How To Change A Light Bulb In A Stairwell

Changing a light bulb may appear to be a simple task, and it is undoubtedly. There are, however, some critical safety precautions to be aware of. Sometimes you’ll need to replace a more difficult light bulb than others for instance if the bulb is located in a high vaulted ceiling.

We’ve noticed that many people don’t know how to change a light bulb in a stairwell properly or what tools they’ll need, so we’ve written a detailed post for you that covers all you need to know.

How to Change a Light Bulb in a Stairwell: Things You’ll Need

In a stairwell, you can easily change your light bulb in a typical way. However, if your staircase is tricky to access and you are unable to utilize a step ladder, there is another option that I will discuss here. So, get equipped at first and note down the things which we will be needing in the process. Here are some of the essentials:

A new bulb
Telescoping reacher grabber
A clean cloth
Safety goggles

Follow the Step by Step Guide on How to Change a Light Bulb in a Stairwell

If you want to be completely safe, make sure the power is turned off completely in the first place. Any time you’re fooling around with electrical fixtures, this is a smart idea.

Simply turn off the red power button in your fuse box. Be cautious that this will turn off all of your lights, not just one. Before changing the light bulb, make sure the fixture is unplugged. You run the danger of getting a shock if you don’t do it.

Always be careful when working with electricity. Now, once you have turned off the switch, it’s time to get started with the whole process of changing the light bulb in your stairwell.

Step 1: Determine

There are no globes or shades on light bulbs that are too high for you to reach. Now the first thing that comes to mind is using a step ladder which you can simply set on the stairs and climb up and change your light bulbs. However, to reach these types of light fixtures, most households do not have step ladders that are over 20 feet tall.

In such a case using a telescoping reacher grabber is the best option. It works as an extension of your arm and has a trigger or squeeze handle that operates the suction cups or jaws on the other end of the tool, and this can be used to change a light bulb that you can’t reach easily.

Step 2: Get Equipped

Turn off the wall switch for the light fixture that has a faulty bulb. Protect your eyes by wearing a pair of safety goggles. When you replace the bulb, there will be debris from spider webs and dust. Your eyes will be shielded by the safety goggles. Fold the grabber reacher all the way out until it reaches its maximum length.

To expand the grabber’s arm, certain grabber reachers use a twisting motion. Place the suction cup or the grabbers’ jaws over the light bulb’s end. To open or expand the suction cup, squeeze the trigger handle. Place the reacher’s bulb end around the light bulb’s circle until resistance is felt. To engage the jaws, release the trigger slowly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Bulb

To remove the bulb from the socket, turn the grabber reacher counter-clockwise. Remove the bulb from the instrument by lowering the grabber reacher’s end gently.

Step 4: Clean Up or Wait

Now that you are changing the bulb in your stairwell then you may also want to clean the bulb holder using a clean cloth by placing it at the top of the reacher grabber. Continue swirling your hands in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction until you are satisfied with your cleaning process.

Step 5: Prepare the New Bulb

While you are opening the new bulb from the packet just make sure, the maximum watt/amp rating can be found on the label on the bulb socket or fixture. As the bulb’s power rating should not be higher than what your lighting fixture allows.

Step 6: Put in the New Bulb

Replace the bulb and elevate the bulb end to the socket using the grabber reacher tool end. To screw the bulb into the socket, turn the grabber reacher clockwise. This will take some time, especially if this is your first time using the tool. Continue rotating until the bulb won’t fit into the socket easily.

You should not try to tighten the bulb far enough because there is a chance of breaking it. To replace a light bulb in a lighting fixture, turn the bulb clockwise in the socket. Remember to remove counterclockwise and insert clockwise.

The bulb may lock into place, or you may have to twist it until you can no longer twist it. This is determined by the socket. If you screw the bulb in too tightly, it will break. If you’re using a bayonet bulb, make sure the base is aligned with the two pins.

Using a circular motion, push down and then twist upwards. When using a screw cap bulb, simply insert it into the hole and twist. Unless you desire a softer or brighter light than what you presently have, you should buy a bulb with the same wattage as the old one.

Step 7: Turn On the Light and Enjoy

To open the jaws or remove the suction cup, squeeze the trigger handle. To store the reacher, fold it up. Turn on the light fixture’s wall switch. Keep in mind that light bulbs are quite delicate. As a result, you don’t want to put the old bulb into your garbage at random. The shards of the bulb can injure someone if it breaks.

Before discarding the old bulb, wrap it in the package of the new bulb. You might also use an old newspaper or magazine to wrap the old bulb.

Place the bulb somewhere out of reach of children. If recycling is possible or necessary in your area, make sure to do it.

How to Change a Light Bulb in a Stairwell: Precautions

Before working on the specified bulb, turn off the switch.
Make sure the light has had enough time to cool before changing the bulb. Never change a light bulb with your hands alone.
Never exceed the wattage specification when lighting a fixture.
Only use the bulb types that the fixture specifies.
If you’re going to change a light bulb with a ladder, be sure it’s securely in place.
Before you begin climbing, use your hands to set the ladder in the ideal location and ensure that it is securely attached to the ground.
Don’t try to balance on an unsteady chair or something similar if the bulb is in a ceiling fixture. Use a strong stepladder to reach the top. As a result, you’ll be able to reach the light bulb without falling.

To change a light bulb that is quite high up, you can buy a specific extension tool instead of a step ladder. It’s usually safer than attempting to climb a ladder.
Also, keep in mind that you may always call a handyman. To change a light bulb in a lamp fixture, you shouldn’t need any other tools.

FAQs: How to Change a Light Bulb in a Stairwell

Which One Is Better: Changing the Bulb or Using an Led Light Bulb?

Obviously using an LED light bulb because, in every way, LED lights to outshine other types of lighting. They use electricity in a more efficient manner. They are safer since they are cooler and do not dissipate energy as heat and lastly they outperform the alternatives by a huge margin.

Why Does It Take so Long to Change a Light Bulb in My Stairwell, and What Can I Do About It?

You need a ladder to change your light bulb but if you are thinking of saving some time then use a pivot ladder box, which sits on the stairwell and levels your ladder while you’re on the stairs. It makes the whole process faster and safer at the same time.

What Is the Best Way to Change a Light Bulb in A Stairwell?

There are many ways to achieve it but hiring a stair-tower is the safest way. However, If the budget doesn’t allow for it or you don’t need it on a regular basis then a stair-ladder will suffice.

Conclusion: How to Change a Light Bulb in a Stairwell

As we have provided a short overview of the complete method on how to change a light bulb in a stairwell, it should be a breeze for you now. I hope that this article has helped you realize the necessity of following the stages one by one as well as the significance of failing to do so.

Working near a stairwell is never safe, and when it comes to changing a light bulb, more caution is required. As a result, if you understand the little details of the procedure, it should not be a problem, as it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Trevor Peterson

My strong expertise is illuminating spaces. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming environments through lighting, my dream is to leave indelible mark on the world of light design. Below are few facts of my biography, highlighting career and hobbies. Click here to contact me.