do you test what part of the fixture has failed- ie the ballast, a connection, etc
    
    • ANSWER:
      It is actually quite uncommon to find flourescent fixtures that use starters anymore unless they are very old. If the fixture is that old it would most likely be cost effective to simple replace the fixture. Starters are not expensive, but may be difficult to find and there are more energy efficient fixtures on the market today that also offer more pleasing light colors. If your fixture is newer and doesnt have a starter or even if it does have a starter there will be a ballast and this is the most likely reason for failure or the light to come on. A ballast is simply a transformer that boosts your household voltage to a voltage that is needed to cause the gas inside the tube to "burn". Standard mechanical ballasts will eventually wear out. This is often evidenced by visually inspecting the ballast where you will often times find a black tarry substance leaking from the case of the ballast. The ballast, by the way, will be located inside the cover of the fixture, it is not exposed. Newer flourescent fixtures will have an electronic ballast that often will look like a small printed circuit board like that as you may find in a radio. If you feel comfortable replacing the ballast it is a fairly simple procedure. First be absolutely sure that you have turned the circuit off before attempting to replace a ballast. Simply turning the light switch off is not good enough. You can check to see that the circuit is off by testing with a circuit tester that does not require live contact. These are available at hardware stores. The tester will "chirp" if voltage is present. Also once you think the circuit is off, check with a "wiggy" tester, also available from a hardware store. This tester requires live contact with the wiring. Always check your testers on a known live outlet before proceeding to the circuit in question to ensure that the tester works properly. Once you are sure the circuit is turned off you can proceed with replacing the ballast. It is a simple process of disconnecting the wires from the faulty ballast and removing it then install the new ballast matching the colors of the wires. To make sure that you purchase the correct ballast you can either look at the label of the old ballast or tell the clerk at the store about your fixture. Is it an 8 foot, 2 tube fixture or a 4 foot 4 tube, 18 inch single tube fixture, just let the clerk know. Again consider that if the fixture is old just replacing the entire fixture. Warning: You have been told to be sure the circuit is off before working on the fixture. Household current can be DEADLY if you come into contact with it. If you do not understand how to use a circuit tester or are at all uncomfortable with working with electricity call an electrician. This type of repair is quite inexpensive and you will be certain that the job is done right and safely. I will assume NO responsibility if you decide to perform this repair yourself. Often times it is much less costly to hire a professional than to put yourself at risk.
      
26. QUESTION:
    Can you replace a incandescent bulb of 60W with a fluorescent one that's higher than 15W (its equivalent)? I understand that incandescent light bulbs have fluorescent equivalents. A 60W incandescent can be replaced by a fluorescent one around 13-15W. My questions is: Since you're using less than the maximum watts, can you use a 20W (and so on up) fluorescent bulb to replace the 60W incandescent one? Or is the new fluorescent one (up to 15W) all I can replace it with? Thx
    
    • ANSWER:
      The rating on the fixture is a measure of how much power the wiring in the fixture can handle. Though a 15w fluorescent gives as much light as a 60w incandescent, it's still drawing 1/4 the power. The amount of light produced has no effect on the fixture; the only relevant thing is that it draws 60 watts of power or less. Therefore, you could use any fluorescent bulb up to 60 watts.
      
27. QUESTION:
    If 217.8 million people replaced one 60 watt light bulb with a compact fluorescent 17 watt bulb, how much...? If 217.8 million people replaced one 60 watt light bulb with a compact fluorescent 17 watt bulb, how much energy would this save in the course of one year? Thanks!
    
    • ANSWER:
      Your teacher probably wants you to multiply 43 watt times 24 hours times 217.8 million. That would be a lie for several reasons. For one thing, most light bulbs are not used 24 hours a day. Also, an electric home heater will have to use 43 additional watts to make up for the heat that would have come from the light bulb. When the home is heated by resistive electric heaters, the lighting is a free bonus. So switching to fluorescent may not save any energy, at all, in the winter. (However, fluorescent lights will save some energy if the home is heated by a more efficient method, like an electric heat pump.) On the other hand, the fluorescent lights will save more than 43 watt in summer because the air conditioner won't have to pump as much eat out of the house. The bottom line is, "Stupid question, and insufficient data."
      
