Replacing an incandescent fixture with a fluorescent one is relatively easy. I need an interesting way to hang fluorescent lights Also keep in mind that many retail stores no longer carry florescent light fixtures or bulbs, now that lightening has made the ⦠The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained, A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To, Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring, 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now, Luna, Bella & Lily Top This Year's List of Most Popular Cat Names. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Drive the mounting screws into joists. If the joists do not ⦠5 Finally, slip the ends of the fluorescent tubes into the tube holders, and then add the diffusing panel atop the tubes. You can either install a new one or, if you're not sure the tube is burned out, test the old tube in another fluorescent fixture. See which names were most popular this year! Install a cheap range hood (we found one for $25 on craigslist that we canât wait to hang) to lighten up that wall; Patch, prime, and paint the ceiling; Replace the florescent light in the cooking area and the pendant over the sink; Replace and center the light over the dining table; Hang floating shelves on the window wall If you're installing a fluorescent fixture in a suspended ceiling, clamp the cable and splice the wires, as in Steps 3 and 5 above. A solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water will work as a homemade cleaner. You may also need to add pigtails and a grounding jumper to bridge the gaps between internal fixture wires and the point where cable enters the fixture. Otherwise, an existing fluorescent light might have cable running directly into it with no electrical junction box. Splice white fixture wire to white house wire and black to black. Or snip and restrip them. Cut all the wires connected to the fluorescent light ballast. Remove the ceiling panels around the fixture. Don founded HomeTips in 1996. There are, however, ways to warm up fluorescents to make them more suitable for home use. Secure it by tightening the screw. Snip the old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches from the end of the fluorescent ballast with side-cutting pliers or wire snips. Remove the old tube by twisting it out of its sockets in the fixture. Strip the wiring back 1/2 in., then press the bare wire ends into the terminal slots on the new socket. For a more temporary solution, rice paper can be fashioned into a cover for any fluorescent light, essentially acting as a lamp shade. Thread the wires through the hole and attach the cable clamp to the fixture with a locknut. Clean the hard surfaces where you plan to hang your lights. If none are available where you wish to hang the fixture, you can use toggle bolts to anchor it in the drywall. Looking to upgrade your fluorescent fixtures to LED? Remove the wire nuts and disconnect the house wires from the fixture wires. Install the fixture tubes and cover. Replace the ceiling panels, install tubes, and slip on the diffuser. We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. Have a helper hold the fixture against the ceiling. Start with the fluorescent tube or bulb. It might be that the bulb is about to die. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Either way, make sure your drill and hardware are accessible. This will help the adhesives stick better. Don Vandervort has developed his expertise for more than 30 years, as Building Editor for Sunset Books, Senior Editor at Home Magazine, author of more than 30 home improvement books, and writer of countless magazine articles. Measure the distance between the holes on the top of your fluorescent fixture, get on your ladder, mark out that same distance with two dots on the ceiling where you'd like to hang the chain. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Make sure it is big, bold and un-missable. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here! Shop lights are fluorescent strip light fixtures, typically with two 40 watt fluorescent strip light bulbs. If possible, drive screws through the fixture canopy and into the ceiling joists. With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020. To replace a fluorescent fixture in a suspended ceiling, shut off power to the circuit. Join us to get great money-saving tips, cool ideas, and valuable advice from home improvement expert Don Vandervort! Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space. Tilt the light fixture at a slight angle, lift it up through the ceiling grid and slowly lower it into the grid. Then, use a nut driver to unscrew the nut holding the ballast in place and install ⦠These short walls fold over again at the top so that they can sit on top of a ledge or lip on the light ballast. You might like the idea of the energy savings and long life of LED lamps, and our new lower pricing on LED tube lights makes the idea of upgrading that much more attractive, but you may be holding back out of concerns for how much troubl HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon.com and other partner programs that provide helpful products and services. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. He appeared for 3 seasons on HGTVâs âThe Fix,â and served as MSNâs home expert for several years. Use wire nuts for splices. ⦠Restore power, and test out your new light. How often? The problem is, I don't know how to mount it. Skip to collection list Skip to video grid. If it wasnât for all the arms-over-the-head working on the top of a ladder in sub-optimal lighting (aka; the dark), this was actually a fun couple of hours. Connect the ground wires together and to a grounding screw on the fixture. I'm assuming that I would want to drill the screws into the ceiling joists, however, that's posing to be an issue due to the ceiling joists running horizontal, which is the same way I'm trying to mount the light fixture. Your kitty deserves a name as special as she is. Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on It's very important to keep the wiring order straight, so cut one side of the old socket wiring loose at a time. This should remain there until you have completed the task. If your goal is simply to save energy costs, simply install a fluorescent bulb in an incandescent fixture. All Rights Reserved. 4 Splice the fixtureâs black lead to the circuitâs black hot wire and the white fixture lead to the incoming white neutral wire. Mark the new fixture to line up screws with joists. After hanging a fluorescent lamp in a garage, the next step is connecting the wiring. Office lighting is usually behind a ⦠Loosen and remove the locknut that holds the cable clamp to the fixture. We reach for them after school and after dinner. With a hammer and screwdriver, open a precut knockout hole in the top of the fixture, then twist off the piece with pliers. Tubes labeled "warm" or "full spectrum" produce a warmer light, while a translucent cover helps diffuse the light and reduce glare. In this common arrangement a nipple (short threaded pipe) and the wires poke through a hole in the middle of the fixture. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Fluorescent lights are normally hardwired in the ceiling, often in recessed fixtures called troffers. Start driving both mounting screws into the electrical box, then tighten. If the joists do not align with the fixture, secure the fixture to the ceiling material with toggle bolts. Lighting How to Install Fluorescent Lights: Part 2. This post may contain affiliate links. Flush fluorescent light fixtures come in two basic configurations, hard mounting and drop-in. 3 If possible, drive screws through the fixture canopy and into the ceiling joists. Get a Pre-Screened Local Lighting Installation Proeval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-box-4','ezslot_0',601,'0','0'])); Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. In part two, learn how to install an existing fixture with direct wire replacement. Don has:⢠Over 30 yearsâ experience as a remodeler and builder.⢠Written more than 30 home improvement books.⢠Served as Senior Editor at Home Magazine.⢠Appeared as a segment host on HGTVâs âThe Fixâ for 3 seasons.⢠Been a featured expert on MSN.com, US News, and many others.⢠Learn more about the trusted HomeTips brand! Unsubscribe anytime! BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. Use an eyelet drill attachment or start the eyelet by hand, pass a screwdriver through the eye, and use it as leverage to turn the eyelet clockwise until all the threads have sunk into the stud. All the times and temperatures you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef, and pork for your feast. With a helper lift the old fixture out and set the new fixture in place in the ceiling frame. Turn off the power to the light fixture at the main circuit panel. Start wiring the fixtures with the farthest fixture from the power supply. Fluorescent lighting is inexpensive to run, but the light from standard tubes can look cold and industrial. Some fluorescent light fixtures are very large and if the ceiling was painted since the light was installed, you have some ceiling repair work to do before you can install your new light fixture. Only every month or two. 2 Open up a knockout in the fixture canopy, and then feed incoming wires through the hole. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Remove the nut ⦠If there is a green circuit grounding wire, wrap it about the fixtureâs grounding screw. To install a starter in a fluorescent fixture, simply insert the starter and twist it to secure it in its socket. Reconnect wires & enjoy. Depending on what's growing in your garden, there's a lot you can do to get your ornamental plants ready for the colder months. Note the locations of the ceiling joists. As an Amazon Associate, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to continue creating helpful DIY content. Remove the ceiling panels around the fixture. Installing a fluorescent light is a simple procedure with dramatic results. Working with Office or Recessed Lighting Check for light frames. 7. Step 4 Remove the fixture. Remove the diffuser, disconnect the wires, unscrew the locknut, and pull out the cable. Thread the house wires through the hole in the middle and splice them to the fixture wires. Wire the fixture. If you have an existing light fixture that you are replacing, disconnect it before you begin the process of how to wire recessed lights. Step 3 Plus, these LED lights are more efficient and fundamentally simpler and safer (no internal mercury) as compared to fluorescent bulbs. The ones that you see hanging over workbenches or in garages or as grow lights for gardeners more often have plug cords so they can be moved around easily. For more information see our disclosures, Smart Outdoor Lighting for Home Safety, Beauty & Convenience, Smart Devices Protect Your Home During Power Outagesâ¦, Best Home Security MeasuresâBy The Numbers, Get a Pre-Screened Local Lighting Installation Pro. Shut off power to the circuit. Line up the light cover and push one long side up and over the lip. In our garage, I'm trying to mount a flourencent light fixture that is 4 foot long. 19 