Recessed lighting can provide a modern and polished look for any room. These unique light fixtures can be perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and many other locations. However, they can be a bit tough to deal with when it’s time to replace the lightbulb.
How do you carefully replace a lightbulb in a recessed fixture? In this guide from the electricians at Kolb Electric, we’ll go over the steps so you can tackle the job quickly and easily whenever you need to swap out an old lightbulb.
1. Choose the Right Lightbulb
Only certain types of lightbulbs will work in a recessed light fixture. These bulbs are designed to fill the recessed area and provide a seamless look for the fixture. A common lightbulb you would use in a lamp would look odd in a recessed fixture. When buying new bulbs, be sure to purchase ones that are designed for recessed light fixtures.
2. Shut Off the Power
Whenever you change any lightbulb in your home, be sure to turn off the power at the light switch before starting. For additional safety, you could turn off the circuit for the light to ensure no power flows anywhere near the wiring.
3. Wait for the Bulb To Cool
Touching a hot lightbulb can cause serious burns, and handling the bulb could lead to breakage. Don’t change the bulb until the light fixture has been off for at least 10 minutes. This allows the current bulb to cool off before handling.
4. Remove the Housing
Recessed lights often have a housing unit that holds the bulb and wiring. These housings will likely need to be removed before the lightbulb. Carefully unscrew or unclip the housing and put it aside before trying to take out the bulb.
5. Remove the Old Lightbulb
Once the old bulb has cooled off, remove it from the socket. Turn the bulb to the left to unscrew it until it becomes loose. Toss out the old bulb as it won’t be able to be used again.
6. Install the New Bulb
Screw the new lightbulb into the socket. Make sure that the bulb is screwed in tightly and not loose at all.
7. Replace the Housing
Carefully reinstall the light fixture housing after the lightbulb is installed. You may need to clip or screw in the housing, depending on the style or recessed light fixture you have.
8. Turn the Power Back On
Once the new lightbulb is in place and the housing is back in position, turn the light on to ensure it works. If you turned off the circuit, be sure to turn it back on at the circuit breaker. With the new lightbulb in place, the bulb should illuminate right when you turn on the light switch.
Recessed Lighting FAQs
What if my recessed lights don’t have any housing?
If the recessed light doesn’t have housing, then changing the lightbulb is similar to changing any other lightbulb. Simply unscrew the bulb and screw a new one in.
How do you remove recessed lighting with spring clips?
You can unclip the spring clips by carefully reaching into the recessed lighting housing, preferably wearing gloves. This can make it easier to grab the clips and take them out.
Are there any safety considerations to replacing recessed lights?
There are several safety considerations when replacing recessed lights. Make sure you have a steady ladder and that you feel comfortable at that height. You should also make sure the power to the light isn’t on and that you’ve waited for the bulb to cool down. Additionally, it can be helpful to have a second person nearby so that you can hand things off to them without having to climb up and down a ladder multiple times.
Choose Kolb Electric for Professional Lighting Services
For nearly 100 years, Kolb Electric has been a reliable source of residential and commercial lighting services in the DMV region. Our family-owned and -operated business provides 24/7 emergency service, expert repairs, complete installations, and much more. Turn to us when you want upfront pricing, special deals, and financing options.
Take great care of your entire electrical system with Kolb Electric! Contact us now to schedule electrical services.
