Fluorescent light installation instructions

Identify the stud location with pencil marks spaced identically to the mounting holes in your fluorescent light fixture. If you cannot find a stud, you will need to use toggle bolts. If your fixture has wiring knockouts, carefully open these with a screwdriver. Feed the existing ceiling wiring through the fixture's hole. If your light fixture includes a green or bare grounding wire and your existing ceiling wiring does not, you must firmly connect your own grounding wire to the metal ceiling electrical box or metal conduit.

Make sure you mount the wire using proper mounting eyelets and a screw or bolt for a tight, reliable connection. Place the light fixture against the ceiling and line up its mounting holes with your pencil marks. Drill appropriate length screws through the fixture's hood and into the studs.

If you are using toggle bolts, drill the toggle bolt manufacturer's indicated hole size into the ceiling NOT the fixture. You may need to remove the bolt from the toggle to pass through the fixture's mounting hole, then reconnect the toggle. Insert the toggle bolt through the ceiling hole, and tighten with a screwdriver or drill. Twist the ends of the black ceiling wire to the black fixture wire. These fixtures provide an easy solution to bring plentiful, energy-efficient light into kitchens, bathrooms, workshops and garages.

Residential fluorescent light fixtures usually feature a plastic diffuser that softens and more evenly disperses the light while shielding the fluorescent tubes. Large, industrial style fixtures for workshops and garages use aluminum reflectors and leave the tubes exposed to emit more light. Fortunately, installation is essentially the same for either type, and it's relatively simple. LED Wrap Lights. Available in several lengths, commercial wrap ceiling lights provide great illumination and durability.

Shop Light Fixtures. Shop our selection of LED shop lights for everything you could need for proper illumination. Discover commercial and industrial LED shop lights and LED shop light fixtures online from top brands and manufacturers. Fluorescent Troffers. Shop our collection of fluorescent troffer lights at Warehouse-Lighting. Disassemble the fixture as far as necessary to gain access to the back of the switch, then screw in the new switch and transfer wires from the old switch to the new one, one at a time to avoid an incorrect connection.

Reassemble the fixture, and reenergize the circuit. On the next page, we'll discuss the steps you'll need to take to install a new fluorescent fixture. Fluorescent lights can malfunction for many reasons, such as defective startes, incorrect wiring, or a bad ballast. Click here for a guide to troubleshooting fluorescent fixtures. If you're considering installing a new ballast or a new switch, consider putting in an entirely new fixture.

An old fluorescent fixture suffers the same aging effects that an incandescent fixture does. Of course, you can also replace an old incandescent lamp with a new fluorescent model. Either replacement is well within the capabilities of the do-it-yourselfer. Step 4: Position fixture against ceiling, and fasten it with screws packaged with new lamp. You may have to reassemble fixture, either before or after mounting it, depending on its style.

Restore power. Fluorescent lamps are a great lighting option for your home. And now you can take full advantage of this light source. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Home DIY. Home Repairs. How to Install a Fluorescent Light. Position a stepladder underneath the fixture to replace the lamps comfortably and safely.

Rotate the first tube 90 degrees. Reach up, and gently support the first fluorescent tube with both hands, keeping your hands as close to the ends of the bulb as possible. You will be able to rotate the tube in either direction a quarter-turn until it stops. This action rotates the prongs, that project from each end of the bulb, to a vertical alignment, and so allows you to slide the tube downward and out of the fixture.

Gently lower the fluorescent tube straight down through the slot. Place the tube gently out of the way, where it cannot roll or be disturbed. Lift the new fluorescent tube into place. To install the new light, line its prongs up with the slots in either socket. Push the tube straight up into the sockets, and then rotate it 90 degrees until you feel it lock into place. You can give the lamp a gentle tug to ensure that it is firmly in place. Consider installing LED lighting instead, which uses less energy, lasts longer, and produces a more natural light.

Repeat this process with the other lamp. Most often, fluorescent light fixtures are designed with two tubes side-by-side. The process for replacing each tube is the same. Test the new bulb. Flip the fuse box switch back on, then flip your wall switch on. See if the new fluorescent bulbs light up properly, noting that fluorescent lamps take a minute or so to reach full brightness.

If the new bulbs do not work properly, you may have a defective component in your light fixture that needs to be replaced. Method 2. Change out cracked sockets. Cracked sockets are often caused by other objects bumping into the fixture, or too much stress while removing a bulb. First, turn off the power to the light, and remove the bulbs. Keep the wiring order straight as you take out the old socket. It is important to cut only one wire lose at a time. Do this for each wire. Inspect the ballast.

The ballast controls the amount of incoming voltage that start the light tubes. It also regulates the electricity to give constant light.

If you believe that the ballast needs replacement, you may want to consider purchasing a whole new fixture. Ballast replacement may cost the same amount as a new fixture. Check the fuse box for flickering lights. The bulb may not be getting enough power. Try resetting the fuse box by flipping the power switch off and on.

Method 3. Check for light frames. Office lighting is usually behind a bezel lens with a frame. These types of recessed fixtures are holding the light tubes in place to minimize accidents and breakage.

They can be very frustrating due to the lack of wiggle room or freedom of movement. The frame is held in place by lever locks or snaps that you have to take out. Remove the cover. First, use a screwdriver to pry down the levers, while supporting the frame in the middle. It is important to support the frame because it can ruin the locks or swing down and hit you in the head. Clean the fixture.