Everything You Need To Know About Changing A Lightbulb

Have you realised that you don’t know the first thing about changing a lightbulb? Not to worry, we at IOS Lighting have compiled a list of tips and tricks to point you in the right direction. 

Changing a lightbulb is relatively easy and you’ll definitely be able to do it yourself. However, there are a few things to consider first, including safety, bulb wattage and the difference between standard and IP-rated bulbs.

Lightbulb Safety

There are several steps you need to take before changing a lightbulb. Follow these precautions to ensure you do this job safely.

Step 1: Turn off the Mains Power Source

We’re sure you’ve most likely seen someone change a lightbulb without turning the mains power source off.  While it isn’t necessarily dangerous to skip this step, we at IOS Lighting do not recommend it, it’s better to be on the safe side. 

By turning off the mains power source, you eliminate the risk of encountering a live wire that may still be active. This is a real possibility if you suspect a wiring problem somewhere in your building, so you should definitely take this extra precaution. 

Step 2: Allow Time for the Lightbulb to Cool

Light bulbs can become incredibly hot, reaching temperatures of up to 260℃. Incandescent bulbs encased in glass will generate more heat than LEDs, which is why they’re considered energy-inefficient. 

By simply hovering your hand around the bulb, you’ll be able to indicate whether it is still too hot to touch. For extra precaution, wear heat protectant gloves.

Step 3: Remove the Broken Bulb Gently

The glass architecture of a lightbulb makes them incredibly fragile. For this reason they’re designed to be easily removable, but sometimes, this isn’t the case. 

If the previous bulb has been forced into the socket, you’re at risk of cutting yourself by using excessive pressure. To prevent avoidable cuts, we recommend using thick gloves to remove the bulb if you notice any difficulty.

Lightbulb Wattage

Now that you know how to stay safe while changing a lightbulb, you need to be aware of wattage and the consequences mismatching can have. A light bulb wattage is a unit of measurement that indicates the energy consumption of a lightbulb each hour. 

Replacing a broken bulb with a new lightbulb that has the wrong wattage measurement can lead to the bulb overheating. This can have a direct effect on the socket and the insulation of the wires. Overheating light bulbs can result in melted components and even fires, so it is important to get it right. 

Fortunately, the wattage of a light bulb is always printed on its surface. Therefore it isn’t hard to find out which type of lightbulb you need and whether you’ve bought the right one.

IP Rated Bulbs

IP rated bulbs refer to the level of protection your lights receive against water exposure, including direct splashes, condensation and submersion. Standard indoor lights have an IP rating of 22 because they’re unlikely to encounter any water. 

Lightbulbs in your bathroom have particular requirements that they should adhere to keep you safe and your bulbs working. Different zones in your bathroom indicate how high the IP level of your IP rated bulbs should be. 

The basic recommendation for bulbs in the bathroom is IP44. The closer you get to your water source, the higher your IP level should be. Bulbs that are constantly submerged in water beyond one metre in depth should have an IP rating of IP67.

To get a better understanding of IP ratings and what they mean, see our recent article here.

Lightbulb Sizes

Size is vital when changing a lightbulb. If you’d like to learn about the different sizes, we’ve already written a post about it!

How to change a lightbulb

Now that you’ve completed this guide, you’re all set to change a lightbulb. After carefully following all safety recommendations, gently grasp the broken bulb, lightly but firmly. Push it slightly upwards, then slowly unscrew it anticlockwise until it’s fully released. 

Then simply insert the new bulb into the socket, ensuring that it locks into place or won’t screw in clockwise anymore. This process works identically for LED bulbs too.

What Can IOS Lighting Do For You?

We can offer you an extensive supply of beautiful light fixtures for you to put your newfound skills to use on. Whether you’re looking for bathroom lights, bedroom lights, or even mirrors and clocks, IOS Lighting can help.

Browse our ranges today, and contact us if you see something you like!