Well, this saved me! I am a widow whose husband did all things repair related around the house. I hate to keep calling on people to help me. I could not figure out how to get the lightbulb out of the housing so of course turned to You Tube. Your slow and conscise directions were so helpful. It took some tugging and pulling and almost giving up to pull the housing from the ceiling but once it finally came out it was a go! Thank you! Now to change the rest of my burned out light bulbs.
WOW, I just had these lights installed, and of course the contractor never showed us how to change the bulb, one burned out, and I googled instructions, and this video SAVED MY SANITY!!! Thanks so much!!
I just moved into a new house with a recessed, covered bulb over the shower. Couldn't figure out how to change the bulb. Your video provided me with the magic touch. Thanks!!!
I used your great information several years ago to change the bulb in my closet and, of course, forgot everything. So glad I could find your video again with the clear and easy instructions needed to get the job done. Thanks again!
Dear Jeff, I am an old lady and followed your safety instructions to the tee. I am still shaking, but I got it done. What is not right is putting the can and the outside ring back in and now my husbands home and I'm afraid to mess with it. Anyone else would feel sucessful, and I know I can try again! Aloha, Maui lighterfighter
Thanks Jeff. I want to thank you for your video. I could not find directions anywhere else. I was getting ready to use a flat head screwdriver to try and pop the bulb and had no idea that you removed the whole unit. I'm 6"5, so I needed no tall ladder or step stool. The new light works perfectly. Thanks again.
Jeff, you solved the puzzle. I have been trying to figure it out for months, seriously. That was so well explained. I changed four bulbs already. Thanks
Thanks, Jeff! My bf yelled at me for taking the entire fixture housing from the ceiling, but then we youtubed your video. And now he has seen the light! I guess we now have the answer to the question "how many of us does it take to change a lightbulb?"
Each halogen ceiling light is different. Sometimes we dont need to remove the whole socket piece, but just the protective holding rim or glass, and unplug the bulb. In my old house, I got used to that. In my new house, I havent been able to figure out how to change the bulbs , postponed it , until so many of them burned , I was left with no choice, but to tackle the task. Finally, I came upon your video, to learn that , the new kind I am now faced with, needs to be removed as a whole. :) Thanks.
I had a brunt out light blub in my kitchen for months, i attemped to change it once but thought this can't be right, thank goodness for you Mr.Weissman for posting this I now have all my lights functioning and it was as easy as you showed. You're a good man! One more thing do you know how to locate a short in a house, my phones go out when it rains and my Christmas tree would come on by itself in the middle of the night. I no longer use that outlet.
Jeff: THANK YOU!!! I have been staring at a dark recessed kitchen light for a few months now. I tried figuring it out on my own because I consider myself pretty handy, but this little bulb had me stumped until I watched your video! I am so excited to go to Home Depot today and buy my new light bulb and replace it! So thank you very much for this video!
Thanks Jeff, even f'ed up, you were great. My can was different and higher than a ladder, but the key was knowing I could pull down the can and remove the bulb. My wife pushing on my tush, and admiring my legs, was way better than a secure ladder. Thanks, 'A
Thanks Jeff for posting this video. I had no idea how to change those light bulbs and neither did my husband. He's gonna be REALLY surprised when he comes home! :)
I rent, and I could not figure out how to get these things open or even begin to imagine what they're called or who makes them. You really helped me out. THANK YOU! :D
haha, I was trying to change the bulb on a rickety chair unable to figure this out, then I watched the video. The first 2 min's were shame for not using a ladder, but very good advice!
Jeff, you're an awesome teacher! Thank you for speaking slowly and clearly. I will definitely try your techniques - and I am subscribing to your vids! Pls make more - I enjoy learning from you!! chantal in Toronto
Hey Jeff! Good video! Unfortunately the can that they used is a square can that's a f#%& to pull out! .. And when you do, you have these f#%& clips to dork around with! .. And it's nearly a waste of time because the whole socket is encased within the can! Fortunately, I had an access panel nearby that I could use to reset these clips back into place! "Plan B" is remove the shaft nut that holds in the socket assembly at the top of the can and pull out the whole socket assembly and replace the bulb. In this setup, the built is held in place by the bi-pins and a pair of guides on the socket. It does appear that you can just pull out the bulb, but getting the new bulb to line-up correctly is a big challenge. .. Oh, yeah, I'm in Singapore, and this might be a European design/nightmare! 😉
Jeff, Great video, I was scratching my head, and felt something like Ben Stiller in Zoolander trying to get files out of a computer... My lights were mildly different but the housing popped out all the same. Thanks!
hi good video. im getting 4 bulbs they are mr16 12v 1watt each, just type in on amazon or ebay for mr16 12v 1 watt, will 4 be ok to light up a very small caravan. thanks
Darned! I forgot that one cannot post a comment in RUclips without it posting on my wall. Deeply ashamed to have been exposed as the person that watches a video about how to change a light.
