How to Replace a Kitchen Halogen Lamp

A halogen lamp is the preferred light fixture in many home kitchens. The lamp filament is made of a metallic chemical substance known as tungsten. The filament is encased in a small quartz envelope which consists of a halogen gas. As the tungsten evaporates, it combines with the gas and is re-deposited on the filament. This contributes to the resilience and durability of the lamp. The lamp distributes very bright light which appears whiter than the light produced by regular lamps. This makes it ideal for kitchen use where high visibility is vital in food preparation. Although halogen lamps have a much longer life span than ordinary lamps, they do require replacement at some point. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much time or effort to change the lamp. Should yours burn out, follow the guidelines below to replace.

Step 1 – Disconnect Power Supply

Turn off the power supply to the lamp. Allow about 15 minutes for the bulb to cool. If you attempt to handle the bulb soon after you turn off power, it’ll be very hot. This can cause you serious burns on the hands.

Step 2 – Remove Old Lamp

Use a non-linen cloth to remove the old lamp. Press the lamp down firmly and turn in an anticlockwise direction. Keep up the action until the lamp is freed from the holder. Place the lamp in a safe place to prevent breakage. Dispose of it appropriately later.

Step 3 – Remove Safety Tempered Glass

Your lamp may be secured by a tempered glass which provides safety for the lamp. Firmly press the glass against the lamp holder. This will dislodge the glass from the clip that secures it after which you can lift it out and place aside. If yours has the tempered glass secured by screws, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and lift out the glass.

Step 4 - Install New Lamp

Use a non-linen cloth to pick up the new lamp. Fit the 2 prongs of the lamp into the holder and turn in a clockwise direction until you can turn no more. Be sure to secure the lamp tightly in its holder. Reinstall the safety glass. You can now turn on the power and let your halogen lamp light up your kitchen.

Tips

• Do not replace the old lamp with a new one that has higher wattage. This can damage the lamp and shorten its life span.
• If the lamp is located in a high place, it is best to use a light bulb gripper when you have to replace. You can obtain this from a hardware store.
• Never touch a halogen lamp with bare hands. This will prevent fingerprints and transfer of oil and dirt from your hands onto the lamp. These can easily cause the lamp to shatter as it is very sensitive.
• Halogen lamps get extremely hot. Do not attempt to touch one while it is on. You could suffer serious burns.