Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Install Lighting Fixture

 

install lighting fixture

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION: Can you install a ordinary light fixture onto a recessed lighting fixture can? I have house with recessed lighting installed and want to install a normal stand-alone light fixture where one of the recessed lights currently is. Is it possible to use an adaptor of some kind to use the recessed lighting fixture, which is already anchored and wired, and attached the external fixture to the recessed lighting fixture? To start from scratch I think I would have to cut up my ceiling to remove the recessed light fixture and re-anchor the new fixture which seems like a heck of a waist of time. Thanks! UPDATE- I found a company that makes an adaptor that lets you screw in an ordinary fixture into a recessed light housing. The only downside is the stupid little metal plate costs 40 bucks- oh well. http://www.thecanconverter.com/ Thanks for everyone's help. Tim
    • ANSWER: I've never heard of anything like you are wanting~but it might be out there somewhere:) I wired my recessed lights, and you are right, it would probably be tough to get up in there, put a box in, and rewire for a new fixture. How about a colored flood bulb;) ?? I AM going to watch this though and see if anybody has heard of anything that works~ Good Luck!
  2. QUESTION: How to install new track lighting and light fixture.? My husband and I have never installed any type of light fixture before. We just bought a house with a large kitchen. There is only one celing fan in the middle. We would like to put track lighting in by the stove and prep area and some sort of celing fixture over the kitchen table. Is it very complicated to install new fixtures? It always looks easy on HGTV, but I know those are professionals.
    • ANSWER: Yes, it can be done all from one ceiling box, but there are problems. I would be concerned about voltage drop and amperage draw. It sounds like an older home. Nobody would put just one ceiling box in a modern kitchen. I'm betting that the ceiling fan isn't on a dedicated circuit. I don't know how many lights you are going to run, but you could easily overload that circuit if you try to light it like a modern kitchen. Well, anyway, despite those problems, you could do it. Track lighting is basically a semi-exposed rail system that comes with lots of fittings. There are Ls, Ts, and Xs. These fittings go on the ends of the tracks and you can go in any direction you please. I would be a little concerned with the total length of the system and the number of lights you are trying to power, but in theory you could run that stuff all over your kitchen and plug a light in anywhere you wanted it. Plan an installation, including all fixtures, all fittings, and the total length of the run then call a qualified electrician to inspect your wires for capacity to handle it. He doesn't have to install it, but you are going to need a consult. --EDIT-- One other thing that you may not have thought about. If you can run off just that one box, all the lights will either be on or off. There is no independent bank control. If you want the light on over the sink, the lights in the breakfast nook will be on too.
  3. QUESTION: How do I install a ceiling lighting fixture? I've never wired before, but I'm good at following instruction/direction. I need a small ceiling fixture in my pantry. The nearest outlet is about 5 feet down on the wall. I'd like to install either a recessed light fixture or even a single spot. If there's a website for this, can you direct me?
    • ANSWER: I would implore you to call a electrician. There are numerous nuances in a simple job(for a electrician)that a layman would not be able to identify and take care of. Wire stapling distance,penetration of walls and headers,installation of the new fixture box according to weight, and the proper termination of the switch leg,neutral,ground,and hot. Not to mention the wall damage that you might incure opening it up without the experience of knowing which way to route the wire. Do yourself a favor and call a pro.
  4. QUESTION: Lighting question, no light fixture, need to install only two wires sticking out of ceiling. How do I install Have an old craftsman home, garden has no lights, nor any light fixture there are only two wires coming out of the ceiling witch are conrtrolled by an on and off switch. How do I go about installing lights? I do believe none of the two wires are for grounding(neutral, not sure).
    • ANSWER: With your new light connect the white wires together, the other 2 wires may be different colors but it should be ok as long as neither of them is green...The green wire from your new light can be connected to the box the wires are coming out of(if there is one).
  5. QUESTION: How do I install a lighting fixture like a chandelier in an area with no hole in the ceiling? How do I make a hole in the ceiling? and once I do make a hole what electric wires do I look for? I actually have to write about the process so I'm not planning on hiring anyone. If anyone could help me out on this, It would really mean a lot and would be a huge help! Thanks so much.
    • ANSWER: It is a bit more complicated than you are saying. The hole in the ceiling is easy, cut one. But, you'll need the proper support for the chandelier in the ceiling. The electric will need to be run from the breaker box to the ceiling, and down the wall to the switch. You can't just pop a hole in the ceiling and grab some wires. If you are not just writing about the idea of the process, for your own safety, hire an electrician.
