Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Okay, this might sound like a stupid question but I honestly don't know so thought it safer to ask. I am wanting to change out the 45" flourescent bulbs that run the length of the light in the kitchen. Here's the question..... do I have to turn the power off at the fuse box or can I just take them out and change them like a normal light bulb, without turning off the power? I know I have to turn the light switch off..... I'm talking here about the power in the fuse box. Thank you. Konfused Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jefleppard 1 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 i'll be right over! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jefleppard 1 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 really though. not neccessary to cut the power, just rotate them (if they're hot, use gloves) til the pins at each end line up with the gold brackets that hold them. then the tube should come right out rather effortlessly. reverse the instructions when putting the new one in. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flight959 145 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 really though. not neccessary to cut the power' date=' just rotate them (if they're hot, use gloves) til the pins at each end line up with the gold brackets that hold them. then the tube should come right out rather effortlessly. reverse the instructions when putting the new one in.[/quote'] +1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChanMan 289 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 +1 should be a piece of cake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ksdaddy 546 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Coincidentally the fluorescent bulb over the kitchen sink has been flickering for a couple days and I thought I had a replacement (turned out to be the wrong size, 18" vs. 24") but I figured I'd clean the tube and pins before putting it back in. The tube was filthy and there's always the chance the pins' connection was weak, so I washed and scrubbed. Then I had to put the*&@^^$## back in. The fixture is hidden behind a plywood valance of sorts so I was feeling my way around. I got a little 110v tickle a time or two. Each time that happened I said, "Fudge, I must be more careful!". Oh G-Girl, listen: Not sure of how your fluoresent tube arrangement is.... if they're single (one tube per fixture) then go ahead and change one at a time, but if they're two or four side by side, save yourself some headache and replace all of them at once; at least all of the ones in the same fixture. I have a 4-tube one over my workbench and replace them all four at once; seems like they last longer and the light is more consistent. I could be completely full of it but it seems to work out better in the end, kinda like replacing all 4 tires on the car or all 6 strings on the guitar! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jefleppard 1 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 a damsel in distress is a lovely thing but would be much nicer within a 10k radius of my house!:P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 LOL Thank you everyone for the quick replies. I'm a bit nervous but I installed two drapery rods today all by my lonesome so this is my next project. If you don't hear from me again you'll know something went horribly wrong LOL Cunk, thank you for the detailed instructions..... mighty helpful as I have not done this before. Ksdaddy, I was thinking the same thing. I have two big oak light boxes in my kitchen with 8 tubes needed, so I just bought 8 tubes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChanMan 289 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Hey can I have Magic if anything... uh... I mean... GOD forBID ... well... you know... /sigh... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Hey can I have Magic if anything... uh... I mean... GOD forBID ... well... you know... /sigh... Sure! Can I have that one in your avatar if I outlive you? (This is highly unlikely, btw, as I am old) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
guitarstrummer 503 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Sure! Can I have that one in your avatar if I outlive you? (This is highly unlikely' date=' btw, as I am old)[/quote'] Hey, wait a minute. I thought you said I could have Magic???? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Okay, Magic goes to the first person who can get these PITA bulbs in LOL I FINALLY got one in and it's flickering..... should it do that? It's also supposed to be warm white but it's got a blue hue to it. Drapery rods were much easier! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Okay, (panting) I think I got it. It's hard to be in two places at the same time (at both ends of the bulb). It's not flickering anymore. I got a serious sliver and stucco in my eyes. Two down, six to go! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChanMan 289 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Okay' date=' (panting) I think I got it. It's hard to be in two places at the same time (at both ends of the bulb). It's not flickering anymore. I got a serious sliver and stucco in my eyes. Two down, six to go![/quote'] ouch! Safety glasses? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SRV-Zeppelin 0 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Go karen go! Go Karen go! Go Karen go!.... ...perhaps this should be an Olympic sport?... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 Go karen go! Go Karen go! Go Karen go!.... ...perhaps this should be an Olympic sport?... LOL I have a renewed appreciation for what electricians do (or anyone else who has to do this haha) ChanMan, safety goggles? I do have them..... I use them when I'm peeling/cutting up onions! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChanMan 289 Report post Posted October 6, 2008 LOL I have a renewed appreciation for what electricians do (or anyone else who has to do this haha) ChanMan' date=' safety goggles? I do have them..... I use them when I'm peeling/cutting up onions![/quote'] yeah... uh... right.... /chuckle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flight959 145 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 Dont forget ladies, There is a little starter fuse in the side of most tube light fittings. Its a litttle round thing that just turns and comes out. That can prevent a bulb from lighting causing it to flicker.... Flight959 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gearbasher 18 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 No light bulb jokes, yet? We must be slipping. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
guitarstrummer 503 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 No light bulb jokes' date=' yet?We must be slipping.[/quote'] Nope. Most of us know GG. I'm quite sure she would hunt you down and do harmful things to you if you joked about her changing a light bulb. LOL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gearbasher 18 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 I've already been subjected to her wrath. Or the subject of? As far as physical harm...I can't be hurtin' much more than I'm hurtin' now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jefleppard 1 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 gb! i can't believe i missed that opportunity, either! i must be slipping. but in canada, its the newfies (natives of newfoundland) that bear the brunt of all the "how many_____ does it take to ___ a ___?" jokes. (sounds like the newlywed game). i dont think albertans get the same ire. btw, just yesterday, an newfoundland-born friend of mine was driving down the road and saw a sign that said "lobster tail and beer". he thought, geesh, i better pull in! those are my three favourite things! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 GB, when were you the subject of my wrath? I've always been quite supportive of your problems with women (insert winking smilie here) Cunk, here's my fav newfie commercial...... have you seen it? Added note: I can't believe you guys would kick me when I'm down (light bulb jokes). I've got a big sliver in my left thumb, stucco in my eyes, and dead bugs in my hair from that whole event. I think I've suffered enough. :-D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Deadhead 0 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 I've been a liscensed Electricin for 30 years. Turn the switch off before changing the lamps. If it has a starter change it with the proper one, Fs-2, FS-4, etc.Make sure the lamps twist in and seat completely. After changing the lamps, if they flicker or still won't light, you need to call an Electrician to make repairs as there is a transformer called a ballast inside the fixture that is possibly bad. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gilliangirl 56 Report post Posted October 7, 2008 I've been a liscensed Electricin for 30 years. Turn the switch off before changing the lamps. If it has a starter change it with the proper one' date=' Fs-2, FS-4, etc.Make sure the lamps twist in and seat completely. After changing the lamps, if they flicker or still won't light, you need to call an Electrician to make repairs as there is a transformer called a ballast inside the fixture that is possibly bad.[/quote']Thanks OD.... they seem to be working okay, despite my glaringly obvious lack of expertise. The only thing that's not working today is my right shoulder from keeping my arm suspended in the air for too long last night while I changed out 8 bulbs! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
