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Changing a light bulb in a high ceiling can be difficult if you’re not equipped with the right tools. This article will provide you with helpful tips on how to change your light bulbs without having to hire someone or wobble unsafely on the top of a ladder!
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Although LED light bulbs and lamps last much longer than their predecessors, they do still need to be changed and maintained. Despite the infrequency to need to swap LED bulbs compared to the past, you need to be ready to carry out this task in awkward positions and tall ceilings.
As long as you’ve got the right tools, it shouldn’t be a difficult or dangerous job to change light bulbs in a 20ft ceiling. To replace high ceiling light bulb, there are a few things that need to be considered before attempting the job.
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Firstly, consider whether it’s worth getting someone else to do this for you instead. This is especially true if your ceiling is 20ft or higher since ladders and poles can get very unstable at these heights
If you’re looking to replace a light bulb the first thing to consider is what size of LED replacement bulbs that you need. There are different sizes of standard screw fitting for bayonet and Edison Screw (E27 & E14) type fittings. Recessed ceiling lights use GU10 lamp based bulbs, so be ready with the correct replacement to swap if you can.
One of the most important things to do before you start is measure how far your ceiling light fixture is from the ground. This will give you an idea on whether it’s a job for a DIY enthusiast using a tool and ladder or if it requires some assistance, such as calling in a professional electrician . If you’re reaching over 20ft then we’d suggest you get a professional in to change your bulbs.
The lowest cost and often most convenient method is to use a telescopic pole grabber instead of a specialised taller ladder than is usually kept in the home.
It’s important to check that the power is off before you start changing your light bulbs. This will protect you from any electric shock and also stop a potential fire if something goes wrong while swapping your LED replacement lamps. If there are no double insulated screw fitting lights in place then it might be worth checking with an electrical tester too.
Before you start changing your light bulbs, check that the old bulb has cooled down as the Old Bulb May Still Be Warm. It’s not good to swap hot replacement lamps as this can cause damage and it also poses a potential fire hazard if anything goes wrong while fitting the new lamp .
When changing light bulbs, make sure that you have an adequate bucket or tray with enough room for your tools as well as any debris from removing old lamps.
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So what tools are available to assist you with this job?
Light Bulb Changing Poles & Pole Grabbers for high ceilings and difficult access areas: If you’re struggling with reaching up into the light fittings then there are some great tools available that will help you reach those hard-to-get at spots where traditional ladders or step stools can’t reach.
Bulb Changing Poles are a great way to safely and easily change your light bulbs in high ceiling areas, without the need for an extra pair of hands or getting up onto a tall step ladder yourself. With telescopic poles you can adjust them to fit any height so they’re always accessible even when reaching 30ft plus.
Bulb changing poles are available for sale in many different shapes and sizes, some with telescopic handles or shorter options that can be stored easily away when not needed.
Using a tall ladder is another great option for changing your light bulbs in high ceiling areas, for both recessed lighting and chandeliers. You just need to make sure that the steps are wide and deep enough for you to safely access it even if you’re up on an unstable step stool . Be aware of any exposed nails or screws when using ladders as these can cause damage to your ladder and also pose a risk of injury if they’re not covered up.
Because ladders are bulky when transporting them, you’ll need to make sure that the one you choose is lightweight enough for you handle safely on your own as well as tall enough for changing high ceiling lights . Taller ladders will have wider steps so they’ll be able to handle larger adults and also children safely, as well as having a stable base that’s wide enough for you to stand on.
If you do need to use a step ladder or access platform, then it’s best that these are equipped with hooks on the top so tools can be attached and stored safely away while changing your light bulbs. If using a stepladder then make sure it is stable before standing on them in case they wobble around and you fall off.
If you need to change your light bulbs in high ceiling areas and are unable to access the area from a ladder or step stool then using an adjustable platform is a great alternative. Platforms can be adjusted so they’re always accessible even when reaching 30ft plus, giving you enough height for changing lamps safely and easily without needing to call in a professional.
Platforms are also great for changing light bulbs on downlighters and recessed ceiling lights that have been installed into 20ft plus high ceilings, so if you’ve got low level floor lighting then look out for those with handles to make it easier to move around . There is some really heavy duty scaffold board available which is great for long term use and changing light bulbs.