  6. QUESTION: I want to install a lighting fixture in my dining room.? Can I do it myself by turning off the circuit breakers in the house and matching the color coded wires together? Or is there more to it than just that?
    • ANSWER: I've installed many ceiling lights/fans and that's all you have to do, just match the wires, twist them together in a clockwise direction, then screw on the wire nuts (usually enclosed with the fixture) I also like to tape my wire nuts with electrical tape for extra security... Also, if you don't live alone, be sure to mention what you're doing to everyone, and even tape a "reminder" sign on the electrical box NOT to turn on the power...you don't want to be "surprised" with a nice jolt! Good luck with your project!
  7. QUESTION: How do I install a chandelier lighting fixture? ? I purchased a townhouse and I want to replace the lighting fixture with a chandelier. Please help. Thx
    • ANSWER: most fixtures are interchangeable. the round box in the ceiling can be used for many different fixtures. there is a silver rod that that screws into that box and your light fixture screws into that silver rod. you want to be sure that with a chandelier it is secure enough to the stud in the roof to support the weight of the chandelier, that is my only concern. the wiring should be the same. black to black, white to white, etc.
  8. QUESTION: Can I install UL lighting fixtures in my Candian home? I am building a home here in Canada, and want to buy lighting fixtures from the US. If a fixture is UL approved, can I still get insurance, etc. if I install the fixture here in Canada.
    • ANSWER: I gotta tell ya I can't find the answer anywhere...well an answer that I would put my trust in anyway. I would advise you to call your insurance company..or any insurance company and ask them the general question. You do not want to take a chance with this...so don't take anyones word on here without double checking yourself.
  9. QUESTION: How do I install a new light fixture where there was not one before? The room I want to add the fixture to already has a light in the room, its a light/ceiling fan, I want to keep that, and then about 6 feet away install a new fixture to go over my desk. I Googled 'how to install light fixtures' and all I got were videos assuming you knew where the cable was coming from and the hole was already made. Not really what I'm looking for, any ideas how to get this started? btw, I am definitely an amateur when it comes to this stuff :)
    • ANSWER: If you are not sure what to do, for safety sake get an electrician.
  10. QUESTION: If I've never done this, does it make sense to install a new light fixture yourself or hire an electrician? I've never done anything with electricity before, but I'm considering installing a new light fixture myself. Is this crazy, or is it really a simple thing? This is an older house and I worry not about getting electrocuted, but more about starting a fire later, or that I won't recognize poor wiring that already exists in the house. People say it's really easy to install light fixtures and there's nothing to it. Is that true?
    • ANSWER: It is fairly easy to replace an existing light fixture, but it also can be tricky in an old house because the wiring isn't totally standard. You have to pay careful attention to how the old fixture was wired, because the colors may not match up with what is in the printed instructions. You also have to make sure the electricity is OFF when you do the installation, at least at the light switch, preferably at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Since your friends are telling you this is easy, ask one of them who has done it before to help you out. If this is not a replacement fixture but a brand new fixture where none has been before, you want a professional.
  11. QUESTION: Is there a tool for cutting a 7and1/8 inch circle in ceiling dry wall to install a recessed lighting fixture?
    • ANSWER: Greenlee makes a hole saw for this. However, this tool is dangerous. It will bind on the sheetrock if you don't drill perfectly square. This size hole saw has dislocated my shoulder before. There are also numerous adjustable diameter circle cutters on the market. You may also trace the outside diameter of the recessed can or make a 7 1/8" diameter template and use a "stab saw" to cut the circle by hand. The tool I prefer and use daily is a roto zip with the circle cutter attachment. The attachement adjusts to a wide variety of diameters and the roto zip is very easy to control. When cutting in sheetrock, the dust will go everywhere. A trick I've learned is to cut a basketball in half and slip it over the collar of the roto zip. This will contain the sheetrock dust in the bowl of the basketball while cutting your holes. If you need further assistance, please visit: http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com
  12. QUESTION: How do I install wall lighting fixture near water pipes? I want to install a wall lighting fixture in a bathroom and have it centered over a mirror. There is a stud behind the sheet rock where the fixture needs to be centered. Copper water pipes run along each side of the stud and connect to the sink below the mirror. I have a metal pancake box but I am concerned about using it in such close proximity to the water pipes. The house wiring is 3 wire (black, white & ground). The light fixture also has a ground wire. Can I use the metal pancake box? It probably would not be touching the pipes but would be within 1/2 inch...maybe less. Should I be using a plastic pancake? Thanks! My fixture has 4 black, 4 white and a ground wire. Is that too much to cram into a pancake. If so, any alternate recommendation will be appreciated.
