Light bulbs may last for years, but they still need to be changed and maintained at some point. Imagine a situation where the need to change the light bulbs of your house arises but the ceiling is too tall for you. Remember, you will not always have someone to change your light bulb in such awkward positions.
As long as you have the right tools, changing a light bulb in a ceiling as high as 20ft should not be much of a problem or dangerous.
This article seeks to provide you with helpful tips on safely changing your light bulb quickly and safely.
Tools You Will Need for High Ceiling Light Bulb Change
1. Ladder/Telescoping Ladder
2. Bulb Grabber/Telescopic Bulb Changer
3. Platforms and Scaffold Boards
4. Bulbs
1) Regular light bulb in tall ceiling
If the high ceiling bulb is the sole source of light, you will need a light bulb that can provide the most illumination for your room.
It would help if you had a bulb with over 800-lumen output to ensure every part of your room is lit.
But if the high ceiling light is meant to add extra lighting, a light bulb with less than 800-lumen is ideal.
2) Recessed light bulb size in high ceiling
If you want a light bulb that can dim your recessed lights, go for fixtures that use incandescent, LED, or halogen.
Most recessed lights use 6″ fixtures giving you greater flexibility in the trim you want.
3) Chandelier light bulb size in high ceiling
When choosing a Chandelier light bulb, you have to ensure you are getting the right size. The first thing to do is to get the diameter of your home.
If you want a Chandelier light bulb that will hang on your table, you have to take your table’s ceiling height and size.
For example, If the dining table is 48″ wide x 60″, you will need a Chandelier light bulb measuring 24″ to 36″.
How to Change Light Bulb in High Ceiling Safely? – Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
While a high ceiling can make your home look attractive and more prominent, the challenge comes when the need to change the light bulb kicks in.
The procedure and tools required when changing a light bulb vary depending on the type of light bulb and your ceiling height.
We have put together detailed procedures for changing light bulbs for different sizes.
1. How To Change Light Bulb In 20ft Ceiling? – Use Bulb Grabber/Telescope Bulb Changer
If you’re looking at a 20ft or less ceiling, a bulb grabber or telescopic bulb changer should be enough to do the job for you.
It comes with an 11-foot telescoping pole and different adapters that can change regular light bulb, recessed light bulb, and chandelier light bulbs.
Use this method to change your light bulb? Here are 8 simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Turn off the light bulb switch, carefully attach the bulb grabber to the extension pole, and use masking tape to ensure the two components are completely secure.
Step 2: Take the bulb grabber and slowly lead it towards the light bulb you want to be changed. The bulb grabber should hold the bulb once close enough to the bulb.
Step 3: Use the extension pole to rotate the bulb clockwise until it is entirely loose within the socket.
Step 4: Gently pull the bulb and then use the release string on the bulb grabber to remove the old bulb.
Step 5: Take the new bulb out and use the suction tips to connect it to the bulb grabber. Before taking it up the ceiling, ensure the bulb is secure enough.
Step 6: Slowly raise the bulb grabber to the socket, then place the new bulb inside and secure it by rotating it in the socket until it’s completely tight.
Step 7: Pull the string on the light grabber to release the new bulb from the grabber to leave the light bulb secure on the socket.
Step 8: Flick the switch to ensure the new light bulb is working.
2. How To Change Light Bulb In 30ft Ceiling? – Use An Extra Tall Telescoping Ladder
If the ceiling is anything more than 30ft high, you will need an extra-tall telescoping ladder to change the light bulb of your home.
All you require is an extra tall ladder and insulated gloves, and new light bulbs for this method.
Once you have the three items at your disposal, you can follow the following procedure when changing the light bulb in your house.
Step 1: Switch off the light power at the main switch and leave it for a few minutes to cool down.
Step 2: Open the telescoping ladder and place it on a flat and steady surface. Aim for the ladder near the wall to make it more secure.
If you feel the ladder is not secure enough, call for an extra hand to hold the ladder in place while you complete the process.
Step 3: Wear your rubber gloves before touching anything near the light bulb.
Step 4: Climb up the ladder until close enough to the light bulb without stretching.
Step 5: Hold the bulb tight and rotate it counterclockwise until the light bulb is loose.
Step 6: Gently pull it away from the socket and put it in a secure place or hand it over to the person holding the ladder.
Step 7: Replace the old light bulb with a new one and twist it clockwise until it is held securely in place.
Step 8: Switch on the light bulb from the main switch to see if the bulb is in good working condition.
