How to Change a Lightbulb

If you don’t know how to change a lightbulb, believe it or not, you’re not the only one. Unfortunately, your landlord probably isn’t going to pop round and help you with it, so now is a great time to learn.

Take a look at our basic guidance below.

• Switch the power supply to the lightbulb off at the wall.
• Let the bulb cool.
• Make sure you are standing on a safe surface when reaching the bulb.
• To unscrew, hold the bulb gently, push down, and turn it counter-clockwise. This should release the bulb from the socket.
• If the bulb has a screw fitting, twist the bulb counter clockwise until it loose enough for you to remove from the socket.
• If the bulb detaches from the screw, you may need to use a pair of pliers to remove it. If this happens, make sure you cut the power supply off at the fuse box first to avoid electrocution.
• Put a new bulb in the socket and turn clockwise.
• Bulbs are usually made from glass, so make sure you dispose of them carefully; wrap the bulb in new bulb’s packaging, or in paper before you put it in the bin.

Further considerations

• Before you buy a replacement lightbulb, make sure you know what base size and bulb shape you need for your fitting.
• What kind of cap fitting do you need? Bayonet? Edison Screw? Spotlight?
• Make sure the bulb will be bright enough for the space. A high wattage usually means a brighter bulb, but now Halogen, Energy Saving, or LED bulbs can now produce the same amount of life using less energy. Take a look at how many Lumens a lightbulb has as an indication of brightness.

While you’re here, why not find out about how to bleed your radiator too

If your radiator is hot at the bottom, but cold at the top, it probably needs bleeding. You can do this yourself, you don’t need your landlord to call a plumber.

• First, turn off your heating!
• Using a radiator key, turn the valve at the top of your radiator until you hear it releasing air.
• Once the air has been released, water should be able to move around the radiator and subsequently will make its way to valve.
• Close the valve up using the radiator key before water starts to escape.
• Turn your heating back on.

Contact Student Advice

Advice@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 (0)2920 781410