28. QUESTION:
    Why wont my bathroom light work? Its a fluorescent round bulb.? I replaced the fluorescent bulb twice, but it wont work. I checked for power to the 4 prong plug and its got 125 volts between the white & black wire.
    
    • ANSWER:
      it sounds like it is the starters
      
29. QUESTION:
    Do all compact fluorescent light bulbs make that annoying humming sound when you turn them on? I just replaced my burnt out light bulbs in my room with compact fluorescent ones & when ever they are on, they make a really annoying humming/buzzing sound like the larger ones do. Are there any particular types or brands that don't or am I stuck with the sound.
    
    • ANSWER:
      the balasts or faulty and you may be near other electrical.
      
30. QUESTION:
    Fluorescent light bulb burning smell? So I began to notice a weird, burning smell when I realized that one of the fluorescent bulbs in my ceiling fan fixture was burned out. After a bit of research, I'm going to replace it with an incandescent and air out the room, and probably sleep in a different room. My questions are: should I be concerned about the chemicals that were burned, should I replace the rest of the bulbs with incandescents, and is my fixture ok?
    
    • ANSWER:
      I'm an electrician and since I'm not able see what your CFL bulb looked like, I cannot "accurately" offer advice. Usually though, you would never smell anything emanating from a light bulb or tube unless the glass was compromised or the plastic base of the bulb was burnt, though most are made out of high heat material. Since you mentioned the ceiling fan that it was mounted to, perhaps the smell is coming from the fan? CFL's are very safe and one should not have to be concerned about what comes out of a small CFL sized for a fan.
      
31. QUESTION:
    Internet resources for replacing a fluorescent light with an incandescent light? We have a very ugly fluorescent light in our kitchen and we would like to replace it with an incandescent light. However, when I've been searching online for how-to information, it's very hard to come by. Most information is just about the benefits of having a fluorescent light over incandescent, which brings me to my first portion of the question: even if I put in an incandescent light, couldn't I still put in the compact fluorescent bulbs and save on the energy consumption/cost? Secondly, I need to find a good resource that can explain the process for doing the switch. A video would be ideal, but anything with good step by step instructions and accompanying photos would work. Thanks!
    
    • ANSWER:
      I think all you have to do is change the fixture, which is relatively easy as home projects go. With older fixtures(which is what I suspect you have) there won't be any incandescent bulbs to fit that. Thats why the whole fixture has to go. Just make sure the electricity is off to the room you are working in. Look for information on changing the fixture and you will find what you are looking for. http://www.ehow.com/how_2296169_change-light-fixtures.html http://www.squidoo.com/lightfixture I included a couple of links but there are many. A good investment is a how to fix thing around the house book. Many of these are at the library for free or at book stores to buy.
      
32. QUESTION:
    How can I fix my Fluorescent light? I have a fluorescent light in my bathroom. It started to flicker so I replace the light bulbs. Two weeks later, it is doing it again? What is the problem? How do I fix it?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like you need a new ballast, the black rectangular object inside the fixture. Turn off the light, remove the lamp/s and pan. Inside you will see a ballast with 8 wires. Disconnect the black and white wires. Now cut the red, blue and yellow wires, about 6 inches from the ballast. Remove the ballast supporting screw and the ballast will come out. It is heavier than it appears, so be ready. It may also be leaking a tarry substance, avoid touching this. Make note of the numbers on the ballast (eg. F40 - T12) and dispose of it. Install a ballast with the same markings. Connect the wires colour to colour, 1 red to 1 red, 1 blue to 1 blue, 1 yellow to 1 yellow and the same with the rest. Last connections are white to white and black to black. Use marrettes to make these joints. (Be sure to pick up new lamp/s and 6 # 31 marrettes when buying the ballast.) Reinstall the pan and lamps. That's it, hit the switch.
      
