Monday, September 14, 2009

Replace Indoor Floodlight Bulbs In The Ceiling

Track lighting and recessed ceiling lights sometimes use floodlight bulbs instead of standard bulbs. Floodlight bulbs offer more light in a concentrated area. Most indoor floodlight bulbs screw into a socket much the way a standard bulb does, although some have pins, similar to a side marker bulb for a car. When replacing indoor floodlight bulbs in the ceiling, it is a good idea to remove the old one first. This helps to ensure that you purchase the correct size and type of floodlight for your ceiling fixture.


Instructions


1. Find the circuit breaker to the lighting system inside your home's electrical panel box, and turn the circuit breaker to the "Off" position. Place a stepladder or a step stool under the ceiling fixture so you can reach the floodlight bulb comfortably without overstretching.








2. Remove any trim from the fixture, if you are replacing a floodlight bulb in a recessed ceiling fixture. The trim either has screws, requiring a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them, or simply turns counterclockwise until the connecting tabs release. If you're working on track lighting, position the fixture so it is pointing straight down.


3. Turn the floodlight bulb counterclockwise with your fingers until it completely unscrews from the light socket. Some floodlights use two pins instead of screwing into a socket. If the bulb stops once you turn it counterclockwise a quarter-turn, pull the bulb down slightly. Pin connectors will release without much effort.


4. Replace the floodlight bulb with one that is the same size and has the same connection. Push the pin-type floodlight bulb into the socket and turn the bulb clockwise until it locks in place. If you have the standard screw-in-type floodlight, twist it clockwise until it stops.


5. Reconnect any trim pieces either by twisting them back into the fixture or reattaching them with retaining screws. Turn the circuit breaker back to the "On" position once you finish.

Tags: floodlight bulb, ceiling fixture, circuit breaker, into socket, clockwise until, floodlight bulbs, recessed ceiling