How do I.... Change a lightbulb?

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    Change Lightbulb
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of changing a lightbulb in a specific type of ceiling fixture, focusing on the challenges faced by a homeowner in accessing and removing the bulb. Participants explore various methods and considerations related to the fixture type and bulb specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the difficulty in removing the bulb from a jiggly fixture and questions whether the entire fixture needs to be removed.
  • Another suggests gently pushing and twisting the disc counterclockwise to access the connector pins.
  • Several participants inquire about the fixture's appearance from the attic, with one speculating it might be a dropped ceiling.
  • A participant identifies the bulb type as MR16 and discusses voltage considerations, including the need for a compatible power supply for LED replacements.
  • One participant confirms the absence of an attic and notes the presence of a dropped ceiling, expressing a preference for LED bulbs due to their longevity.
  • Another suggests that the fixture may be held in place by friction clips and could be removed with a gentle tug.
  • One participant humorously suggests using explosive bolts as a solution to changing the bulb.
  • A later reply confirms success in changing the bulb by pulling down on the inner ring, which was held in by friction.
  • Another participant notes the complexity of the fixture, mentioning set screws that secure the bulb pins and their electrical contact with supporting wires.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods for removing the bulb, with some suggesting different approaches and others confirming successful techniques. There is no consensus on a single method, as multiple views and experiences are shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss specific bulb types and fixture designs, which may influence the removal process. There are unresolved details regarding the exact mechanism of the fixture and the implications of different bulb specifications.

Who May Find This Useful

Homeowners dealing with similar ceiling fixtures, individuals interested in lighting technology, and those considering LED bulb replacements may find this discussion relevant.

Office_Shredder
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TL;DR
I have a weird light socket in my house, someone help!
I attached a picture. I bought my house in February and one room has these lights inset into the ceiling. The whole fixture can kind of jiggle around with the light in it. How am I supposed to remove the bulb? It doesn't obviously unscrew or anything. Do I need to remove the whole fixture?
 

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Physics news on Phys.org
This should give you the idea.

Skip to 13:50:



You should be able to gently push and twist the disc counterclockwise and it should fall out so that you can get at the connector pins.
 
What does the fixture look like from the attic?
 
berkeman said:
What does the fixture look like from the attic?
It wouldn't surprise me if it were a dropped ceiling.
 
It looks like a MR16:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mr16+spotlight+bulb&client=ubuntu&hs=Ffw&source=lnms&tbm=isch
Most MR16 lamps are operated using voltages lower than 120 volts, typically 12 volts. Some MR16 lamps, however, operate using 6 or 24 volts.
Available in LED. (If you're buying halogen, note that some do/don't have a glass plate on the front.)
EDIT:
It is important to keep in mind that some power supplies require a minimum load of 20 or 30 watts. LED light bulbs generally have extremely low wattage, like 3 watts each. Therefore, consider replacing your current power supply with one designed for LED lighting.
https://www.superiorlighting.com/blog/can-you-replace-your-mr16-halogen-bulbs-with-mr16-led-bulbs/
 
Last edited:
Yeah, there's no attic. This is on the top floor of a town house. It is a dropped ceiling, with the actual roof right above.

Dave, thanks for the video, I'll try it out.

Definitely going to replace with an led if I can, I want to replace light bulbs as little as possible (there are a million of them in this place!) and my understanding is leds last a lot longer.
 
Office_Shredder said:
The whole fixture can kind of jiggle around with the light in it. How am I supposed to remove the bulb? It doesn't obviously unscrew or anything. Do I need to remove the whole fixture?
I think there is a good chance the central part of the fixture is just a gard or is a can held in by friction clips. With a gentle tug, it may slide out.
 
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If you push the reflector straight up, does it move or yield? If it stays fixed, try rotating while turning.

And, in honor of another thread...

Light bulb will not change.
The socket will not give way
Use explosive bolts
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Use explosive bolts
LOL, that is more fun as a general purpose answer to all questions than 42.:biggrin:
 
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  • #10
Success! It's a gu10. The correct answer was to just pull down on only the inner ring, and it was held in by friction.

Thanks everyone.
 

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  • #11
That only took seven physicists. :smile:

This lamp has the bulb pins secured by set screws (so you can't just pull it out), which also make electrical contact with the painted metal supporting wires!
S6300460.JPG
 

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