33. QUESTION:
    What kind of aquarium light is better, incandescent or fluorescent? this is for a 20 gallon freshwater tank with a couple of goldfish. I have been using a regular 15W light bulb but the whole socket, etc. broke and I'm wondering if I should replace it with a fluorescent bulb or just keep it as a regular light bulb. Thank you! Oh, I forgot to mention -- all the plants in there are plastic. I had some problems with algae but got rid of all it with algae killer and cleaning the tank.. it's all under control now. The tank is in indirect sunlight so they do get some light at least.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Fluorescent is my personal preference. Incandescent bulbs don't have as wide a spectrum and they produce too much heat. Fluorescent bulbs simulate sunlight to a degree, and it's better for the fish's overall health. I believe incandescents also promote algae. Fluorescent makes the fish look better and not so washed out.
      
34. QUESTION:
    What kind of fluorescent light bulb for my kitchen? Any ignorance you see here is purely true...the lights in my kitchen have recently begun flickering and sometimes not turning on for awhile, etc and I know it's only a matter time, maybe even days, before I need to go buy more. This will be the 1st time I've EVER had to replace kitchen bulbs and I have a feeling the ones IN my 27 year old kitchen (no, I've only been here 2 years) are original, or damn close. When I went to go online to get a clue how much they cost I couldn't even find a match for what I copied off the bulbs. So I'm wondering what kind I need, then? I thought I measured 47" long but again, that is probably wrong since I saw only 48" online(or larger or smaller, of course). I'll climb up and measure again. But the print on the bulb says: Sylvania Supersaver cool white. Then is has F4OCW/SS 34W(I guess that part was the watts!) then it has E9S1 printed vertically next to all that. I'm sure for any handyman this make sense, but I didn't see 34W bulbs online anywhere.
    
    • ANSWER:
      You need a 48 inch T12 F40 CW SS 34 watt. Very common. Replace then in pairs, never just one at a time. Twist them in and out. Hardware store, walmart, home depot.
      
35. QUESTION:
    How easy is it to replace a fluorescent light fixture in the kitchen? I have a flourescsent light fixture in the kitchen which I do not like. The fixture uses two U-shaped flourescent tubes and is a pain in the neck (literally) to change the tubes. I'm thinking of changing the fixture into a ceiling light that uses compact flourescent bulbs instead. Because the fixture uses the U-shaped tubes, would replacing the fixture be any more difficult than if I was to replace a light fixture that didn't use a fluorescent light fixture? Is there anything special I'd have to do? thx
    
    • ANSWER:
      The only thing u have to do is turn off the breaker, and install the fixture of your choice. you don't need to hire an electrician or anyone else. Kill the power...Verify that its off. disconnect wiring. black to black, white to white, green or bare wire to the fixture body..make darn sure your connections are tight, secure fixture to box or ceiling....sit back and enjoy
      
36. QUESTION:
    While replacing a bulb, I pushed the socket off a recessed can light into the ceiling. How should I proceed? I am trying to switch to dimmable fluorescent bulbs and I have several different types of cans. The socket is not visible at this point. Do I need to disassemble the whole thing?
    
    • ANSWER:
      you should be able to pull the whole can down or undo the ring and push it up so as to get to the socket to reconnect to the can
      
37. QUESTION:
    Can a fluorescent lightbulb light up while unscrewing it? The light fixture in my bathroom has 3 fluorescent light bulbs. One of them was not on so I had to replace it. I turned off the switch and immediately started unscrewing the bulb. With every twist, the bulb would light up and turn off when it stopped. I imagine it has to do with static electricity but I didn't think it could be enough to fully light up the bulb.......either that or my house will burn down right?
    
