How to change a light bulb in a spotlight

In order to correctly replace a light bulb in a spotlight on a suspended or suspended ceiling, you do not need to resort to the help of specialists.
The process itself is quite simple and will not cause you any insoluble difficulties. It is enough to know the basic principles of installing such lamps.

However, note that not all lamps in spotlights have the same types of mounting. Therefore, when choosing a new copy instead of a burnt one, pay attention to the type of base.

Here are several varieties of individual models:

Lamps with a threaded base, like regular standard ones, have no replacement secrets. They are removed by unscrewing and twisting. But other types are more popular in suspended and suspended ceilings.

Bulbs with two pins that click into place - GU 5.3, MR16

There are models that lock when rotated around an axis by 90 degrees - GU10.

Type GX 53 or tablet:

Let's look at the process of replacing all these lamps.

Replacing a GU5.3 or GU10 LED Bulb

Such a base is often secured with a retaining ring. They are secured in the socket with two conductive pins until they click (GU5.3) or by turning 90 degrees (GU10). Replacing them is quite simple using the following instructions.

Turn off the network power;
Before replacing, check the power of the lamp being replaced. It must correspond to the burnt-out power. If you install a more powerful lamp, you can damage the controller or transformer, if installed. When installed, they are calculated for a certain power indicator of the connected load;
remove the retaining ring, which is located along the diameter of the body. Pull it gently and the light bulb will easily come out of the spotlight. If the ring has two tendrils sticking out inward, just squeeze them;
remove the light bulb from the socket, holding the base with your other hand, install a new one;
return the retaining ring to the groove.

Features of working with different lamps

Manufacturers produce different types of emitters for ceiling spots, but the most effective are energy-saving LED ones. They last up to 50,000 hours, do not heat up, are safe to use, and are therefore suitable for any surface.

Incandescent light bulbs are rarely used for these purposes; they are not at all suitable for suspended ceilings, as they get very hot. They are similar to halogen ones, but have an increased service life. Luminescent (energy-saving) lamps are prohibited for use in Russia from January 1, 2020, as they contain mercury.

The installation method depends on the type of base and design features. Below are detailed instructions for replacing the most common spot spots.

How to change an LED light bulb in a spotlight GU5.3 or GU10

First, it is better to turn off the current completely and remove the lamp, if installed.
Devices with a GU5.3 socket hold the lamp thanks to a retaining ring. Squeeze it with your fingers, holding it by the antennae, and pull it out. In this case, the light bulb will hang on the wire, but you do not need to pull it. Pull the device out of the base, holding the wire.
To change the bulb in a spotlight with a threaded ring, simply unscrew it counterclockwise. The actions with the lamp are similar.
Reassemble the entire structure in reverse order - install the ring into the grooves on the body or tighten it. If it does not fit, check that you have inserted the lamp all the way.

How to change a halogen or LED bulb E-14 and E-27 in a spotlight

Options with screw cartridges in point spots are installed less frequently than pin cartridges. They are more common in chandeliers or sconces, as they are large in height and are not entirely suitable for ceilings. The diameter of the E-27 is the same as that of an ordinary Ilyich light bulb. The E-14 has a smaller base. In order not to be mistaken with the size, take a sample when you go shopping.

A burnt-out electrical appliance of this type simply needs to be unscrewed from the lamp, taking into account the usual precautions, and then a new one is screwed in.

E-14 and E-27 are held on plasterboard ceilings thanks to spring-loaded stops located on both sides. The light bulb must be unscrewed and freed from the stops without force.

GX53 (tablet)

The closed type is tablet-shaped and covered with a white matte diffuser. Their use allows you to reduce the ceiling space to 1.5 cm, which is important for rooms with low ceilings.

Changing the GX53 is easier than the similar type GU5. There are 2 pins of different diameters in the socket - the one closest to the lamp is smaller, and near the edge - 2 times larger. They hold it in the chuck.

How to replace GX53:

Hold the bulb with one hand and the frame of the lamp with the other. Rotate the lamp counterclockwise 20 degrees and pull it out.
Screw in the new GX53 type lamp clockwise until it stops. At the same time, it will be fixed due to the pins entering the narrow slot on the connector.

G9 and G4

These small bulbs are similar in design, but differ in size. Their installation method is similar. The base consists of two pins, which are necessary to supply voltage and fix the light bulb. The distance between the pins for G4 is 4 mm, for G9 it is 9 mm. G9 is additionally equipped with stiffening ribs for compatibility of lamps with a voltage of 220V.

Replacing G9 and G4:

Turn off the power.
Remove the diffuser, if present.
Hold the light bulb body and pull it out with light force. If it is halogen, wear gloves.
Insert the new one with the pins into the socket.