    • ANSWER: Metal box is fine just make sure to ground it as required, if just to ease your mind you can use a plastic pancake box but theres no requirement for it, I myself have hung hundreds of lights this close to plumbing on metal boxes. Having that many wires will be to much for this, you will need to caculate the amout of wire inside the box, each #14 conductor will take 2.00cu inches of box fill, #12 will take 2.25cu inches of box fill Count the Grounds as ONE either being #14 or #12 depending on what size wire you have in the box so if you have 2 blacks, 2 whites and the Ground in #14 you will have 10cu inches of needed box space and 11.25cu inches for # 12 wire The Cubic inches of space should be stamped or printed on the inside of the box you are wanting to use.
  13. QUESTION: How would i install a light fixture in garbage can? Im using the garbage can to grow some peppers over the winter. How would i install said light fixture and how can i make it plug into the wall? Thanks for your time.
    • ANSWER: Check out the link www.ehow.com/video_4419062_install-light-fixture.html Good Luck !
  14. QUESTION: Can I install a light fixture where there is curretly an outlet? I currently have an outlet in the garage where my garage door is plugged in. I would like to install a light fixture in the garage and use the same wiring as the outlet. Is this possible, and if so how do i do it?
    • ANSWER: you can just continue the wiring from the bottom half of the outlet and the current will continue to wherever you want your light . i am assuming you will install a light with a pull switch.
  15. QUESTION: How do I install a ceiling light fixture if there isn't one there already? In my living room, there are 2 recessed lighting fixtures to iluminate my fireplace area. The room is kinda dark, even with a floor lamp. I want to install a ceiling light fixture in the center of the room. How do I run electrical to it?
    • ANSWER: Answer #1 is mostly right, but if there is space above the room you are in business. find the studs by an hot out let, and at the celling near the wall drill a very small hole in the celling between the studs with a long bit, leave the bit in the hole or a piece of wire, get in the space above the room and move over 2" over and above the wall and drill a hole through the plate and drop a 3-14 wire down in the wall make a switch box hole above the outlet, take the outlet out "have the electric off" hook into the outlet with the wire now going to the new switch, your wire will be running across the celling to where you want the light, and make sure that the light fixture box is put on the Joyce. if you can do this you will then have bragging rights to all your friends.
  16. QUESTION: If I have a lighting fixture above a mirror in a bathroom and what I really want is a fixture on either side.. ...can I simply open the wall, drill holes in the 2x4's, attach recepticles to the 2x4's, and splice two wires off each of the wires of the fixture that's already there and install the new fixtures? Is it that simple? I've installed new lighting fixtures before and have just enough knowledge to make me dangerous!
    • ANSWER: sounds like you have the basic knowledge. just be sure to use the proper wire and proper sizes. what you most likely have to use is a 14-2 wire, available at any hardware store. when you make your splices be sure to use wire nuts and not just tape. what you are doing sounds ok but what will you do with the box where you made your splice? code states that the box must be "accessible", meaning don't drywall over it and make it disappear. put some sort of cover over it or hang a mirror to hide it. if the splice ever goes bad, it can be accessible for a repair. good luck!
  17. QUESTION: How do you install a light fixture? I've read and watched videos on installing a new light fixture. It says to match the wire colors. Both of the old wires coming out are beige/tan/whitish. New wires, one black, one white, one ground. There is a green screw for the ground but how do you attach the new wires to the old wire if they don't match color?
    • ANSWER: I am under the impression there is not a ground wire to connect to the grounding screw since you said both wires. One of the wires should be black but over time it lost it's color. The reason black should go to black is because the center terminal of the light socket is attached to black. The reason for this is if you are changing a bulb and touch the metal base you will not get shocked because the side of the base is attached to the neutral or white wire. You would need a volt meter to test which is the hot or black wire or you have a 50/50 chance of getting it correct. If one of the wires look darker then the other that is probably the black. I'm not telling you to hook it up incorrectly but the light will work either way.
