Replace Fluorescent Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   can I replace fluorescent lighting with track ilghting? I have a boring old wide fluorescent light in my kitchen which looks dated and I'd like to replace it with some track lighting. Is it jus a matter of replacing the fixture itself or, will it require some rewiring?
   
   • ANSWER:
     If the lighting now is on a switch or switch's, your all set to go. You can replace the fixtures and more than likely repaint the ceiling since I ll guess the fluorescent fixtures are a different size and have been up awhile. GL
     
2. 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.
     
3. QUESTION:
   Is there anyway to cheaply replace fluorescent light fixtures? I am renting an apartment, and they have the "school room" fluorescent lights in all the rooms. They're hideous and bland. Is there anyway to replace the covers for them, with something modern... or a cheap way to replace them all together?. I looked online, and the fixtures are ridiculously expensive. Any ideas???
   
   • ANSWER:
     First off, you probably should have permission from the landlord before you make changes to the apartment. Not too many landlords want tenants messing around with electrical issues. Second off, if you get permission, you should hire a licensed electrician to do this. Too much liability for you if you DIY and burn the place down (think of the other tenants). As far as 'cheap' goes, you are probably going to be out of luck. Some florescent fixtures can take a variety of diffusers. But, I doubt that they are going to be cheap. Sorry if it isn't the answer that you wanted. But, I do believe that it is the truth.
     
4. 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
     
5. 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.
     
6. QUESTION:
   Replace fluorescent lights with rope lights? I have fluorescent lights underneath my cabinets in the kitchen. Is it possible to replace them with rope lights that can connect to a light switch?
   
   • ANSWER:
     Yes, it's possible, BUT... IF the light wiring is connected directly "INTO" a light switch, that project needs to be done either by an Electrician, OR someone who really KNOWS WHAT he/she is doing!!!!! Another remote possibility is, IF you have a receptacle that is CONTROLLED BY a light switch, then plug the light string into that outlet. Another less expensive option is to simply plug and unplug the light string as needed.
     
7. QUESTION:
   Can I replace a fluorescent light fixture with ballast with a florescent light fixture without a ballast? My kitchen light fixture cover fell off, the clips that held the cover in place all cracked off. the light and ballast, florescent tubes (2 of them) all work, they are just ugly and I want to replace them. Since there is a ballast, I am unsure if I can replace them with a light fixture that doesn't have a ballast.
   
   • ANSWER:
     If you replace to ENTIRE fixture, it doesn't matter what the old fixture used. The NEW fixture should have everything needed to connect directly to your home wiring.
     
8. QUESTION:
   How to change a ballast on a fluorescent lighting fixture? I'm applying for a new job as a maintenance technician at a local college and need to know how to repair and replace ballasts attached to fluorescent lighting fixtures. Generally what are the steps taken to do so and what kind of tools would you use?
   
   • ANSWER:
     Pie mash found a great one for you. It really is very simple. You just need to make sure the new ballast is the right voltage 120 or 277. But most are dual voltage now. You need to make sure that the ballast you are putting in will do the same light bulbs you have. If you can not shut the light fixture off, cut the hot wire first. That wire is gonna hurt if you are not careful but the other wires will hurt more. You can't mess it up if you just wire nut color to color.
     
9. QUESTION:
   What other type of Fluorescent light to replace the F40T10 Full Spectrum Fluorescent.? I could not find the F40T10 Full Spectrum Fluorescent locally for my existing fixture.
   
   • ANSWER:
     Ant F40t10 bulb will work. the Full Spectrum is a "Daylight" type bulb which actually gives you the Best Flourescent Lighting you can get. Any Electrical supplier should be able to order them for you.
     
10. QUESTION:
    Can I replace a fluorescent tube light fixture (like the ones in an office) with a normal incandescent one? My house was built in the 80s and the washrooms, kitchen and basement all use the fluorescent tubes. I want to slowly start changing them all.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes. You would just have to change out the fixture to something you like. I personally prefer fluorescents, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
      
11. QUESTION:
    Which uses less energy? A LED track lighting fixture or a fluorescent lighting fixture? In replacing my lighting fixture, I'm trying to figure out which might be more energy efficient. Would it be, an LED track lighting fixture with four 50W bulbs, or a square fluorescent lighting fixture with two 40W tubes?
    
    • ANSWER:
      There isn't much difference there. I would be more concerned about the light the fixture puts out and how it affects my eyes. Watts divided by voltage (ballast not line) = amps. Amps make the meter spin. At 120 V you are looking at .3 to .4 amp difference between the two.
      
