Fluorescent light bulbs typically last many years, but when one flickers on and off, or the end turns light gray to black in color, it needs to be replaced. Another common problem is cracked sockets, caused by bumps from other objects or stress from removing a bulb.
1. Unplug the light and twist the bulb 90 degrees with both hands. Pull one end straight down to free it from the socket and then lower the entire bulb. Replace the bulb with the same size bulb.
2. Shut down the power and remove the bulb(s). Unscrew the fixture end cover. Screw locations will vary, but double-bulb units typically have a screw on each side, and four-bulb units typically have an additional screw on the top center edge. Remove all screws and pull off the cover.
3. Slide out the socket to expose the wiring. There will be two or four wires coming into the socket. It’s very important to keep the wiring order straight, so cut one side of the old socket wiring loose at a time. Strip the wiring back 1/2 in.
4. Press the bare wire ends into the terminal slots on the new socket, being careful to insert the correct wire into each terminal. The terminal slot works like a barbed fish hook; once a wire is pushed in, it cannot be pulled out. Repeat the process for the remaining wires and then replace the socket.
Note: If the fixture still doesn’t work, then the ballast is probably shot and it’s time to buy a new fixture.