    • ANSWER:
      its not dangerous, i do that all the time and entertain other people by lighting a fluorescent tube without using utility power, and called it magic basically i hold a just removed fluorescent tube (still hot) and ionize the mercury gas by passing high frequency through my body (treat the fluorescent tube as if it is a capacitor) here is a good article about it http://www.amazing1.com/download/MAGICMAN_Instructions.pdf
      
38. QUESTION:
    Are all light bulb dangerous? I just got a light bulb replace today and i just saw the package that it contains Mercury(dangerous, i know). I was wonder does all light bulb contains mercury. I read an article online saying that compact fluorescent light bulb can be harmful to human if the light bulb breaks and release mercury. I was wondering is there a mercury free light bulb. If there isn't, what is the best safe light bulb to use. I don't want these light bulb to be harmful to my kids. Thanks I like all your answer to this question they were helpful. If they aren't broken, i shouldn't be worry about them, sooner or later i will purchase LED light bulbs for eco friendly and for power efficiency
    
    • ANSWER:
      there is more mercury in the fish that you serve to your kids than there is in those bulbs. when i was in school, the teacher passed a bottle of mercury around the class. most of us played with it. if you coat a coin with mercury (pour some in your hand and rub the coin in it) it gets really shiny. but by the next day, it gets dull because the mercury has oxidized. It is true that if you eat to much of the stuff, it's not good for you. but the amount in those bulbs isn't going to hurt anyone.
      
39. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to replace R30 recessed light bulbs with regular 60W compact fluorescent bulbs (looks not a factor)? I have 8 recessed light cans in my basement but I really don't like the light temperature from regular R30 bulbs and they use too much power. I know R30 CFL bulbs are available in higher temperatures but they are still overpriced. Are there any risks of fire if I use regular 60W 6500K CFL bulbs for example?
    
    • ANSWER:
      They'll work, I've done it, but the regular bulbs may or may not last as long. Heat tends to build up in ceiling cans and PAR 20/30 bulbs are designed for those higher temps. Some regular bulbs tend to go poof prematurely with the higher heat. Also, the depth is gong to be different. PAR 30 bulbs are usually deeper. A regular Edison screw in bulb is typically shorter and even if you adjust the can so the screw connector is as low as possible, the regular bulb won't stick down as far. This may limit the light dispersion. I put reflective inserts in all my cans for use with CFL's...makes quite a difference.
      
40. QUESTION:
    Fluorescent light bulb blinking? It's a philips brand, 32 watts with a push in 4 pin socket with three tubes. It has started to blink on and off. I presume this is a sign that it's reached it's service limit. I put in a fresh one to replace it and after about a minute it begins to blink as well. Ideas?
    
    • ANSWER:
      You need to change the ballast out in your lights. Its easy turn off the power and take off the cover. See what voltage it is, see what the serial number is on the ballast (the big black thing). You can find one at almost any supplier. Then cut the wire close to the ballast and wire tie the new ballast to the old wires instead of ordering a whole new frame. A lot more cost efficient. Just match up the colors or the wires and your done. Lot easier than it sounds.
      
41. QUESTION:
    I replaced all the fluorescent light bulbs in an existing fixture but cannot stop them from flickering-- ???
    
    • ANSWER:
      You might need to replace the fixture's ballast.
      
42. QUESTION:
    Fluorescent light bulbs...why does one hum? I just replaced two fluorescent bulbs in my ceiling fixtures tonight...the first one popped in and lit up nice and brightly. When I installed the second one, in a different fixture, it lit up just fine but has a loud hum. Anyone have a clue why? Or what I can do to quiet it?
    
    • ANSWER:
      All fluorescent lights require a ballast to function. All ballasts hum to some minor degree. Ballasts for 48 inch, 72 inch and 96 inch slimline lamps are sound rated C and D and are the least quiet. Both magnetic and electronic fluorescent ballasts give off a slight humming noise; harmonics is the technical term. Slimline ballasts should only be used in industrial/commercial applications where noise is not a problem. Energy saving ballasts, residential ballasts, and solid state (electronic) ballasts are sound rated A. By design an electronic ballast has reduced harmonics and therefore the hum is less noticeable than when using a magnetic ballast. You may hear them in a quiet room. However, in most applications, noise from sound rated A ballasts is covered up by the usual amount of ambient noise in a typical room. A loose magnetic ballast can be the cause of ballast hum. Check that ballast mounting screws are tight. If the hum is louder than usual the ballast may need to be replaced.
      