12. QUESTION:
    We recently had to replace a wall mounted fluorescent light, with a smaller one, what to do with wires? It was a wall mounted light above the kitchen sink. The wires previously ran behind the light, but since the new one is smaller they have to run across the front of the wood plate. I was thinking white electrician's tape, or to simply paint over them. Drilling another hole to run the wire isn't necessarily an option currently. Looking for a reasonable temporary solution that is more appealing to the eye than simply leaving the wires exposed. The light is mounted on the lower part of the windows that are above our kitchen sink. The wood is maybe 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick and runs the length of the wall. Also, it is about 12 inches from the sink, so placing something to hide it is out of the question.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Surface mounted raceways may be your answer. Search "surface raceway" for Ideas of whats available. Most home centers carry them, or can order them for you. Good luck.
      
13. 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
      
14. QUESTION:
    Can you replace a fluorescent ceiling light with a regular current one?
    
    • ANSWER:
      You can, the wires that feed the ballast can be connected to regular sockets. You won't greatly increase the power you use if you select CFL lamps. Be selective about what style of fixture you select, most incandescent bulbs are being eliminated, you will probably end up using CFL or LED lamps after all.
      
15. 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.
      
16. 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!"
      
17. QUESTION:
    Can I replace a 75 watt rated light fixture with 3 separate - 23 watt compact fluorescent lights safely? I want to know if i need to replace / update the wiring.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes, you should be able to do this switch safely as long as you shut off the power source to the light either by the wall switch or from the circuit breaker. You asked about replacing/updating the wiring. Is there a reason for you to suspect that it needs replacing? The existing wires should be just fine unless there is visible damage or the insulation is hard and brittle from the heat of the light fixture. Anyways, the short answer is yes, you can make this change safely. Good luck!! Steve
      
18. QUESTION:
    How much energy is saved by replacing fluorescent lights with sky lights in a school building? Only serious answers please...this is important. Thank you! :]
    
    • ANSWER:
      Skylights are a two way street in terms of energy usage. They do allow natural light into the building which can reduce the amount of electric light needed. On the other side of the equation the roof is where most of a building's heat loss happens. A skylight does not have as much insulating value as the rest of the roof so the heat lost through a skylight is an energy loss. In hot weather the skylight can be an unwelcome heat source from the sun adding to A/C costs. Because weather conditions vary from day to day and seasonally its difficult to determine the energy loss or gain from skylights.
      
19. QUESTION:
    how do you replace the long tube shaped Fluorescent Light bulbs? my old ones died, need to replace them. but how???
    
    • ANSWER:
      You just grab the tube with both hands and turn it until the pins come out of the slot on the bottom of the fixtures on either end of the tube. Then reverse the order when putting the new tubes in.
      
20. QUESTION:
    how do i know whether to replace a tube or starter for a fluorescent strip light? i have a fluorescent strip light in my kitchen. when i switch it on the light flickers and does not stay on. is this due to the tube or the starter? neither has been replaced for about 5 years. it has a 58w tube and 65w starter at the moment. hmmmm, i have 2 conflicting answers here. the tube is slightly black at one end, but it does light up, then flickers on and off and there is a buzzing sound.
    
    • ANSWER:
      A new starter is so cheap (less than £1) that it is surely worth just replacing that first - if it solves the problem good - if it doesn't then you know you need a new tube. I always reckon to replace both anyrate when it starts acting up - the starter is so cheap it is not a waste changing it. Fluorescent tubes should be replaced anyrate if 5 years old - they lose quite a lot of light output with age and you will be surprised how much brighter a new one appears.
      
21. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to replace my regular headlights on my car for fluorescent light?
    
