Changing a fluorescent tube or starter

(Your responsibility)

fluorescenttube

General advice

The starter needs to be replaced if the tube is flickering or only lighting at the ends.
The tube needs to be replaced if it is dim or shimmering.
It is safest to replace a tube or starter in daylight.
Do not try to change a tube or starter if you are not sure whether you can do it. Ask a friend or neighbour to help.
Take old tubes to your local household recycling centre. They will not be picked up with your weekly rubbish collection.

Turn off the light at the switch and leave it for a while for the tube to cool.
Switch off the light circuit by switching off the trip at the consumer unit.
To replace the starter, press it, twist anti-clockwise (a quarter turn) and pull it out. Put the new starter in, press it and turn it clockwise to lock it in position.Switch the light circuit back on and check that the light works.
To replace the tube, unclip the diffuser (if fitted). Remove the tube by twisting it to allow the contact pins at each end of the tube to drop down through the grooves in the end support brackets. You may need to pull the ends of the fitting apart to remove the tube. Fit the new tube by sliding the contact pins up through the grooves in the end support brackets. Twist it into place. Switch the light circuit back on and check if the light works.