How to Change a Light Bulb

Disclaimer: The joke in this hub is not intended to offend anyone. It is for informational and reference purposes only.

These instructions are for an overhead light fixture only. Some steps are the same for a tabletop lamp. These instructions are for those individuals unfairly targeted by the insulting insinuations of the Light bulb joke. These instructions should fare well with the new types of light bulbs being forced upon the consumer due to changes in the energy consumption laws. Thomas Edison would be proud of the controversies involving one of his most commonly used inventions.

Before the instructions, there should be a little information concerning the Light bulb joke. Light bulb jokes originated in the 1960s and 1970s with the intention of insulting the intelligence of Polish people with such jokes as this one:

How many Polacks does it take to change a light bulb? Three, one to hold the bulb while the other two turn the ladder.

It should be recognized that targets of the Light bulb joke enjoy them as much if not more than anyone else. Like blonde jokes, light bulb jokes are usually started by those mentioned in the joke.

Be sure the bulbs to be changed are cool to the touch before beginning this process.

Items you’ll need:

1) package of light bulbs

1) chair, stool, ladder or other height enhancing device

1) disposal receptacle for the burnt bulb

Step 1:

Remove any items from the area of the floor underneath the light fixture. You want your height enhancing device to be placed on a flat, even surface to ensure the bulb changer does not fall.

Step 2:

Place height enhancing device directly underneath the light fixture if possible. If it is not possible to place the height enhancing device directly underneath the light fixture, place it as close to the light fixture as possible.

Step 3:

Stand on height enhancing device with package of new light bulbs and disposal receptacle within easy reach.

Step 4:

If the light fixture has a removable glass covering, remove it by turning the screw counterclockwise. The removable glass covering is usually held in place by screws. Some fixtures only have one screw for this while some fixtures have two or more. If your light fixture does not have a removable glass covering, skip this step and go on to step 6.

Step 5:

Place the removed glass covering and screw on a countertop within easy reach. You will need this later.

Step 6:

Remove the burnt bulb(s). Some fixtures hold one bulb while others hold two or more. To loosen the existing bad bulb, turn it counterclockwise until it can be easily pulled away from the fixture.

Step 7:

Remove the new bulb from the package. This may take some patience due to the packaging of light bulbs. Light bulb packaging is designed to hold the fragile bulbs in place during shipment. Discard this bulb in the disposal receptacle.

Step 8:

Insert the new bulb into the fixture and turn it clockwise until it is tightly secure.

Step 9:

Repeat steps 6 through 8 for any other bulbs to be replaced.

Step 10:

Replace the removable glass covering and secure it tightly with the screw by turning the screw clockwise.

Step 11:

Step down from your height enhancing device and store it away.

Step 12:

Turn the light switch to the “on” position to verify all steps have been followed correctly.

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© 2011 Tammy L