How would an electrician properly replace a blown-out tube from a bank of flourescent lighting?
franchois asked:
Considering health and safety what is the proper way to replace a single tube without turning off the whole lighting system.
Considering health and safety what is the proper way to replace a single tube without turning off the whole lighting system.
There is no reason to turn off the whole bank of lights to change a lamp. Open the lens, twist the tube out, insert a new one, replace the lens cover. Done deal. Disposal is a different story. The government is starting to crack down on throwing fluorescent lamps in the garbage. Hope this helps. [who] woodtick314
No need for an electrician, it is a simple change-out, unless the tube is broken. It used to be a simple matter of sweeping up the broken glass and powder and putting it in the trash. Now they treat it like a haz-mat site. With quarantines, double bagging, respirators, epa inspection. They may even charge for disposal if they know about it. [who] Rob G
The new regs in some areas require the system be de energized before servicing. This is applied to all electrical equipment, the lamps are easy enough for a qualified professional electrician to replace and your local EPA can tell you the proper disposal methods. Broken fluorescent will allow the mercury to be lost and get into the environment. [who] Jim W
No need to turn off the florries at all.
Working platform is more of an issue than electrical safety. [who] Girlie Electrics
Do it yourself, and save some money [who] referee