Recessed lighting can provide a modern, polished look to any room. These unique lighting fixtures can be perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and many other locations. However, they can be a bit tricky to deal with when it comes time to replace the light bulb.
How do you carefully replace a bulb in a recessed fixture? In this guide from the electricians at Kolb Electric, we’ll go over the steps so you can handle the task quickly and easily when you need to replace an old light bulb.
1. Choose the right lamp
Only certain types of light bulbs will work in recessed lighting fixtures. These lights are designed to fill a recessed area and provide a seamless look to fixtures. The common light bulb you use in a lamp may look odd in a recessed fixture. When purchasing new bulbs, be sure to purchase bulbs designed for recessed lighting fixtures.
2. Turn off the power
When you change any light bulb in your home, be sure to turn off the light switch before starting. For added safety, you can turn off the circuit for the light to ensure that no power flows anywhere near the wires.
3. Wait for the bulb to cool down
Touching a hot light bulb can cause serious burns and handling the bulb may result in breakage. Do not change the bulb until the light has been off for at least 10 minutes. This allows the existing lamp to cool before handling.
4. Remove the housing
Recessed lights often have a housing unit that contains the bulb and wiring. These cans will likely need to be removed before the light bulb. Carefully loosen or unscrew the cap and set it aside before attempting to remove the lamp.
5. Remove the old lamp
Once the old bulb has cooled, remove it from the socket. Turn the bulb to the left to loosen it until it is loose. Get rid of the old lamp because it will not be possible to use it again.
6. Install the new lamp
Screw the new bulb into the socket. Make sure the bulb is securely attached and not loose at all.
7. Replace housing
Carefully replace the light fixture housing after installing the light bulb. You may need to mount or mount the frame, depending on the model or light fixture you have.
8. Turn the power back on
Once the new bulb is in place and the housing is back in place, turn on the light to make sure it is working. If you turn off the circuit, be sure to turn it back on at the circuit breaker. With the new bulb in place, the bulb should light properly when you turn on the light switch.
Frequently asked questions about recessed lighting
What if recessed lights don’t have any housing?
If a recessed light bulb does not have a housing, changing a light bulb is just like changing any other light bulb. Simply remove the bulb and install a new one.
How do you remove recessed lighting with spring clips?
You can remove the spring clips by carefully reaching into the recessed light housing, preferably wearing gloves. This may make it easier to capture and output clips.
Are there any safety considerations for replacing recessed lights?
There are several safety considerations when replacing recessed lights. Make sure you have a stable ladder and that you feel comfortable at that height. You should also make sure that the power supply is not turned on and that you have waited for the lamp to cool down. In addition, it may be helpful to have someone else nearby so you can hand things off to them without having to go up and down the stairs multiple times.
Choose Kolb Electric for professional lighting services
For nearly 100 years, Kolb Electric has been a trusted source for residential and commercial lighting services in the DMV area. Our family-owned and operated company provides 24/7 emergency service, expert repairs, complete installations, and more. Turn to us when you want advance pricing, special offers, and financing options.
Take good care of your entire electrical system with Kolb Electric! Contact us now to schedule electrical services.