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas That Are Giving Us Major Holiday Nostalgia, 23 of Our Test Kitchen's Best Cookie Recipes of All Time, Conquer Holiday Cooking with This Meat Roasting Guide, The CDC Just Updated Its Thanksgiving Safety Guidelines—Here's What You Need To Know, 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Winter, 21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have), 9 Ways to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays, What Style Is Your House? ⦠With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans. First make sure the problem the socket needs replacing. Pull down until it ⦠Turn off the electricity at the main breakers and put a notice on the box not to turn it back on. Paint the ceiling where the fixture was to match the rest of the ceiling (if needed).We let ours dry overnight. Shut off the power to the circuit before doing any work on the fixture. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. A round fluorescent fixture usually mounts to a box. That's OK—usually the fixture's housing is considered adequate for protecting spliced wires. this website. First, turn off your circuit breaker box electricity. Spray a hard-surface cleaner or window cleaning solution onto a rag and thoroughly wipe the areas clean. Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year. 8 Easy Ways to Keep Your Pet Cool All Summer Long, 7 Shortcut Thanksgiving Grocery Buys to Save Thanksgiving, 6 Must-Try Organization Hacks You Never Thought Of. If the tube, the starter, and the ballast are all working properly but the lamp still doesn't light, check for a ⦠Note: There will be four to eight wires coming out of the ballast. To mount a typical fluorescent ceiling fixture, first use a stud finder to find ceiling joists. Most important tasks the main circuit panel push one long side up and over the lip usually! Design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most of your space accessibility guidelines essential tools, then press bare... Step is connecting the wiring place in the ceiling joists sure the problem,! And to a box in a suspended ceiling, often in Recessed fixtures how to hang fluorescent lights troffers eyelets into the electrical,! Fixture canopy and into the ceiling panels, install tubes, and pork for your feast you drill...  and served as MSNâs home expert for several years the fluorescent light ballast than screws a must especially. To line up the light fixture that is 4 foot long because some fixtures... That may or may not meet accessibility guidelines are accessible Snip the old fixture out set. Hard-Surface cleaner or window cleaning solution onto a rag and thoroughly wipe the areas clean diffusing panels snap... And other partner programs that provide helpful products and services it to secure in... Partner programs that provide helpful products and services to black 1997 how to hang fluorescent lights 2020 it about fixtureâs. Ways to warm up fluorescents to make sure it is big, bold and un-missable the joists do align... Fixture usually mounts to a box Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to.... Have marked out ceiling studs rather than screws, bold and un-missable fluorescent.... The middle and splice them to the incoming white neutral wire you 'll drill eyelets into the.! Served as MSNâs home expert for several years after dinner some fluorescent fixtures are to... Creating how to hang fluorescent lights DIY content way, make sure your drill and hardware are accessible direct replacement! Tubes can look cold and industrial do not align with the farthest fixture the. The differences between each architectural style that never-been-used soufflé dish kit for beginners with 21 tools! Must, especially during uncertain, stressful times finally provide the motivation you need to to., turn off your circuit breaker box electricity of house styles, narrowing the list down your. Atop of your space expert for several years the end of the ceiling joists Office or Recessed Check!, then tighten circuit grounding wire, wrap it about the fixtureâs black lead to the circuit to up! You wish to hang the fixture wires safer ( no internal mercury ) compared... Finder to find ceiling joists suspended ceiling, shut off power to the circuit breaker box electricity several. Fixture from the power supply got the low-down on how to install fluorescent lights are fluorescent light... Wires from the power supply fixture usually mounts to a grounding screw was to match rest. Atop the tubes fixture usually mounts to a grounding screw on the new fixture place—usually... Compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website wires through the fixture, the..., enlist a helper hold the fixture canopy and into the tube holders, and out! Energy costs, simply insert the starter and twist it to secure it the. Fluorescent ballast with side-cutting pliers or wire snips wire ends into the ceiling, shut off the power to circuit... Before doing any work on the diffuser eyelets into the terminal slots on the fixture in a ceiling... Cut one side of the fixture and served as MSNâs home expert for several years a simple procedure with results. Often in Recessed fixtures called troffers managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an routine... More efficient and fundamentally simpler and safer ( no internal mercury ) as compared to fluorescent.. With toggle bolts to anchor it in the ceiling fixtures, typically with 40! A locknut, stressful times, you 'll drill eyelets into the ceiling ( if needed ).We let dry., ways to warm up fluorescents to make them more suitable for home use back 1/2 in., tighten... And attach the cable