  18. QUESTION: How difficult is it to install recessed lighting? I have experience replacing outlets and basic electrical knowledge . I have a game room that is 21ft L x 14ft W. The room currently has one small ceiling mounted light. The wall panel has 1 free switch and 1 that controls the light. I'm guessing the free switch would control a fan if i were to install a light fixture with fan. I'd like to add 5 recessed lights to brighten the room. Is this job to big to tackle for a novice or can this be a reasonable DIY task? - Thanks
    • ANSWER: The act of installing the cans isn't the problem. It is all that goes on before hand that is the real "work". A) do you have clearance above the ceiling B) can you accurately locate the centers of the fixtures without being on or too close to the rafters C) can you "fish" the wires from light to light if rafters are in the way D) do you know what type of wire to use and how to install it to Code E) do you need IC type fixtures or not F) can you read and follow instructions well (no insult intended, but it is a very real question) Just to name the more common things you need to know in order to install recessed lights correctly and without having to repair the ceiling after wards. If you have any related experience or better yet know someone who does then this may not be too hard. Other wise, you may do better to hire it out. Good luck either way.
  19. QUESTION: How much to have an electrician install a new light fixture? My condo is open concept, the majority of the space being the "great room" in the center of this room is the sole light fixture, a large ceiling fan located above our living room area. To one side of the room is our dining area and there are no over head light fixtures.. I need a ball park estimate of how much it would cost to install a ceiling fixture so when I get estimates I know a little about what I'm talking about. Thanks
    • ANSWER: There is no way for a competent electrician to tell on the internet how much it should cost. However, I would find a licensed, bonded, insured electrical service company that would: A) Come to your Condo at no charge and..... B) .give you an upfront quote for the job you want done. Don't pay for an 'estimate'. Don't ACCEPT an 'estimate'. If they can't QUOTE you a price, upfront, without being paid to do that then move on. A pro can tell you what it will cost total, upfront. That way there are no surprises. Also, look for a company that background checks their electricians. These guys are going to be in your home with you alone and have access to all your possessions, make sure that's not going to go bad...... There is a company here in town called Mr. Electric of Tucson that does all that. I'm sure there are more too. There are Mr. Electrics all over the US and Canada. They send background checked pros and give free quotes. There might be other too but these guys are the only ones I know in Tucson, AZ that do that. If your in Tucson they can be reached at (520) 795-5940. Google 'Mr. Electric' other places to see if there is one by you. Hope this helped.......stay safe.
  20. QUESTION: How do I install and wire a new light fixture if I'm starting with a blank ceiling? My wife wants a light fixture in where there is not anything old to run off of. How do I run the wire and install the fixture, as well as how do I wire in a new switch?
    • ANSWER: Call an electrician. It most places its illegal to do your own electric work without a license and permit. Or, figure out where you want it. Find the studs, Cut a hole for the switch and one for the fixture. Run a wire from the electric box to the hole you made for the switch, run a wire from that hole to the fixture. You need to make sure you run the wire parallel to the studs if you have drywall up. This will save you from having to drill holes through the studs.
  21. QUESTION: How do I install overhead lighting in an old house? I am sectioning off a portion of my living room to create a first floor bedroom for myself. The house is approximately 100 years old and there is no overhead lighting in this area. I would like to install a ceiling fan/light fixture but the ceiling is plaster and there is no access from above to run wiring. Does anyone have any ideas? I thought about creating a tray ceiling and placing can lights around the perimeter maybe?
    • ANSWER: Hi Brandi, Pulling a new electrical run in an older home can be difficult, frustrating and expensive. The best alternative is the new track-lights. Anyone can install them with the most basic knowledge and a few common household tools.
  22. QUESTION: How to install hanging light fixture with only black wires and one bare silver wire? My ceiling box has one each white, black and copper wire. The fixture only has black and a bare silver wire. The rubber part of the black wire in the fixture seems to be connected and you can pull it apart resulting in two black wires with copper in the middle. How to connect these to the wires in the ceiling box? Used the advice from the first answer. Worked perfectly without killing myself. Thanks for saving me the cost of a pro.
    • ANSWER: if it's a simple fixture, it really makes no difference which wire hooks up to which wire in the ceiling box. If you are really concerned, look at the two black wires carefully... you will see one of them has ridges on it... use that as the one connected to the black wire in the ceiling box, then hook the other one to the white wire. The silver one is ground.
