The fluorescent lighting industry has seen a lot of innovation resulting in more energy-efficient lighting sources that are affordable and last longer. The most common fixtures are tube fixtures. The older tube fixtures use T-12-sized lamps, which are not as efficient as newer T-8 and T-5 fluorescent tube lights. Use T-8 or T-5 fixtures to update fluorescent kitchen lighting and do yourself, your wallet and the environment a favor.
Instructions
1. Shop around at home improvement stores in your area and look at the fluorescent kitchen light fixtures that are available. Buy the fixture that you like the most.
2. Cut the power to the existing light fixtures in your kitchen that you are replacing. Large kitchens may be powered using more than one circuit, so be sure the correct circuit is shut off.
3. Remove the old light fixture and disconnect the wiring. The wiring is most likely connected using wire nuts to keep the wires together. Unscrew the wire nuts and set them aside for later use.
4. Hang the new light fixture without tightening the fasteners securely. Pass the electrical wiring through the light fixture so the ballast wires can be connected together. Fasten the light fixture securely against the ceiling.
5. Connect the fixture (ballast) wiring to the house wiring using the wire nuts from the previous fixture. Connections should be made according to the manufacturer’s wiring instructions. These may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
6. Attach the light fixture cover one side at a time. The cover simply hangs in place without any special fasteners. Turn the power to the circuit back on and test the light fixture.
Tags: , fluorescent kitchen, wire nuts, fixture ballast, fluorescent kitchen lighting, kitchen lighting