    • ANSWER:
      yes
      
22. QUESTION:
    Was Gore really demonstrating about replacing the olympic flame with LED or fluorescent lighting?
    
    • ANSWER:
      
      
23. QUESTION:
    Can I replace my tank light with fluorescent light? I have the Aqueon 10 and I have some brackish fish (figure 8 puffer, getting some bumblebee gobies) and it looks weird because they are part saltwater fish in an orange light. The color of the light looks really ugly, and I was wondering if I could replace it with a fluorescent one? Also, I want to replace my gravel with sand. How do I do that without getting rid of the beneficial bacteria? @Harsh How do I siphon something out? Do I need any extra materials @Harsh and Pytr I have a hose but its old and I didn't know the term for it. I will probably get it when I get my gobies (tank is new)
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes, fluorescent lights are good as are halides. What looks nice in reef aquariums is a 50/50 blue/white light. To change from gravel to sand, siphon out half of your water into a bucket, put all ornaments, plants and fish into that bucket. I suggest putting your heater in the bucket to keep the fish warm as the process takes about an hour. So as of now you should have a tank half filled with water and gravel on the bottom and a filter in there. You can also put the filter in the bucket and have that run. If it doesn't just turn it off and let it be. Now, scoop out the gravel with some sort of container (careful not to scratch or break the glass). After you have taken out as much as possible, dispose of the gravel as you wish and siphon out the gravel and waste remnants along with the rest of the water out and dispose of the liquid. I recommend you clean the sides of the aquarium with a washcloth of some sort at this point. After you have done this and you have a nice spotless aquarium, pour in the sand (which you should clean). After you have the sand in, you can either plant and decorate it dry or do that after you fill the water. Careful not to disturb the sand when pouring in water; I recommend using a bowl to slow the force of the water as your pour. Fill the water a little less than halfway (make sure you condition it and all). From the bucket with the fish and water now, remove the heater and let it and the filter run for about 15 minutes. As this is happening pour a little bit of water from the bucket with the fish gradually. Once there is like half of the water left in the bucket, go ahead and put the fish in and pour the rest of the water in. The ornaments and filter should have held enough beneficial bacteria and your fish will appreciate their new substrate! Good luck! By the way, if your ornaments have holes, please be sure that your fish aren't hiding inside the ornament or within the plants. This happened with me and my cories. They were INSIDE of the ornament and out of water for ten minutes. Luckily, I had no deaths. But with puffers, you never know. They too are small. EDIT: To siphon something out, you need to purchase a gravel vacuum. It's basically a hose. You can use a regular tube that is of at least one inch in diameter. My siphon has a pump but there's a manual way to siphon using a tube that you can look up. It's everywhere. But I would recommend purchasing a pump action gravel vacuum siphon anyways as you should be performing water changes with it every week anyways. They're like -5.
      
24. QUESTION:
    How hard is it to replace the ballast in a fluorescent reading light?
    
    • ANSWER:
      On the provisions that you can find a replacement ballast and that it is mounted in the base of the lamp, it should not be difficult at all. Even if it is not in the base of the lamp, the same sized device will fit, just use a little care with re-assembly.
      
25. QUESTION:
    When installing a fluorescent light fixture, where to I run the wires from the ceiling to the light? I'm replacing a fluorescent light fixture. My old fixture has a big square hole in the middle. The black and white wires from the ceiling run through the hole and connect to the black and white wires in the fixture. However, this new fixture doesn't have a big hole in the middle. There are some really small holes though. Where exactly do I run the wires through? i'm using a lithonia brand two bulb light fixture
    
    • ANSWER:
      There should be at least one 1/2 inch knockout for this purpose, be sure however to protect the wires by using a 1/2 inch plastic bushing or romex connector that pops right into the hole. Make sure you connect the proper wires to the fixture wires & ground to the green screen screw on the fixture.
      
26. QUESTION:
    I'm installing a fluorescent shop light in my garage to replace an existing hard wired shop light.? The new light comes with a 120v power cord. When I cut the power cord I will have 3 wires showing but have only 2 wires showing from the ceiling. I know white to white & black to black but what to do about the 3rd wire? Thanks.
    
    • ANSWER:
      The third wire is a just a ground. You don't even need it. The white wire is hooked to the same ground bar in your electrical panel
      
27. 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.
      
28. QUESTION:
    Is a 100 watt bulb brighter than 2x40w fluorescent lights? I need a lot of light in the bathroom and I want to replace 2 fluorescent cylinders with a 100w light fixture.
    
    • ANSWER:
      The number of lumens is the important measurement, not watts. Compare those. In my personal opinion, the color of the light is also a critical factor. For years, almost all bulbs were what is called cool white. That really isn't very good quality of white, it is a yellow tinged color. I find that to be very poor. It is the reason why you were taught to take something outside to see it's true color. The bulb distorted what you saw. More recently, we have had more access to bulbs with a much better, i.e. truer light. Look for the "color temperature" of the bulb. 5000 degrees is my favorite. It much more closely resembles sunlight than the cool white does. It makes colors much more true and makes it seem like there is more light, even if there are a few less lumens. I am using 5000 degree LED bulbs in my bathroom now and I love it. They run cool, last forever, take less power than even florescents, and start instantly, even in cold weather. They cost a lot more to buy and are harder to get, but I think they are more than worth it.
      