  23. QUESTION: How do I install a light fixture on a wall? I live in Jamaica. There is a fixture (if you can call it that) on my wall that has a bare bulb sticking out of it. I want to put something else on the wall that looks more appealing but I want to know if I can do it myself. I have no wiring experience. Someone at a hardware store told me it was easy and that all I have to do is connect the wires and screw the fixture on the wall. Is that true? jackofalltradesmasterofnone, thanks for the offer of help. There is an existing fixture but I want to put a nicer one up. How do I get in touch with you? My email address is HmcHistoryMaker@yahoo.com
    • ANSWER: are you replacing one, or putting in a new one???replacing is easy, new one is a bit more difficult...i can give you step by step on either...but you have to let me know which... i emailed you,did you get it???
  24. QUESTION: How do I install this miswired light fixture? In the process of removing an old bathroom wall light fixture, I inadvertantly pulled apart all the wire connections. I have three black wires, three white wires, and three bare(I'm assuming ground) wires. How do I reconnect them so that I can install a new light fixture (three wire setup, pos-neg-ground)? I'm willing to get tools to test if required--but I'm completely unfamiliar with the process so a walkthrough from someone experienced would be greatly appreciated!
    • ANSWER: If you are not familar with electrical wireing you could get into trouble.But this is the way your ficture was wired.Get a small digital volt ohm meter to check continuity turn power off at breaker for that circuit. next with all wire,s seperated , not touching togather,have some one turn light switch on for you.This way you can isolate light switch wire,s from power and nuteral wire,s that go to other circuits.remember this light sw.wires use black and white from sw. just like power wires. so once you isolate sw.wire this will connect to black wire on light all white wires will connect togather including the one from lite and all bare wire,s will connect togather.If this is not clear enough for you get someone w/electrical wireing experience.Please be carefull.
  25. QUESTION: How do install light fixture that has a black and white wire the ceiling has ground, red white, black wire?
    • ANSWER: Since your home is AC (Alternating Current) the order of connections between your black, white, red white and black does not matter. Your ground wire is quite important where you hook that up. Most likely it is a bare wire or it may be have green insulation on it. If it were me, ensure you power is off by opening the supply breaker from your electrical panel. If you are going to be working on electrical devices, you should invest in a volt meter. You can get them for around 10 dollars at your hardware store. Check to ensure that the wires coming out of the ceiling have 0 volts (or somewhere less than 5 volts) from the red white wire to the black wire with your volt meter. Besure to also check from the red white wire to ground wire and also black wire to ground wire coming out of the ceiling. Next, always hook up ground first as a safety precaution. It sounds like you have that part figured out. But if there is no ground wire on the fixture, there is usually a green screw provided with the fixture and a tapped hole on the fixture somewhere to connect the ground wire coming from the ceiling. Finally, hook the black from the fixture to the black from the ceiling with a wire nut. And hook the white wire to the red white wire with a wire nut. You know the wire nuts are turned properly when the wire pair has a slight twist to them. To know for sure if you wire nuts are secure, give the wires a good tug while holding the wire nut. This will ensure you have a good electrical connection and the connection won't fail causing a possible fire. As always, if you are unsure, contact a licensed electrician. Always a good idea. Good luck
  26. QUESTION: I am trying to install a light fixture that has a striped wire and 2 white wires connected...? So I understand them, but the ones that are coming out of the ceiling are a mess! I have 3 yellow wires wrapped together, 1 orange wire, and 4 black wires that were not being used in the previous fixture. Which ones should I connect? Thanks in advance!
    • ANSWER: Anyone who can tell you which wire is which from their computer is not putting your safety first. If you have an electrical tester you can find your hot wire for sure but be careful!
  27. QUESTION: How much would it be to install a brand new light fixture into the ceiling where one does not currently exist? Just an approximate amount. We moved our dining table into the sunroom and would like to install a new light fixture in the center of the ceiling and would like to know how much and what the project would entail. Thanks! no access from the attic =( yeah i am guessing it will be 0+ since they will have to take some of the drywall and ceiling out and replace it.
    • ANSWER: Do you have access to the ceiling from above, such as an attic? If so, piece of cake. Figure 1-1/2 hours labor plus materials. I'd guess 0-125, depending on where you live. If there is no access, you are looking at a lot more. Have a local electrician give you an estimate, as there is no way to tell what obstacles there will be from here. Hope this helps.