3. How To Change Light Bulbs in Vaulted Ceiling? – Use Platforms and Scaffold Boards
When you need to change light bulbs on a ceiling that angles up towards the roof, you can use platforms and scaffold boards.
Unlike ladders, platforms are adjustable and can be used to access ceilings reaching 30ft plus.
You can use it to change light bulbs in vaulted ceilings without hiring a professional.
Ensure that the scaffold board you’re using is heavy-duty to avoid dripping or falling while on top. It’s also important to note that scaffold boards are meant to hold the weight of one person.
Step 1: Place the platform in a position that will enable you to access the light bulb easily.
Step 2: Erect the scaffold board on the platform and shake it to ensure it is secure enough to your weight.
Step 3: Set the scaffold kit directly below the light bulb you intend to change.
Step 4: Switch off the lights from the main switch and slowly climb up the scaffold while carrying the light bulb in a secure place.
Step 5: Hold the bulb, open it anti-clockwise, and remove it when it’s loose enough.
Step 6: Replace the old light bulb with a new one and close it clockwise until it’s tight enough.
Step 7: Slowly climb down the scaffold boards and switch on the light to ensure the light bulb is working well.
4. How To Change Light Bulb in Cathedral Ceiling? – Use 10ft Ladder
Changing a cathedral ceiling light bulb can be difficult and require a ladder to offer extra support.
In this case, we will look at how you can use a 10ft ladder to change the light bulb in a cathedral ceiling.
Step 1: Set up the ladder directly below the light bulb you intend to change and ensure it is firm enough to hold your weight.
Step 2: Turn off the lights from the main switch.
Step 3: Slowly climb up the ladder as you feel the firmness of the ladder.
Step 4: Once you are in an excellent position to work on the fixture, hold the light bulb and turn it anti-clockwise until it is loose enough to remove from the basket.
Step 5: Install the new light bulb and turn it clockwise to secure the bulb in place.
Step 6: Slowly climb down the ladder and switch on the lights to ensure the bulb is in good working condition.
How To Use a Light Bulb Grabber?
Not all homeowners have ladders to change a light bulb on the high ceiling.
You can use a light bulb grabber as an extension to your arm.
Here is a step-by-step procedure you can use to change a light bulb grabber.
Step 1: Turn off the switch of the faulty light bulb and put on the safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust or debris that falls while changing the bulb.
Step 2: Unfold the light bulb grabber until it extends fully. Most light bulb grabber bulbs use a twist motion to change the size.
Step 3: Position the jaws of the grabber over the end of the bulb and squeeze the trigger handle to expand the suction cup, and hold it to the bulb end until you feel the resistance.
Once you feel the bulb is tight, slowly release the trigger to engage the jaws.
Step 4: Position the new bulb to the grabber and raise the bulb to the socket.
Turn the grabber clockwise until it is secure enough. Ensure not to tighten it too much to avoid breaking the bulb.
Step 5: Once the bulb is tight enough, squeeze the trigger of the grabber to open the jaws.
Turn on the switch to make sure the new bulb is working well.
How To Change High Ceiling Fan Light Bulb?
At some point, you will need to change your ceiling fan to give your home a facelift or replace one that is broken.
Ceiling fans often come with a mounting flange that accommodates a changeable light bulb.
Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Switch off the lamp a few minutes before starting the process to cool down the ceiling fan bulb.
Step 2: Position the ladder in an excellent position to enable you to reach the fixture with ease.
Step 3: If the fan bulb is on a dome, hold the done at a place and loosen the screws but if the fixture does not have the dome, move directly to the bulb.
Step 4: If the bulb is cool enough, hold the fixture in place and turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the bulb.
Step 5: Install the new ceiling light bulb. Ensure that the new bulb has an equivalent wattage to the old light bulb. Turn the new bulb clockwise until it is secure enough, and be careful not to turn it too much as it may break.
Step 6: Turn on the lamp to verify it works fine. If it works fine, return the dome or any other cover and climb down the ladder.
Tips/Precautions
1. Anything that involves electricity is dangerous, so you should apply extreme caution every step of the way.
2. Always turn off the lights at the breaker box at the beginning of the process.
3. Ensure the ladder is in good working condition.
4. Check that the new ceiling light bulb is of the same wattage as the old one.
5. Ensure the ceiling box is secure enough to hold the weight of the ceiling fan. If not, the fan could fall and cause serious injury or damage.