29. 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.
      
30. 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
      
31. 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.
      
32. QUESTION:
    Is it feasible to replace my fluorescent tube fixtures with the newer compact fluorescent light fixtures? I have some fluorescent tube fixtures that need new ballast and some that need new bulbs. Before I purchase the replacement parts, I was wondering if would be simpler to to just buy new CFL fixtures and convert all of the tubes to CFC. There are 6 fluorescent tube fixtures in my basement which would be replaced. I know it would probably save on power, but how much light loss or lumen's would I lose in the process? To add to this: My six current fixtures are 4' T12 fluorescent fixtures, 2 tubes per fixture. My primary goal was not to save power, but to get out of the hassle of buying new ballasts and lugging the tubes around. As some below have mentioned aesthetics would be improved with the CFL's, but at the cost of lumen's though.
    
    • ANSWER:
      40 W. T-12 fluorescent lamps put out about ~3000 lumens of light. A 100W equivalent CFL (~23W.) puts out ~ 1000 lumens. You would need six per fixture to maintain the installed light level. The fixture pans and pin mounts are already there. You would do far better in cost, labor, and efficiency to buy the new lamps and ballasts. You can buy the newer T-8 electronic ballasts and lamps if you wish. They'll fit.
      
33. 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...
      
34. 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.
      
35. 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.
      
36. QUESTION:
    How do I install new lighting into my tank? I have a 15 watt 18" fluorescent light and want to replace it with ideally a 30 watt or higher, currently its plugged into a big fitting in the top of my tank, how do I replace it? Thanks
    
    • ANSWER:
      You unscrew the old bulb, and then screw in the new one. I can't tell you step-by-step how to do it because I don't know what type of lighting fixture you have. "a big fitting in the top of my tank" is not enough information. With my lightning fixture in my old 10g tank, I had to remove four screws holding it together, and then unscrew the bulb.
      
37. QUESTION:
    I need to replace an old fluorescent in my kitchen. it has a plastic cover and it's about 3 ft long.? IT'S VERY UNATTRACTIVE AND I WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE. I CAN'T USE RECESSED LIGHTING AND DON'T WANT TO REDO THE CEILING. WHAT CHOICE DO I HAVE?
    
    • ANSWER:
      I think we bought the same flourescent lamp, at the same store, by the same company with the "ugly feature" attatchment. LOL! I asked the same question when we were remodeling. The guy in the lighting store replied with "Halogen". The type of lighting which we purchased isn't recessed. It would go right over the old opening. The halogen lights cost a little bit more but it's really worth it.
      
38. 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.
      
39. 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.
      
40. QUESTION:
    How do you remove wires from fluorescent light sockets? I need to replace a ballast in a fluorescent light fixture but can't remove the wires from the sockets. I can push the wires in but not out. Is there some way to remove them or are these going to have to be replaced? Is it normal to have to replace the sockets when you replace the ballast? Thanks
    
    • ANSWER:
      They DO come out of the sockets and that IS the right way to fix them. With the power off take a pliers and grip the wire close to the socket. Pull and twist until the wire comes out. it's not soldered or anything so feel free to pull hard, just hang on to the socket so you don't break it. Simply push in the new wire and you're done.
      
41. 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.
      
42. QUESTION:
    I have replaced both the ballast and fluorescent lights. The flickering continues. Need suggestions? Light switch in bathroom controls overhead fan and fluorescent lights. They begain flickering after many years of bright non-flickering use. I followed suggestions found on internet. Replaced bulbs and, when that did not solve problem, replaced the ballast. Problem continues with flickering and low level of illumination. No problem with fan.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Several good suggestions were offered - and most should be followed. Make sure you have the right lamps matched to the ballast. If there is a starter, replace it. Definitely check the grounds and bonding, not only at the lights, but at all other junctions in the circuit feeding the switch and lights. Connections can corrode. Make sure they are clean, bright and tight. Cold temperatures - generally below 40 degrees F, will affect performance. But if temperature didn't affect you for several years, there is no need to start now. Don't worry about a surge protector - that has nothing to do with it.
      