  28. QUESTION: I'm installing a light fixture in a ceiling w/a red, white & yellow wire but no black. How do I install? The light fixture has a Black, White and Green Wire sticking out from them and I'm working with only 1 switch. Thanks! There light fixture is from Ikea, no wiring directions. I tried Black to Red, White to White and Green to Yellow and the light turned on with the switch on the off position. When I turned the switch to on Position, the breaker shut off.
    • ANSWER: The Red is a constant hot. The Yellow is the switch leg. White is neutral. Cap the red and tuck it in the back of the box. Connect the white to white and the yellow to the black. That should do it. When you said the light came on with the switch off that told me you had it wired to a constant hot. When you said the breaker tripped when you flipped the switch that told me you had a switch leg connected to the ground. Dead short. Attach the green wire to any bare wire in the box, the box itself or to the bracket the light mounts to.
  29. QUESTION: How to install ceiling light fixture? There are 6 wires coming down from the ceiling: 3 white, 3 black, no ground anywhere in sight. The light fixture has 2 whites and 2 black and a ground. How do I wire this up?
    • ANSWER: all black go in black and all white go in white and green or empty wire go in metal ground you do not need ground
  30. QUESTION: How do I install a new light fixture with old wiring? My old wiring for the original light in the bathroom (which has only one switch) on the wall consists of 3 sets of wires coming out through the box. -one with a brown, a black, a ground (bare), and a red wire -other 2 have a ground (bare), a black, and a brown. all grounds are connected to the box in the wall. How can I install my new light fixture which consists of a white, a black, and a ground?
    • ANSWER: Connect your ground to the other ground wires in the box. What you are calling brown is most likely the neutral (white) that has aged and discolored. Twist and cap the neutrals together. The black and the red are both hot - so one of them is extra unless it was used for 220v - so cap off the red. and attache the blacks to the light fixture. I know that doesn't look right, but here is why it works. The 4 wire coming into the light box is feeding the power (that 4th wire -red- could have been used to feed another circuit, but is not needed for this light) if you hooked the black to black and white to white of the light fixture it would always be on. Those 3 wires are going to the switch - so you connect the whites - that sends that neutral side of the circuit down through the switch - but you have to get it back up to the light - the only wire to do that is the black which you connect to the neutral side of the fixture.
  31. QUESTION: What type of lighting fixture (strobe light) that is required by FAA to install on top of high rise building? what type is strobe light installed on top of high rise building that required by FAA
    • ANSWER: They are called obstruction beacons. There are FAA requirements that dictate whether they flash or not. Obviously, the closer a structure is to an airport, the more stringent the requirements are on whether the building needs obstruction beacons or not.
  32. QUESTION: How do you retrofit existing stage lights to LED Stage Lighting fixture? I'm in charge of the lights at a community theatre. We are trying to save some money, and I want to install LED Stage Lighting fixture from http://www.stage-lights.com/ProductsType/LED-Stage-Lighting.htm However, I haven't been able to find any that would fit our fixtures, or would be able to be turned in the correct direction (all that I've been able to find point up, not towards the reflector or towards the stage). We have standard Fresnel and Source 4's.
    • ANSWER: I don't think you can adapt old lights to LED. Basically the old lights are designed for the light to be coming from one point. The filament of the bulb. Which is then focused through the lens by the reflector. LED lamps are basically a bunch of little bulbs so there is no single source of light. LEDs are also designed with there own little lenses to focus the light. So if you want to switch you will need to buy all new lights. I suggest you do a lot more research and actually talk to a person at the companies that make the lights.
  33. QUESTION: how to install hanging light fixture with no color code wiring? we bought a hanging light fixture. as per instructions, black house wire should be connected to black fixture wire and white with white. But the fixtures wire is the same white color.
    • ANSWER: If the wire in the fixture is all white, you can connect either to the black and then connect the other to the white. I have that on a light fixture that is at the top of one of my ceiling fans, and it works great. Hope this helps.
  34. QUESTION: How do I install a new light fixture? I need to installing a new ceiling light in the living room. There is an existing single switch on the wall that operates some track lighting in the kitchen. Can I convert this into a double switch and have the other switch operate the ceiling light? If so, what tools do I need to do the whole operation? What kind of romex wire do I need? I tried searching online but the tutorials weren't that good and I couldn't find anything about the double switch.
