Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Remove the lamp
• Method 2 of 4: Replace a regular lamp
• Method 3 of 4: Replace a lamp that is more difficult to reach
• Method 4 of 4: Dispose of the old lamp
• Tips
• Warnings

Replacing a bulb sounds easy, and luckily it usually is. However, there are important safety precautions that you must adhere to. Sometimes you will have to replace a more difficult lamp. For example, it may be that the lamp is located high on a sloping roof or that it is the interior lighting of your car.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Remove the lamp

1. Make sure the electricity is turned off. This is always a good idea when you are going to do something with electricity and lamps. Why not be on the safe side?
   • Check in advance to which group the lamp in question is connected. Then switch off the relevant group in your meter cupboard. You can also turn off all groups, but be aware that you will then have no electricity at all.
   • If the lamp has a plug, unplug it before replacing the lamp. Otherwise you run the risk of getting a shock. Always be careful with electricity.
2. Take other precautions. There are some other things to keep in mind, especially if the lamp is hanging from a high ceiling.
   • Let the bulb cool down before unscrewing it. If the lamp was on recently, it will feel hot and you could burn your fingers.
   • If the lamp is in a ceiling light, do not stand on an unstable chair or similar. Use a sturdy household ladder so that you can reach the lamp without falling.
   • Instead of a household ladder, you can also buy a special tool in the form of an extendable pole to replace very high lamps. This is often more safe than using a ladder. Don't forget that you can always hire someone. You shouldn't need any other tools to replace a lamp.

Method 2 of 4: Replace a regular lamp

1. Remove the bulb from the socket. If it is a lamp that is easy to reach, the process is quite straightforward. The fitting can differ per lamp.
   • If the lamp has a bayonet socket, which is often the case with spotlights, hold the lamp gently but firmly, then push it and turn the lamp counterclockwise. The bulb should now come out of the socket. This type of fitting has two long teeth.
   • If the bulb has a screw base, which is the case with most bulbs, gently turn the bulb counterclockwise. The bulb should then come loose and you can remove it from the socket.
   • If the bulb of the lamp comes loose from the screw thread, you will need pliers to remove the screw thread from the fitting. Make sure the electricity is turned off, then disconnect the threads.
2. Insert a new bulb. To place the new lamp in the fitting, turn the lamp clockwise. Remember: counterclockwise to loosen the bulb, clockwise to tighten the bulb.
   • The lamp clicks into place or you have to turn it a little more until it locks. How this works depends on the fitting. Do not overtighten the lamp or it may break. If you have a lamp with a bayonet fitting, you will have to hold the pins on the lamp exactly right in front of the openings in the fitting. Push the bulb into the socket and then turn it clockwise upwards.
   • If you have a bulb with a screw-on socket, just put it in the socket and turn it. It is usually a good idea to use a bulb with the same wattage as the old bulb, unless you want a softer or brighter light.
   • Look at the text on the fitting or fixture to find the maximum watts / amps. Make sure the lamp is not stronger than the fixture can handle (check the packaging or ask the manufacturer).
   • Press the light button so you know when to stop spinning. Stop spinning when the light comes on.

Method 3 of 4: Replace a lamp that is more difficult to reach

1. Replace a lamp in a ceiling lamp. You have probably seen these lamps. They are screwed to the ceiling. To replace the lamp, you usually have to loosen the screws that hold the glass or plastic cover over the lamp. Usually the hood is attached to the frame with two or three screws. Loosen the screws with a screwdriver.
   • Now carefully remove the cover from the frame. Some ceiling lamps have grooves to hold the shade. In this case, push the shade up slightly, turn it and then pull it down. The hood will then come off. You may have to push the cover into a groove and then pull it down.
   • If the hood is not screwed on, you can loosen it with your hands. Remove the cover with rubber gloves to increase friction. Some ceiling lights are attached to the frame with metal clips. Pull one of the clips so that you can release the cover. Some glass ceiling lights have a nut in the center that you must loosen to remove the cover.
   • If you have a ceiling light with a metal rim, you should be able to unscrew the metal rim with your hands. You may have to loosen the metal edge first. Sometimes people paint too close to the edge, so that paint dries between the metal edge and the lamp shade. Turn the brim up slightly and then turn it counterclockwise after loosening. You can use a flat-head screwdriver or a knife for this. Be careful.
2. Replace a lamp on a high ceiling. What if the lamp is located on a high and sloping roof? And what if it concerns a recessed lamp? Some people have a ceiling of five meters.
   • Go to a hardware store or search the internet and buy an extendable pole especially for lamp replacement. This is a long stick with which you can replace lamps at a great height. You can get very high with it.
   • Hold the suction cup against the hole. Attach the string to the side of the suction cup so that you can detach the suction cup from the lamp.
   • This works for recessed lights. With the stick you can hold the suction cup against the lamp, so that it stays in place. Extend the stick until you can reach the lamp. Hold the suction cup against the lamp. Unscrew the bulb and carefully remove it from the socket. Pull the string to remove the bulb.
   • Attach a new bulb to the end of the suction cup, then attach it to the stick. Place the lamp in the recessed lamp. Tighten it and pull the string to reduce the suction.
3. Replace your car's interior lighting. It shouldn't take much time to replace the bulb that lights up your car. You can probably do this yourself.
   • Remove the cover from the lamp. You may need a screwdriver for this as some caps are secured with two screws. In other cases, you can pry the cover off with a flat-head screwdriver.
   • Hold the screwdriver opposite the light switch. Push the cover and the cover should snap loose. Unscrew the bulb from the socket. Turn in a new lamp (ask advice from a car supplies store to buy the right lamp).Click or screw the cover back into place.

Method 4 of 4: Dispose of the old lamp

1. Dispose of the lamp safely. Be aware that lamps are very fragile and therefore cannot be thrown away in the trash or return bin. If the lamp breaks, someone could cut themselves on the shards.
   • Put the old lamp in the packaging with the new lamp before disposing of it. You can also wrap the old lamp in a newspaper or an old magazine.
   • Dispose of the lamp where children cannot reach it. You can hand in energy-saving lamps and LED lamps at the recycling center or in a return bin in the store. Incandescent lamps and halogen lamps belong to the residual waste and may be disposed of in the rubbish bin.

Tips

• Be very careful when working with glass as it can get very hot.
• Consider the environment and use energy-saving lamps or LED lamps.

Warnings

• Dispose of energy-saving lamps properly.
• If the lamp has just gone out, it may be hot. Quickly touch the lamp a few times with your fingertip to see if it is cold enough to handle.
• Do not use a lamp with a higher wattage than the maximum amount stated on the fixture. This shall pose a fire hazard. If in doubt, contact an electrician.