Do I need training to change a light bulb?

Mechelle

Hi Guys,

Am I missing something here? I cannot change this light bulb.

This ceiling flush mount light fixture was installed by the builder. It was in a rarely used room and the two light bulbs lasted 2 and 3 1/2 years respectively. My husband could not figure out how to change the light. He cuts the wires off and bought a new one.

I want to use it for our basement and thought it would be a piece of cake. Was I wrong! This thing does not have any opening. I tried to spin, push, pull, knife, screw driver, and a hammer with a pillow. Na dah. Please take a look at these pics, it is nothing but a regular light! There got to be something. I know they put the bulbs in. It should not be a science thing, should it?

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Yoyizit

Gently try to pull the glass diffuser off; sometimes they are spring loaded. Look closely for a widening gap when you do this.

Other times you twist the diffuser 1/4 turn counterclockwise and the little cams release from the little holes they go in, the holes being in the base.

Why is the fastener in the middle of the diffuser missing?

Mechelle

Duh.... a year old mystery solved.

What else can I do? Pull it off!!!!!!!!! Just a little harder.

Thanks, Yoyizit. You are the man. My hubby and I just made a perfect couple of electrical dumber. I asked, though.

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Yoyizit

Thank you.


So some kind of goop was glueing the diffuser onto the base? That's a new one on me.
I s'pose you should clean the base and diffuser before reinstalling, with some kind of solvent.
Very strange.

So how do you refasten it?
What holds the diffuser in place against gravity?

Termite

Yeah, I'm wondering if this thing is missing some harware. There should be a 1/2" (approx) threaded rod running through it with a decorative nut to secure the glass to the fixture. Hopefully that has just been omitted from the photos and the glass wasn't somehow glued in place (unsafe).

theatretch85

Yeah thats how these fixtures are attached to the box, threaded pipe right through the center. Usually there is a nut on the inside that hold the base up to the ceiling permitting the removal of the glass shield to change the light bulbs and then the decorative nut goes over the glass on the outside. I have never come across a fixture like that where the glass had some become glued or stuck to the fixture that gravity alone would not break it loose.

jbfan

How did you cut the wires to remove the fixture without removing the globe?
Inquiring minds want to know, at least mine does!

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Ash

I actually saw some builders glue shields to halogen floodlights cause they cut the glass in the wrong size and it does not fit in the frame. IIRC they used window silicone

I also saw one of them shatter when the halogen heats it up

Big Bob

jbfan,

My first thoughts also "how did they get it down..?

pulled canopy down and turned in the right direction... pan has key holes for 8/32 screws.

Mechelle

Guys,

I owe you an explanation. The diffuser was so tight that we both thought it was glued on but it was not. It has the decorative nut and the installation necessities --in a plastic bag in the toolbox where Dave put away a long while ago.

How did he get it off the ceiling? Dave said in the email: “I forcefully twisted it about ¼” counter-clockwise.”

Now the light will be back to the ceiling where it belongs to. Talk to ya later.

JohnJ0906

Just a side note - I noticed that the insulation has been removed from the top of that light. That is in place to protect the ceiling and circuit wiring from the heat of the fixture. It should be replaced.

If you are installing a light fixture that has insulation, do not remove it. It is there for a reason.

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Mechelle

John,

Yes, we've lost that insulation piece. I need to buy one and re-insert it. should I just get an insulation pad and cut it into two half circles? Or do they have something just for light fixtures? Thanks,