If you’re working on a ceiling fan with high ceilings then be aware that these can only designed to hold the weight of one person at any given time, so they need to be installed carefully before using them .
If using ladders then it’s important not to place these too near any window sills or other exposed areas as these can be very dangerous and cause you to fall.
If you can’t reach your light bulb due to it being too high up in the ceiling and there’s no way of safely standing on a step ladder or platform then using a grabber is another great option. Grabbers are available in various shapes and sizes, some with telescopic handles so they’re always accessible even when reaching 30ft plus.
Grabbers are attached to a pole so they can be easily moved into position, which is perfect for changing light bulbs in hard to reach areas such as roof spaces or high ceilings. It’s important that you choose the right size grabber though as these vary depending on how big or small your ceiling lights are and also what type of bulb it is that you’re changing.
For example, halogen bulbs need a larger grabber than normal light bulbs as the casing is bigger meaning they can’t fit into smaller holders. It’s important to make sure your pole and handle are long enough for reaching high ceiling lights without needing to stand on any steps or platforms . Make sure you have some good grip to ensure you can change the bulb safely without needing to call in a professional.
The GU10 lamp is removed and installed by a twist and lock. It takes about 30 seconds to change a light bulb in high ceiling.
The pole grabber for GU-sized halogen bulbs is designed with an easy grip handle and will fit onto most poles that are 20mm wide or more . Make sure the end of your pole has at least a 12cm diameter as this needs to be big enough to hold the end of the grabber to twist and lock into place.
There is usually a silicone sucker on the end that should be slightly wetted and pushed against the glass of the bulb. Give it a tug to ensure there is suction and then twist in an anti clockwise direction to remove.
You need a 60cm pole for 20ft ceilings or over, so if you have high ceiling lights then make sure your poles are long enough before using them . Always avoid placing lamps near any window sills as these can be very dangerous in case you fall off .
A screw in bulb grabber is another great option, which can be used to change light bulbs for a variety of different lamp sizes. Screwed into the end of your pole or ladder then you’ll easily be able to reach even the highest ceilings without needing any additional equipment .
Ceiling fans can be a little difficult to change the light bulbs in, but with the right tools it is no problem. If you are looking for new lighting options for your ceiling fan, we have some helpful tips!
While it is always recommended to call in a professional for any electrical work, we will share some basic tips and tricks on how you can change light bulbs yourself.
Ceiling fans are often installed into high ceilings so they don’t interfere with the aesthetics of your living space. This makes them perfect if you have very tall or vaulted ceiling. However, this also means that you could be required to change the light bulbs in your ceiling fan.
The first thing to do is put on a pair of safety gloves before touching any parts of your ceiling fan or changing the bulb itself . This will keep you from getting an electric shock while working with anything electrical and it can prevent other accidents like cuts from sharp edges.
Once you have your safety gloves on, the next step is to turn off power to the fan before removing any screws or other parts . You want to make sure that it’s completely unplugged and disconnected before touching anything inside of it. After this has been done, remove all of the light bulbs in your ceiling fan and dispose of them properly.
Next, you can unscrew the cage that holds your light bulbs and take it out . You should be able to see where all of your light bulb sockets are located now. If any look corroded or burnt then you will need a new socket in order for the fan to work again without having issues with flickering lights.
Once you have replaced the burnt out sockets, make sure that your light bulbs are seated tightly in each of them. Take care when screwing back into place as well to avoid damaging any electrical components . Once all of this has been done and you’ve double checked everything then it’s time to turn power on again so that nothing malfunctions while you are using the fan.
This is a general guide on how to change light bulbs in high ceiling fans, but if you have any questions about more specific parts or need additional help then it’s always best to contact an electrician for assistance .
If you’re in need of high rise light bulb replacement, there is no shame in hiring a professional. After all, it’s not easy to change those bulbs on your own especially if you after reading this guide and you are still not confident.
A local handyman would be qualified to use a platform to replace lamps and be cheaper than using an electrician who not really needed for such a simple task.
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