43. 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
      
44. QUESTION:
    will a regular fluorescent light fixture work with a blacklight lightbulb? i have a normal average fluorescent light fixture like one you would find in a store or a school. my question is would i be able to just take a black light lightbulb and replace the normal white one? or is there a difference in the two light tubes?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes.
      
45. QUESTION:
    Installed Lithonia Lighting Wrap Lite fluorescent fixture and T8 bulbs are only partially lighting up, why? I had a cheap fluorescent light fixture in my closet. The (2) 4 ft bulbs were always very dull and appeared to only light up about half way, even when brand new. I replaced the light fixture with a new Lithonia Wrap Lite 4' fixture using T8 bulbs thinking the ballast was defective on the old fixture. Even with the new fixture I have the same problem. New bulbs in new light fixture were nice and bright for about 10 seconds and then started flickering and now they are dull, just like the old fixture. Any ideas on what's going on here?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Make sure the fixture is grounded. Some ballasts need to be grounded to operate properly. If that doesn't work you need a volt meter to insure you have 120v to the fixture.
      
46. QUESTION:
    Landlords: How do you minimize your risk of being sued by Tenants? I recently read this: Lawsuits of all stripes prey on landlords' minds. Jackson said his company provides many services to his renters just to avoid legal hassles. "Early on," he said, "one of my tenants borrowed my lawnmower. He hit a piece of metal in the grass. His roommate was sunning himself nearby and the metal flew up and opened a gash in his forehead. The roommate sued me. Now we do all the lawns, replace fluorescent light, repair the windows; I don't want tenants doing anything."
    
    • ANSWER:
      As long as you do everything right you really only have to worry about nut jobs. Nothing will prevent a lawsuit from a nut job. however, they show their true colors in court, so it is not a big worry. However, I do check my applicants back ground, and seeing who they have sued in the past is part of that. If they have more then 1 lawsuit I avoid them
      
47. QUESTION:
    Where is the starter located in my recessed fluorescent lighting fixture? I have an old 4 ft. recessed fluorescent lighting fixture in our kitchen (with removable ceiling tiles adjacent). I am trying to locate the starter so I can replace it, as even new tube lights won't fully light (they are dim). If I can replace the starter myself, I can see if that will solve the problem. If that does not solve anything, I can then change the ballast and see if that does it. I tried to Google and YouTube but found no helpful guide for this. Anyone? Thank you guys for replying and inquiring further. I found a wonderful YouTube DIY instructional video, and luckily - it was the same exact recessed fluorescent lighting fixture I had (even ballast make/model matched). I went to Home Depot, purchased a new ballast, sockets, and a bunch of those new push in wire connectors. Here's the vid, and thanks for helping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLScPdm82M4&list=FLH26WzQuT4VGqTk7f4AUqxA&feature=mh_lolz
    
    • ANSWER:
      Unusual that it is not obvious. Normally you can see the round end (2cm ish) poking out of the casing somewhere. I wonder if you can hear it buzzing or crackling?
      
48. QUESTION:
    I want to remove a combination light/ceiling fan in my kitchen a replace it with a 4 ft fluorescent puff.? Will the wiring for the original fixture be suitible for the new puff light? Thanks.
    
    • ANSWER:
      You will find one of three things: black, red, white, ground- use the black/white combo and ground the case to the ground screw (provided) black, white, ground- wire it up as directed either of the above, no ground- don't worry about grounding... if there's no ground in the current wiring, you aren't required to add a ground, electricians skate around this all the time. As long as no new circuits are pulled from the panel, you don't have to get a permit for the work, you don't have to ground anything that doesn't have a ground. All of the above assumes you don't have a speed controller in your switch box for the fan. If you do, you need to remove it. These will destroy your ballast quickly (not immediately). Another thing, before you install the cloud (puff?) light, you need mounting hardware. I personally recommend the toggle bolt (1/4" is fine). You only need 2, and the holes to use them are towards the end of the light. You may also need a 1/2" bushing if the fixture doesn't provide a large (2-3") knockout in the middle of the fixture. And above all, remember to work safely. Turn off power to the circuit before attempting any work. Enjoy!
      
49. QUESTION:
    can i use mercury fluorescent light bulbs for growing plants indoors? yes i have some plants and my growing lights broke and don't have money to replace it. so, can i use mercury fluorescent light bulbs for growing plants indoors? please help! thanks is it ok that it is soft white?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes they will work just fine. If they are seedlings place the light 2 to 4 inches above the top leaves.
      
50. 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.
      

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