A quick guide to changing fluorescent light bulbs | Magna (2024)
Lots of our customers ask us about what to do when their fluorescent lights start to flicker or don’t work. We have put together this handy guide for you.
There are 2 types of fluorescent lights typically found in our customers’ homes. A long thin light generally in kitchens and enclosed round lights generally found in a bathroom.
While you can find lightbulbs, fluorescent tubes and starter motors in most DIY stores the easiest and often cheapest way to get them is online.
We hope the diagrams and instructions below are helpful.
If the light is flickering then it is most probably the starter that needs replacing. If the light is shimmering or very dim then it is most probably the fluorescent tube (lightbulb) that needs replacing.
Both of these things are really easy for most people to replace and generally we ask customers to do this themselves. If you can’t do it yourself then a friend or family member may be able to help you. However, in certain circ*mstances we can help so contact us if you need us.
Turn off the light. Press in the starter, then turn it anti-clockwise (a quarter turn) and pull out. You can then take this to most electrical retailers to buy a replacement. Then simply replace following the same method but turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
To replace the tube
Turn off the light. Unclip the diffuser (if it has one) and then grip one end of the tube and push towards the other end which will release it from the connectors. Measure the tube and wattage to buy a replacement. Follow the same instructions to replace the tube.
If you have an enclosed bathroom light which looks like this picture, then you will need a Phillips screwdriver (crosshead) and a 2D light bulb which you will find in most electrical retailers DIY shops or online.
To replace the bulb
The casing has 3 screws holding it in place, unscrew all 3 and take off the casing. Remove the old 2D light bulb and replace with the new. Simply refix the casing by screwing back in all the screws.
If the screws appear to be triangular in shape please call us on 0800 358 6025 who will help you.
Turn off the light.Press in the starter, then turn it anti-clockwise (a quarter turn) and pull out. You can then take this to most electrical retailers to buy a replacement. Then simply replace following the same method but turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
T8 will have one-inch diameter, the T5 will have a 5/8 diameter, and a T12 will have 12/8 inch or 1.5 inch diameter. If T8 and T12 have the same bi-pin base, then you can use the bulbs interchangeably using the same fixture just as long as you check the milliamp requirements for the ballast.
To remove the light cover you will push up, then move to the side to unhook.Lower the side that is unhooked and move the cover as far to the other side as you can.Unhook the last side and pull down the light cover.
When a ballast starts failing, it will typically buzz or causes the bulbs to flicker. These issues can sometimes happen while it is operating as expected, so it's important to check the equipment before assuming a replacement is necessary.
LED T8 lights can be housed in lighting fixtures that accommodate T8 fluorescent bulbs, as their size is the same. The only differences are in the light produced.
Take the tube out and clean the pins at each end with fine steel wool. Brush dust out of sockets, then reseat firmly. If the tube still blinks when the light is turned on, wiggle it a few times while the light is on to see if this cures the problem.
T8 LED lamps which are not direct-wire compatible (with ballast) will require a T8 ballast to operate, so unless the T12 ballast in the T12 fixture is replaced with a T8 ballast, a non-direct-wire compatible T8 LED lamp will not work in a T12 fixture.
In general, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LEDs anywhere, as long as you pay attention to the right replacement. Because from the external appearance, the two light sources are very similar. You can find mechanically suitable LED tube for all types of fluorescent tubes.
Replace the CFL with a plug-and-play LED. A plug-and-play LED is a lamp with the same base that can also run off the ballast. To use a plug-and-play LED, first verify the base of the CFL. You will need to purchase an equivalent with either two pins or four pins.
The instant-start has a characteristic, rounded, single pin, for plugging into the spring-loaded socket holders. Instant start fluorescent tubes were invented in 1944. Instant start simply uses a high enough voltage to break down the gas column and thereby start arc conduction.
What's the difference between a 2 pin and a 4 pin? Apart from the obvious extra 2 pins, the 4 pin and 2 pin lamps are slightly different in the fact that they have different types of control gears. The 4 pin LED 2D lamps have a electronic control gear whereas the 2 pin LED 2D lamps have a magnetic control gear.
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