Replacing E-14 and E-27 lamps

For this type, replacement is even easier. You need to unscrew the old light bulb counterclockwise and screw in the new one clockwise, while de-energizing the room in advance. It is necessary to screw in all the way, without applying any effort.

Pay attention to the base. E-27 is a well-known standard, the diameter is the same as that of a regular incandescent light bulb. E-14 – base with a smaller diameter. If in doubt, take the burned out light bulb with you when purchasing.

Basic rules for installing a light bulb in a spotlight

The installation method depends on the base:
pin G, where the pins perform the function of fastening and supply current from the network to the device - emitters with direct contacts just need to be pulled towards you, and with thickening at the ends, first turn slightly counterclockwise, then pull out.

A new emitter must be selected with the same fixation method and diameter.

Pay attention to the choice of lamp. It is better to buy electrical appliances from well-known manufacturers than cheap Chinese ones. Their characteristics may differ from those indicated on the label. They will produce flickering light and will quickly burn out.
The scheme for replacing the light source in suspended ceilings of different types is the same. In the next section we will dwell in detail on the features of installing different lamps.
For harmonious lighting, it is better to install lamps of the same type with a similar color temperature in the same room. For brighter lighting, install white LEDs.
Pay attention to power, this is especially important for halogen options. The power of GU5.3 should be below 40 W. For suspended ceilings, the limit is 35 W.
Wear gloves when changing halogen lamps. Greasy marks reduce the service life of devices.
If the wiring is damaged, do not replace it yourself, but call a technician.

Base G9 and G4

These miniature light bulbs are similar in design, they differ in size, but their installation principle is the same. Due to their low weight, they are attached only to the socket with the base. Additional fastenings are usually not provided. Let's look at how to replace such a light bulb in a spotlight.

De-energize the lamp by turning off the mains power;
if there is a decorative light diffuser, remove it;
We take the body of the light bulb and pull it out with a slight force;
install a new one by inserting the pins into the socket. If you have a halogen, when installing, handle it only with gloves or a cloth.

Replacing light in furniture lighting

Any spotlights on furniture and kitchen equipment are replaced in 99% of cases using one of the above methods. The whole difficulty of replacement lies in dismantling the decorative lamp diffuser.

Strict requirements for the appearance of the lamp force designers to hide the fastenings as much as possible and you need to use your imagination to understand how to remove this or that lamp.

What you need to fix an LED light bulb

You don't have to purchase anything fancy from tools. Every family usually has a soldering iron, preferably one with a thin tip. Along with it there is usually solder and rosin (or flux containing solder) or soldering acid. You will also need tweezers - you can’t go anywhere without them.

In addition, for comfortable work, it is advisable to have a holder (third hand) or an assistant who will hold the board with LEDs. To quickly heat up the board with LEDs, we recommend using a compact gas torch . It will allow you to quickly unsolder a burnt-out LED and instantly solder the old one in its place. You can buy a gas burner at any tobacco store and the cost is about 350 rubles. But, if you do not intend to spend a lot, a turbo lighter .

But the main component of our repair kit is another failed LED lamp, preferably of the same type. It is she who will serve as a donor of spare parts for the light bulb being repaired. Because Usually only 1 LED burns out, then 7 others will be useful to you for repairing faulty devices.

And yes, after you fix the light bulb, you will need to glue its shade back to its original place, which means you need to stock up on super glue (or similar transparent glue for plastic).

Precautionary measures

When replacing, always turn off the mains power;
Before replacing, try to wait until the lamp has completely cooled down (read: do LED lamps get hot);
Twist light bulbs in glass housings with extreme care. Over time, under the influence of temperature changes, the material loses its strength. Take special care of your eyes;
If there is insufficient contact between the conductor and the socket, under the influence of high temperatures, the light bulb body may “stick” to the base. In this case, it is better to disconnect the cartridge itself from the wiring and continue dismantling below.

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How to replace a burnt out LED in a lamp?

To solve this issue, there are several ways out - either look for a replacement in stores, or simply disconnect the burnt element from the circuit. The diodes in any lamp are assembled in a chain, like a garland. If one of them fails, it is enough to unsolder the contacts of the burnt one from the board and connect the chain directly. After this, the lamp will shine a little dimmer. This is because the overall resistance of the circuit will decrease slightly. This solution will significantly reduce the life of the lamp, since more voltage will be supplied to the remaining LEDs. Excluding one element from the chain is best used as a temporary solution.

You can replace a burnt-out LED in a lamp with a new one by finding a spare part of the right size. You can get an LED from an old lamp, or buy it in a store. Diodes are sold in strips at a low price. This simplifies the repair process and reduces the cost of using LED lamps. You can order 100 pieces of LEDs from China for approximately 50 rubles - this will be enough to replace burnt-out elements in a large number of light bulbs. The main criterion is similarity in parameters with the original diodes.