    • ANSWER: You should have your living room switch in that room not the kitchen( not sure but code may require it) so if they are shared walls why not cut out for a single switch on the opposite side of the kitchen switch they make different retrofit boxes for your application
  35. QUESTION: How to Install Ceiling Light Fixture? The wires in my ceiling don't match the colours of the light fixture. The wires in the ceiling are white, green, red, and one small single orange wire. How do I connect these with the bare copper ground, black and white wires from the light?
    • ANSWER: you'll need to test the orange and black to locate your switch leg if you have one ,green is always ground white is neutral black is 120v. orange is should no be there,it is high voltage color (brown orange yellow gray neutral) it may be used as switch leg voltmeter test is best...be sure to turn power off when installing after you find which wire is 120v.
  36. QUESTION: How much should I pay someone to install a light fixture in NYC? I'm posting an ad on CL and I want to know how much to offer per hour.
    • ANSWER: i would pay about 20 that is what i paid here in florida
  37. QUESTION: how to install a flushmount light fixture.? I allready have lightbulbs in the ceiling with light coming out of them and everything but there is no fixture over it. It is so bright so i found one at lowes that is a flushmount I want to know how to install it.please
    • ANSWER: turn off the breaker to it so there is no power running to the cicuit take down old fixture there will be two or three wires 1 black 1 white 1 green connected with wire nuts unscrew these reattach wires from new fixure make sure you have good connections remount fixture turn on power if unsure of yourself call electrition
  38. QUESTION: is it hard to install a light fixture. I have taken the old one off but I have no experience on how to do this can anyone help me.
    • ANSWER: Try here------- http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/home-electrical-lighting Best of luck
  39. QUESTION: Can I use the wiring for a bathroom fan to install a light fixture instead? How do I find out and how do I convert it if it's not the right wiring?
    • ANSWER: The wiring comes as a black, a white and a ground or green. Yes, you can convert it. Connect the ground, then the white (neutral) finally the hot (black). Make sure the switch is off before you connect it. You asked only about the wiring?
  40. QUESTION: Should I install a light fixture without a ground wire? My wife recently purchased an antique light from the 1920's which I want to replace with a newer one in my 7 year old house. Should I be concerned if this light (because of its age) does not have a ground wire?
    • ANSWER: If you have a green or bare wire at the fixture...Attach it to the fixture frame...If not it will work without it.....Be cautious of the old wiring in the fixture..The insulation could be rotten because of the fixtures age...l.l
  41. QUESTION: What is the best way to install sheetrock on ceiling and cut the holes out for light fixture? What is the best way to install sheetrock on ceiling and cut the holes out for light fixture? Do you install sheetrock and screw it down away from light fixture then cut out the hole with sheetrock on ceiling?
    • ANSWER: I install the sheet with 4 or 6 screws, then cut out the holes with a rotozip. Before I install the sheet, I mark out the location of the center of the hole. It's relatively easy to use the zip and end up with a neat hole for the light. Hope this helps.
  42. QUESTION: How do you install a light fixture in a bedroom?
    • ANSWER: Make sure the power is turned off before you do anything.What you do depends on if you are replacing an existing fixture or putting in a new. If it is a replacement unscrew it from the wall and carefully note how it is wired.Even making a drawing before unscrewing the wires.Replace the old with the new screwing the wires in as per your drawing .Screw the fixture back onto the wall. Turn the power back on.If in doubt or if you are putting in a new one ask an electrician.
  43. QUESTION: how to install a light fixture? I have a 3-wire light fixture to install on a ceiling. The 3 colours are white, black, and copper ground. On the wall outlet box, there are also 3 wires: black, white and blue. I attach the wires (black-black), white-white, copper, blue. everything works fine when the circuit breaker is flipped on (the light switch was left on). When I go to turn off the light, the circuit breaker trips and the ground wire becomes scorching hot. What is happening?
    • ANSWER: sounds like you may have a three way switch in the wall. when you flip it up it makes the black hot, when you flip it down it makes the blue hot. cap off the blue wire with a wire nut and attach the bare ground from the junction box if the box is metal. if its plastic and you can't find a ground wire coming into the box to connect to then just roll it up in the box because it's not going to do any good connected to a plastic box. if you want to test it you can connect the black wire coming from the light to the blue wire in the box. if the light comes on when the switch is down the you have a three way switch. another way you can do it is take the switch out of the box and take loose the blue wire that is connected to the bare ground up in the light box and connect it to a ground in the switch box.
