How to replace a fluorescent lamp

Fluorescent lamps (LL) are used everywhere. They are reliable, efficient and economical. However, operation always leads to the replacement of the light source due to burnout, starter failure or circuit failure. Let's take a closer look at the processes.

How does a fluorescent lamp work

Fluorescent lamps are from the base, ballast and bulb with electrodes. Also in the flask is an inert gas or mercury vapor, and the inner surface is covered with a phosphor. The phosphor converts ultraviolet radiation into visible light. Moreover, much less energy is spent on this than in a standard incandescent lamp (LN).

The principle of operation of LL

A large number of LL with different shades are on sale, depending on the phosphor. Usually, LLs have the form of a tube connected on both sides to a lighting equipment cartridge.

Modern household models are available with standard screw bases, to which a straight tube or spiral is connected.Sometimes plinths in the form of pins are used.

Models with threaded bases are most often used as an effective replacement for conventional LN.

The voltage applied to the electrodes heats them up. The emitted electrons interact with mercury vapor and create ultraviolet (UV) radiation invisible to the eye. It causes the phosphor to emit a white glow.

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Varieties of plinths

LL have a threaded or pin base. In the first case, the lamp is placed without problems in a standard cartridge.

Varieties of plinths

The pin base can have two or four pins. At connection four-pin bases are required throttle or other stabilizer. Two-pin models are connected only through a choke.

In some models, the plinths already include a built-in ballast. The thread in this case can be of two standard diameters.

What you need to replace the lamp

No special tools are required to replace the lamp. All work is carried out by hand, and the screws are unscrewed with a screwdriver. It is only necessary to observe safety precautions and avoid excessive load on the flask.

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Lamp replacement process

The variety of fluorescent lamp bases means different approaches when replacing equipment. Consider how to change the most popular models correctly.

With G5 plinth

Lamps with a G5 base are usually placed in large ceiling lights.

Luminaire with socket G5

How to change a fluorescent lamp with a G5 base:

1. Completely de-energize the luminaire with the switch in the shield.
2. Remove the plafond. Usually the part is fastened with screws or latches.
3. Grasp the edges of the lamp and rotate it 90 degrees around its axis in accordance with the direction indicated on the body. The operation allows you to disconnect the contact and pull out the device.
4. A new lamp with similar characteristics is selected.
5. Carefully insert the edges of the new lamp into the corresponding grooves of the cartridge and rotate it 90 degrees around the axis. Sometimes when fixing, you can hear a characteristic click.
6. Install the plafond in place.
7. Check the operation of the circuit by connecting it to power and flipping the switch.

If after installation the lamp does not turn on, you can try to move the new element in the grooves or repeat the installation procedure. Sometimes the device does not immediately contact the desired elements in the cartridge.

The impossibility of starting a fully functional new device is due to malfunctions in the starter or choke of the lamp. For repair contact the master.

G13

Plinths G13 and G5

The G13 plinth differs from the G5 plinth only in dimensions. The number next to the letter G determines the distance between the pins. The lamp is installed in the same way.

G23

Office and home luminaires often use fixtures with G23 bases, which have a protrusion between the pins. Replacing such lamps has its own specifics.

Luminaire with socket G23

Instructions for replacing a lamp with a G23 base:

1. Disconnect the lamp from the socket.
2. Put the device on the table upside down for convenience.
3. Pull the edge of the lamp away from the cover, carefully releasing it from under the retaining bracket. Often the brackets are broken, which does not affect the operation of the lamp.
4. Pull the lamp and, shaking, pull it out of the cartridge. You may need to apply considerable force, but it is important to act as gently as possible on the flask.
5. Buy a new fluorescent lamp with the same specifications and dimensions. You can take the defective one with you to the store for comparison.
6. Insert a new LL into the lamp. After placement, it may be necessary to press the end of the flask to secure the device. A characteristic click should be heard.

Fluorescent lamps contain a certain concentration of mercury and are hazardous waste. Under no circumstances should they be thrown away with regular trash. It is necessary to find a special tank or contact the services for recycling similar waste.

GX23

Plinths G23 and GX23

The GX23 base is a variation of the most common G23. The difference is in the shape of the protrusion between the contacts. Installed in the same way.

Safety

When replacing fluorescent lamps, you must follow the standard rules:

• All work should be carried out with clean, dry hands without contact with conductive surfaces. You can use special gloves.
• When removing the old lamp and screwing in a new one, hold on only to the plastic part, under which there is ballast. A strong impact on the flask can lead to breakage.
• Choose a lighting device for specific parameters, without overestimating or underestimating them. Otherwise, unstable operation of the device with pulsations and rapid failure is likely.
• If the lamp is brokenimmediately take measures to decontaminate the premises and dispose of hazardous waste.

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