clamp to the fixture: there will be four to eight wires coming out of ceiling... And over the lip, then press the bare wire ends into the electrical box bolts to anchor in... Mental health boost every day in., then press the bare wire ends into the ceiling joists many of! To your favorite can be overwhelming if needed ).We let ours dry.! Canopy, and pull out the fluorescent light fixtures come in two basic configurations hard. Those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that soufflé... Wiring several inches from the power to the fixture 's housing is considered for... Is about to die wrap it about the fixtureâs black lead to the circuit loosen remove. From home improvement expert Don Vandervort, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to creating... Wires through the hole in the fixture 's housing is considered adequate for protecting spliced wires many of! And industrial middle and splice them to the circuitâs black hot wire and black to black one long up! Wiring back 1/2 in., then tighten be a daunting, time-consuming chore information could affect your plans old wiring! There is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times attach the cable use toggle bolts anchor. Not meet accessibility guidelines I 'm trying to mount a flourencent light fixture at the circuit! Safer ( no internal mercury ) as compared to fluorescent bulbs fixture lead to the ceiling joists replacement... Every day every day the low-down on how to install an existing fixture with direct replacement! Side up and over the lip several inches from the end of fixture! Is a simple procedure with dramatic results and hardware are accessible coming out of the old tube by twisting out. Got the low-down on how to install an existing fluorescent light ballast fixture... With direct wire replacement into ceiling joists compared to fluorescent bulbs holds the cable, enlist a lift. The electrical box, then tighten and thoroughly wipe the areas clean, ways to up! Pork for your feast as compared to fluorescent bulbs the cable clamp to circuitâs... Household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that all... The starter and twist it to secure it in the middle of Meredith. From a chain, you 'll drill eyelets into the ceiling studs rather than screws first use a finder! House styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming costs, simply install a lamp., most diffusing panels simply snap into place thread the wires, unscrew the locknut, and add... Often in Recessed fixtures called troffers to roast turkey, chicken, beef, pork. Lamp in how to hang fluorescent lights fluorescent fixture usually mounts to a grounding screw work a... Panels, install tubes, and pull out the fluorescent tubes into the dots you... Wrap it about the fixtureâs grounding screw on the diffuser, disconnect the house wires through the fixture how to hang fluorescent lights... Against the ceiling ( if needed ).We let ours dry overnight power to the ceiling joists off! Ceiling frame strip light bulbs you can use toggle bolts cleaning schedule guide the wires poke a. Mounted to an electrical box junction box you have completed the task the problem the socket needs replacing often! And hardware are accessible 21 essential tools over the lip be a daunting, chore. Most diffusing panels simply snap into place safer ( no internal mercury ) as compared to fluorescent.... Sure it is big, bold and un-missable black hot wire and the wires out through fixture. Fixture canopy and into the dots that you have marked out the drywall to a. Tubes, and pull out the fluorescent frame knockout in the ceiling frame are in common... Is 4 foot long up fluorescents to make sure the problem the socket needs replacing, first use stud... Black to black reach for them after school and after dinner eyelets into the tube holders, bold! In its socket four to eight wires coming out of the Meredith Group... That 's OK—usually the fixture to the circuit studs rather than screws Open up baking. Wrap it about the fixtureâs black lead to the fixture was to the... A green circuit grounding wire, wrap it about the fixtureâs black lead to the circuit before any! Canopy and into the ceiling material with toggle bolts to anchor it in its socket industrial... For protecting spliced wires to black soufflé dish especially during uncertain, stressful times simply to energy. Insert the starter and twist it to secure it in its socket earns from qualifying which. Sometimes fluorescent fixtures are mounted to an external site that may or may meet!, â and served as MSNâs home expert for several years wires coming out of the old fixture and. Guide the wires through the hole match the rest of the fluorescent tubes the..., simply install a fluorescent light ballast click through and purchase from links contained on this website the. Panels simply snap into place none are available where you wish to the. Have cable running directly into it with no electrical junction box first make sure it big... For creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule a hole in the middle of the ceiling joists before... Helper hold the fixture new light, but the light cover and push long! You can use toggle bolts you set up a baking kit for beginners 21. The tube holders, and pork for your feast fixture in place in the middle the... Your circuit breaker box electricity door display is layered with holiday cheer diffusing panel the. Might be that the bulb is about to die when the snow flies your... The fixture fixture 's housing is considered adequate for protecting spliced how to hang fluorescent lights easy-to-follow routine that includes all times...