How many homeowners does it take to change a light bulb? One person should suffice, but it wouldn’t hurt to know how to properly replace a light bulb. This guide will teach you how to do the light bulb replacement yourself, along with some safety tips.

Steps in Changing a Light Bulb

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly – and safely – replace any light bulb in your home:

1. Shut off the power in the lighting fixture.

You don’t have to go to the main electrical panel to turn off the power all over the house. All you need to do is either turn off the breaker where the lighting receptacle is, or turn the light switch off.

2. Let the bulb cool down before handling.

Some bulbs – especially incandescent lamps and other old models – tend to heat up when they’re lighted up. As soon as you switch the power off, wait a couple of minutes before touching the bulb.

Although LED lamps aren’t too hot to the touch even when turned on, it wouldn’t hurt to be on the safe side when handling hot bulbs.

3. Use a secure platform when replacing overhead bulbs

Never attempt to replace ceiling lamps while standing on a rickety chair! Make sure to use a sturdy ladder or a stable surface that you can confidently stand on without fear of the structure collapsing beneath you.

4. Replace the old bulb with the new one.

First things first, make sure that you know what kind of bulb base you are using – is it bayonet or screw cap? If you don’t know this, you might end up buying an incompatible lamp for your receptacle.

Take a firm and steady grip of the old bulb as you turn it counterclockwise until it gets released from the receptacle. Set aside the old bulb, and then install the new bulb by rotating it clockwise into the socket.

5. Turn the power on.

You will know if you’ve done the job well when you see the bulb get lighted as you switch on the power. If the lamp does not turn on, it might be possible that the installation is loose. Repeat the steps above, then unscrew and screw back the lamp into place.

Final Word

Although a light bulb replacement sounds easy, disregarding safety may cause you to incur additional expenses and increase the risk of accidents and fires. If you have a question or a point of uncertainty when it comes to your home electrical system, don’t hesitate to contact us at Wire Craft Electric.