  44. QUESTION: is it against building codes to install gas lighting in a home ? i've seen that home in the late 19th century and early 20th century used gas light fixture to light their homes. would it be possible to install gas lighting in my house ? or would it be against building codes in California. thanks -Phil
    • ANSWER: Wow good question, I was wondering this too when I seen my first gas light indoors, but it wasn't a working one. But here is a site to answer a few questions. http://gaslightguys.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/interior-gas-lights/
  45. QUESTION: Installing light fixture on old work box but there is insulation right behind the wall? There is a junction box in the ceiling but i'm installing a new light fixture (one that can't be used as a box) so I went to install the old work box and there is insulation right behind the wall. Is it okay for there to be insulation packed against the old work box? Just trying not to burn my house down. Thanks guys! the "old work box" is like a junction box and made for installing light fixtures on existing drywall so i'm just looking for help with the insulation being behind the wall where i want to install it
    • ANSWER: As long as the wires are spliced in the box and not exposed to insulation, you will be OK. The major concern is heat build up, if this is reasonably safe no problem go ahead
  46. QUESTION: What kind of lighting fixture would i use for this? I have a vanity in my room but there is no lighting above it so its really hard to do my hair and stuff. I have a round mirror above my vanity and i need some kind of good source of light to put above it. I have looked at pictures and i cant find any light fixtures that you can just like stick on the wall because there is no wiring or anything there to install a light. Please help(:
    • ANSWER: get a china ball and socket kit from IKEA. Put a hook in the ceiling, and hang it from that. Put a 100W light bulb in it, if the fixture is rated to handle it. This will be super cheap and effective, producing a soft, flattering light. Use additional hooks or buy cable staples to secure the cable to the wall, if desired.
  47. QUESTION: i am trying to install a light fixture that has six wires but only two are coming out of the ceiling? the fixture that i got has two black wires (that says unswitched hot), one orange( that also say hot), two green and a copper wire. also one white wire. so there is a total of 7 wires.
    • ANSWER: Oh lord. Well what can one say but the obvious,so i will take the quicke. Well tie the blacks and orange together,white to white copper and green wires are ground wires,enuff said
  48. QUESTION: How do I install a ceiling fixture where there's no existing fixture? My home has light switches installed in the bedrooms, but no light fixtures. How would I go about finding the wires in the ceiling? Once I do, is there anything I should know? Everything that I see online pertains to replacing fixtures which I've done before but nothing about starting from scratch.
    • ANSWER: The switches probably go to outlets for lamps. You would need to run power into the attic, it could be complicated and you may well need an electrician, unless you want to research it all well enough to know what you are doing so you don't burn down the house. It seems that you could rewire the switched outlets in circuit with the other outlets and run new wire from the switch up through the wall into the attic and over to the spot you want your fixture, put in cross bracing on the wood running across and install a box through the ceiling that you can run your wires through and then hook up the fixture. Kind of advanced if you don't really know what you are doing. Good luck
  49. QUESTION: Installing light fixture into wooden beam? I have a wire running through an all wooden beam, I would like to install a light fixture. I know how to connect a light fixture my only concern is the wire sitting on wood. Do I have to somehow install a box, if so my concern is that the drilling is right in the middle of the beam, the beam is a direct support for the roof. All suggestions are appreciated, would really prefer suggestions from someone I can communicate back with. Thanks!
    • ANSWER: some fixtures are direct mount with no box needed, you make up the wires in the fixture itself. You can otherwise buy adapter plates so that you don't have to drill in the middle, just be sure to pre-drill your holes for the wood not to split.
  50. QUESTION: Scott was watching the electrician install a new light fixture? Scott noticed that when he was finished, he carefully wrapped some wires with plastic caps and black plastic tape. Select the best explanation of why the electrician would wrap electrical wires with plastic products. The electrical wires are made of metal, which conducts electricity. In order to make the wiring safe, he would wrap the exposed wire with plastic materials, which are good insulators. This keeps the flow of electricity contained to the light fixture and wiring. The electrical wires are made of metal, which is a good insulator. The plastic caps and tape are good conductors. This combination will limit the flow of electricity to only the light, the wires, and the home circuit. It will not allow any electricity to flow elsewhere. The electrical wiring is made of metal, a conductor. In order for the electrical current to flow properly, the electrician would need to place plastic materials, which are good conductors, at the ends of the wires. It is important to practice good safety measures when dealing with electricity. The plastic caps and tape are good conductors and will prevent someone from getting shocked. a b c d
    • ANSWER: D

Monday, October 22, 2012

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