43. QUESTION:
    how do you replace a fluorescent light and what if it doesnt turn on when you change the bulb? you wouldnt think this would be such a hard task, but i am having soo much trouble trying to figure out why these new bulbs wont turn on ...
    
    • ANSWER:
      Hire an insured handyman. Mark
      
44. QUESTION:
    does the landlord or renter replace fluorescent overhead lights? we have a fluorescent light on the ceiling of our kitchen, it is like one of those big bulbs with 4 feet of twisted pipe that looks pricey to replace. At first I thought as the renters we should replace the light bulbs, but my roommates insist our landlord should do it. I found here questions confirming my stance, but they all seem to be talking about regular screw in incandescent type light bulbs
    
    • ANSWER:
      You (the renter) pay for light bulbs. I have the florescent ones you're talking about in my bathroom, only they are smaller, but they still cost about each...I pay for them. The landlord wasn't using them to make them burn out, you were.
      
45. QUESTION:
    Why do only 2 of 4 new 48" fluorescent bulbs light up in a kitchen fixture? I have two kitchen ceiling fixtures, each holding 4 48" bulbs. I've replaced all 8 with new bulbs. In one fixture only bulbs 1 and 4 will light (unless you unscrew bulb 4, then 2 and 3 will light dimly), and in the other, only bulbs 2 and 3 will light. The house is 7 years old.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Make sure the bulbs are properly in the sockets, and try putting the ones you know are good in the ones that aren't working to make sure you didn't get bad bulbs. Otherwise, the ballsats are probably shot.
      
46. QUESTION:
    Compact fluorescent bulb don’t last long? My house is six years old, first thing I did, when I moved in, was to replace almost all the bulbs with CFL (Compact fluorescent light) bulbs. I intentionally left some bulbs like my walk-in closet, outdoor patio, and garage door opener bulbs since I use them for few minutes a day and I need instant illumination of the area. Now in six years I had only replaced my garage door opener bulb once except all other regular bulbs are original (total of 6). On the other hand I am replacing CFL’s almost every 7 to 8 months (its good that Costco takes the bulbs back). Here is the break down of bulbs 13 watt CFL on 5 fan fixtures – 20 (need to replace one of these every 2 to 3 weeks) 13 watt CFL on recessed fixture – 8 (need to replace one of these every month) 9 watt CFL on bathroom fixture – 12 (even fuse after a week, 4 working out of 12 in 8 months) 23 watt CFL on recessed fixture – 5 (replace 3 in last 6 years) 23 watt flood light on motion sensor – 4 (life 3 years, non fused) These bulbs are made by Philip, GE, Sylvania, and some other brands, depending what Costco carries. This is a new locality and I can only assume that my voltage is not fluctuating. Tell me an easier way to check voltage fluctuations (Voltmeters can't tell and oscilloscope is hard to bring from work) Here in SFO Bay Area we only need fan for like one month, so most of the year fan is off. Last time when I went to Costco to return CFL bulbs they checked my history and told me that "Sir, you have returned almost as many bulbs as you bought in last 5 years" which is actually true minus 40-45 bulbs installed in my house. It seems like higher wattage bulbs perform better than lower wattage. And on an avarage these bulbs are On for 3 hours. So, 3*30*8 =720 hours of life. My motion sensor bulbs are actualy the best performing CFLs.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Fan....... the Vibration is killing the bulbs......... CFL's aren;t designed to take any constant vibration like a Celing fan can generate...... My Question is this... How many hours a day are these bulbs on?
      