Is it possible to change the chandelier on a suspended ceiling?

A distinctive feature of suspended structures is the fact that, if necessary, you can install the lamp anywhere. To do this, it will be enough to secure a special ring, then make a hole of the appropriate size and hang the chandelier. During operation, electrical appliances tend to break down, resulting in the need to replace the lamp or the entire appliance. Removing a chandelier is not difficult if you have an idea of exactly how to do it.

How to remove a chandelier from a suspended ceiling

Before removing the chandelier from the PVC sheet, it is worth considering that it can be installed on a hook or on a special strip. If the chandelier is fixed on a hook, the work algorithm will look like this:

First of all, it is recommended to turn off the power to the lamp, then take a tester or a screwdriver with a special indicator and check that there is no voltage.
If there is a decorative cap, it should be lowered, which will provide unobstructed access to the hook.
Through the hole that appears, it is recommended to remove the chandelier from the hook and remove it along with the terminals.

After the chandelier is removed, you will need to disconnect the terminals.

Advice! All work should be performed strictly according to the attached step-by-step algorithm and only with the voltage turned off.

How to change a chandelier on a suspended ceiling

Replacing a chandelier on a suspended ceiling is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. As a result, you can perform such work yourself, without resorting to the help of specialists. As practice shows, when replacing an old chandelier, choose a device of a similar design. All that is required is to assemble the chandelier according to the attached instructions, and then hang it on a special hook left in the surface from the old lighting fixture.

With dismantling the cartridges and installing jumpers

This method is more thorough, but does not require purchasing additional parts. Algorithm of actions:

Carefully remove the covers from the sides of the lamp.
Removable cartridges with insulated contacts located inside. There are also springs inside the socket, which are necessary for better fastening of the lamp.
There are 2 power wires leading to the cartridge, which are snapped into special contacts without screws. Scroll them clockwise and counterclockwise. After this, we pull out one of the wires with force.
Because the contacts are insulated; when one of the wires is removed, the current will flow only through one socket. This will not affect the performance of the lamp, but it is better to install a jumper and thereby improve the device.
Thanks to the jumper, there is no need to try to make contact by turning the LED tube to the sides.
It is recommended to make a device from the excess power wires of the main lighting fixture, which will remain after replacing the lamps.
The next step is to check for continuity between the isolated connectors after installing the jumper. We perform similar actions on the other side of the lamp.
Follow the rest of the power wire. It should be zero, not phase. Remove the rest with pliers.

How to replace small lamps with large ones

Sometimes the lighting scheme is poorly thought out and there is not enough light in the room. Then there is a desire to install larger lighting fixtures. Let's look at how to do this.

The first step is to dismantle the spot. Then a thermal ring of the required diameter is glued onto the stretch ceiling fabric, so that the old tread ring is inside. After the part is firmly fixed, the film is cut out, creating a large hole.

Then the embedded platforms are adjusted to the diameter of the base of the new lamp. To do this, you need to carefully cut out the excess plastic rings with a knife so that the device body fits freely into the hole. When the site is ready, the lamp and light bulbs are installed.

You can replace lighting fixtures yourself, without the help of specialists. But if you have doubts about your own skills and knowledge, it is better to entrust this work to the specialists who installed the suspended ceiling. After all, careless actions lead to damage to the material, and improper handling of electrical appliances results in serious injuries.

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The ceiling can get its sophistication and attractive appearance not only thanks to various unique shapes and colors, but the multi-colored illumination on it will look no less impressive.

The most popular option is spotlights. They are installed in a certain number on the ceiling: usually more than a couple of pieces. To add beauty and install lamps, you need to know how to mount them correctly.

Conversion of a lamp with electronic ballast

If the model of the illuminator is more modern - an electronic ballast choke and no starter - you will have to make an effort and change the connection diagram of the LED tubes. Components of the lamp before replacement:

throttle;
wires;
cartridge pads located on both sides of the body.

We get rid of the throttle first, because... without this element the design will become lighter. Unscrew the fastening and disconnect the power wires. Use a narrow-tipped screwdriver or pliers for this.

The main thing is to connect 220 V to the ends of the tube: apply phase to one end, and zero to the other.

LEDs have a peculiarity - 2 contacts on the base in the form of pins are rigidly connected to each other. And in fluorescent tubes, the contacts are connected by a filament, which, when heated, ignites mercury vapor.

Lighting devices with electronic ballasts do not use a filament, and a voltage pulse breaks through between the contacts.

It is not so easy to supply 220 V between contacts with a hard connection.

To make sure the voltage is correct, use a multimeter. Set the device to resistance measurement mode, touch the two contacts with the measuring probes and take measurements. The multimeter display should show a zero value or close to it.

LED lamps have a filament between the output contacts, which has its own resistance. After applying voltage through it, the filament heats up and causes the lamp to work. Further connection of the LED lamp is recommended to be done using 2 methods:

without dismantling cartridges;
with dismantling and installing jumpers between the contacts.

Types of light bulbs

Incandescent light bulb - has the highest luminous power, is not very durable and heats up noticeably. However, its size, shape and power vary over a very wide range, so changing it is not difficult. In addition, it tolerates voltage fluctuations well and is not too sensitive to moisture: it can be used in the bathroom either in a regular chandelier or in an Armstrong suspended ceiling module.
Metal halide - has excellent light output and much better color rendering, can generate excellent daylight, and does not affect the shades at all. The durability of the device is higher, but the sensitivity to voltage drops, especially in the acoustic range, is high.

Before changing such a light bulb, you need to accurately determine its type. Devices are produced for a variety of purposes, including operation in a specific position.

Can be installed without restrictions in any type of lamp, including on a suspended ceiling. This is the most economical type of lighting, but is also sensitive to voltage changes and moisture: they are not used in the bathroom. In the photo there is a spotlight.

LED lamps have all the above advantages and are free from all the disadvantages: they are slightly inferior in light output to fluorescent lamps, withstand weather conditions well, are extremely durable, do not heat up and are completely safe. Can be used both in the bathroom and outdoors. There is only one thing - the cost.

Replacing an LED fixture is as easy as replacing a regular one.

Types of luminaire design

Spotlights are divided by functionality, method of installation and adjustment. In the second case, they can be built-in, overhead and suspended. Overheads are most often installed on longboat foundations - brick walls or concrete ceilings. They are suitable if you need to emphasize individual elements of the interior without affecting the dimensions of the room.

Fig.2 overhead lamp.

The design of a surface-mounted lamp includes a mounting platform, a diffuser and a housing. A special feature of this type is the need to install a mounting plate above a hole smaller than the housing itself. If this is not taken into account, it will not be blocked by the lampshade. The housing should be fixed to the mounting platform. To do this, use side screws.

Built-in models are installed on frame bases, these can be:

wall niches;
plasterboard structures;
furniture partitions;
walls and slatted ceilings;
stretch ceiling.

The lamp body has clamps and fastening elements. No third-party enhancements are required. To install in the ceiling, you must prepare a hole with wire inputs in advance.

How to change a fluorescent lamp in a suspended ceiling

As practice shows, fluorescent lamps of several modifications can be used for suspended ceilings:

fluorescent lamps in the form of tubes;
classic glass flasks.

The tubular housing usually needs to be installed in the contact panel of a lighting fixture that has a starter device. To remove the housing from the socket, you will need to remove the protective casing, which is first pressed in the longitudinal direction, rotated and pulled out of the socket. Installation work must be carried out in reverse order.

The process of replacing fluorescent housekeepers with screw sockets is carried out in the same way as for conventional incandescent lamps. If the base is slightly stuck in the socket, then you need to unscrew the lamp using a rotating motion.

How to remove a light bulb from the ceiling

Ceiling spot installation

The lamps are not fixed in the suspended ceiling, but mainly. The frame of the spot is installed to the main ceiling; only the decorative part is located on the canvas. The socket is fixed to the frame or hangs on a wire, the light bulb itself is fixed in the lamp.

Replacing a light bulb in a suspended ceiling must comply with four basic rules:

use a stable ladder to remove the lamp;
work with gloves and use special tools;
do not lose the stopper when replacing MR16 lamps;
remove the lamp carefully without damaging the suspended ceiling.

To work you will need the following tools:

stable stepladder;
indicator screwdriver;
pliers;
flat and Phillips screwdrivers;
stationery knife;
terminals.

The first stage of the process is the mandatory shutdown of power at the distribution panel. You need to check if there is current using an indicator screwdriver.

Before replacing, you need to understand the design of the spots and light bulbs. They consist of two parts - the platform and the lamp itself. A lighting device is held on the platform. A decorative ring is placed on the ceiling canvas, which also serves as a retainer for the film from tearing. Lamps for lamps are different. They can have the usual appearance - a bulb and a base, or be built into a housing that removes heat. If the light source is one piece with the body, everything changes together. If the lamp is inserted into the housing, only the bulb with the base is replaced.

How to remove an LED light bulb from a suspended ceiling:

Carefully remove the support ring. It can be picked up using a special tendril.
To get the lamp, you need to press the springs inward and pull it down.
Remove the fastener from the damaged lamp and unscrew it.
Strip the insulation and disconnect the wires.
Carefully read the instructions for the new light source.

Afterwards, you can begin installing a new lamp and reassembling the chandelier.