47. QUESTION:
    Installing a fluorescent light fixture to replace an incandescent bulb...? Do I need to turn the power off at the circuit box, or can I just turn the light switch off. Problem is... I have to get a key off of someone to get to the circuit box. This is paid work, but there are always logistic issues. At this point the fixture is in place, the buildings wires need to be connected to the fluorescent fixture (they are still connected to the incandescent bulb). Thank you for your answers. I get what guys are saying. I think a meter is definitely going to be what I need. Thanks for your careful responses. I appreciate it.
    
    • ANSWER:
      The safest and most correct response is to turn off the circuit breaker. That being said, you can do it by turning off the switch, but it isn't recommended. If you have a meter you can turn off the switch and check the wires for power if there are more in the box than JUST those from the switch. I would do it myself, but I NEVER advise others to do it. I do not know your knowledge base, so I don't want to get you killed. Now if you are good at reading between the lines, you will know what to do. {wink} Al
      
48. QUESTION:
    What do people think of "daylight" style compact fluorescent light bulbs? Daylight style light bulb have a color of 6500K. They are different, brighter, and I think I like them. However, sometimes I think they may make me almost feel dizzy and give me a headache, and I can't tell if I really like them or if I like the idea of liking them. You can really tell a difference between traditional wave length bulbs and these. The ones I used were GE daylight 75 (cool daylight color), though I think Sylvania and Philips make something similar. Thanks in advance for any replys. We are trying to decide whether to replace others in our house with these or take these back to the store.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Well, the store wont take them back. Generally no one takes back light bulbs or batteries, at least they dont if the packaging has been opened. I can understand your frustration with the lighting quality. I installed dimmable CFLs in my house, and although the color is sorta close when they are all the way on, the color is too pink when they are dimmed. If you really want the right color, and I have bought these before, but they are pricey, look for LED bulbs. They cost 2 or 3 times more than CFLs, but they use even less energy, wheras a 100 watts of light equivalent in a CFL uses like 25 watts, LED bulbs consume as little as 10 watts, give off less heat and their color is more accurate, at least I think so. But, dont bother looking for them at Lowes or Home Depot as you wont find them there. I've only been able to find them on the Internet from specialty sites. Do a Google on "LED bulbs".
      
49. QUESTION:
    are you annoyed that yahoo has replaced the light bulb symbol for an idea with a compact fluorescent
    
    • ANSWER:
      Heh :) I hadn't actually noticed that... Now that you mention it though, yes, it does irritate me. I hate when companies try to subtly press eco ideas and modern morals. As if we are that susceptable. Plus, It's just annoying how even these tiny little classic familiar things are being consumed and changed by this 'eco revolution'.
      
50. QUESTION:
    Will T10 fluorescent bulb work with a T8 ballast? Okay, so I have this 55 gal fish tank and I had two one and a half foot fluorescent lights on top (all I could rummage out of the garage) and I came across a 4 foot light fixture which was perfect as my tank is 4 feet long. anyway, its got a T12 ballast in it right now and a T12 regular fluorescent light in one socket and a T10 UV light bulb in the other socket. It seems to work just fine, I dont however know if that is a good idea first off...second off I am searching for black lights for it (or blue according to my girlfriend who says they are cheaper with similar effects) and the T8 bulbs are cheaper than the T12 bulbs and I have a T8 ballast that i can switch out. What would be better? finding a T12 blue bulb to replace T12 bulb thats in there? or switch the ballast to a T8 ballast and replace the T12 bulb with a T8 blue bulb? and would either of those options be okay with another T10 light bulb (which I didnt even know existed as this is the first one ive seen) OR should I attempt to find another T10 bulb to match the other one and stick with the T12 ballast??? any ideas??
    
    • ANSWER:
      T8,T10 and T12 have the same pin size so will all fit your fixture. What is important if you can find them in the proper size is to also match up the wattage to what the ballast will handle. If you can do that you can use any of the three.
      

replacing a fluorescent light bulb