@poptium You mean like the bar style halogen like shop and spot lights use too. No it doesn't matter which end goes where. Just make sure not to crack the ceramic ends while pushing in on one of the spring side pins and push hard to make sure the other end fully clears the other pin or that ceramic end could crack too--those ceramic ends are fragile.
Thanks. I have to replace a few metal transformers the size of my fist and the light place sold me little white plastic Damars. Are they going to work? I have 22 ft ceilings and I'm 6 ft tall. How tall a ladder should I use? 20? and where do I find one that big?
these transformer are just about as good as anything www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Lightech-60-Watt-12-Volt-Electronic-Transformer-GELT60A12012DIY/203586278 22' Ceilings? your going to need scaffolding(same as my ceilings) unless you can get access from an attic.
Great video! However, I followed it step by step to replace to lights in my kitchen, and now the two bulbs still won't work when I flip the switch. I have obviously made sure that the pins are firmly in the sockets. Any suggestions?
@smoothtouch77 It sounds like you had the "Lightolier" recessed cans in your old house. This is for the "Halo" type recessed cans. I'm glad I could help
Hi Jeff, many thanks for your detailed video. I changed the bulb. However, the connection appears to be loose as sometimes the light works and sometimes it does not. Then I give it a gentle tap on and around the bulb and it lights up. Any thoughts of how to fix this 2-pin holder/bulb? Many thanks.
Yeah, your socket that the bulb goes into is bad, very typical for these lights. You need this socket, amzn.to/49H4pzE and then to cut and splice this onto the existing wires. 2 small Blue wire nuts too amzn.to/3TpuDRg
WOW!!! I am super impressed with your prompt and detailed reply Jeff. Truly appreciate it. The first link you provided for the socket just defaults to the general page where there are multiple sockets and stand confused. If you can send me a direct link to that particular socket only, it will be great (also the brand and amount it is for, so that I can identify it quickly should the default page open up again) . Many thanks again for your great help!!!
Try this, if not search for "MR-16 Lamp Socket" amzn.to/48HHTFn If not, your local electrical supply will have these, Home Cheapo prolly have it too www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Miniature-Bi-Pin-Base-Ceramic-Body-G4-G6-35-GY6-35-GX5-3-MR16-GZ4-MR11-Halogen-Incandescent-Lampholder-White-80054/301667505
@jeffweissman no, but they will be running of a car battery and solar will charge the battery. I don't really need a dimmer because its a very small caravan.
Hi Jeff, I have replaced the bulb a few times just as you described it. It is really easy. But now my porcelain connector gone bad. It seems the half of bulb pins broke and stuck inside the connector. I have bought a new connector, but it seems that to replace it is more difficult. Could you show how to do it? Thanks!
I don't do request. But, That happens frequently, cut the old on off, get 2 small blue wire nuts and this from Amazon www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Miniature-Bi-Pin-diameter-Halogen/dp/B0195NEI3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533333814&sr=8-2&keywords=mr-16+socket
The problem with this is that the LED MR 16 is typically a 9watt bulb. Magnetic transformers don't like being loaded less than half of their rating. This leads to an early death for the transformer.
the sockets must be different in Australia, because when i unplugged the blown bulb and tried to plug in another new bulb there are no holes to accept the pins…just two metal plates that are slightly sprung. Tried everything to find the socket holes, but nothing, zip, nada. Bent the pins trying to find non existent socket holes.
Thanks so much Jeff! Very helpful, except...I followed the instructions, (was feeling pretty good about taking care of this myself) & flipped the switch, but---nothing! Recessed lights installed about 14 years ago & I'm using a brand-new pkg of Philips MR-16 bulbs. Another family member used a bulb from this pkg to change recessed light over kitchen sink & it worked for a couple of days, then stopped. What do u think? Defective bulbs? Family of idiots? HELP!: its dark & we're scared!
It sounds like you have the "Lightolier Brand"of recessed can. For that brand all you have to do is pull the ring around the Glass cover to expose the bulb. The White trim and Black baffle are not removed for Lightolier
Hi @UncleFjester your video really helps! In fact the trim you have is very similar, if not the same, as mine! I have one issue though - for whatever reason my tim is very tight, I cannot really pull it down. In your video the tim gets off fairly easily. Is there any tricks on pulling it down? I notice it does not have the usual spring loaded mechanism.
*"If you find this helpful, Please consider clicking on the "THANK$" Button"* 👍🏼
Well, this saved me! I am a widow whose husband did all things repair related around the house. I hate to keep calling on people to help me. I could not figure out how to get the lightbulb out of the housing so of course turned to You Tube. Your slow and conscise directions were so helpful. It took some tugging and pulling and almost giving up to pull the housing from the ceiling but once it finally came out it was a go! Thank you! Now to change the rest of my burned out light bulbs.
WOW, I just had these lights installed, and of course the contractor never showed us how to change the bulb, one burned out, and I googled instructions, and this video SAVED MY SANITY!!! Thanks so much!!
You had these dangerous things installed all the way in modern 2010? 💀💀
5:45 PM
5/14/2022
I just moved into a new house with a recessed, covered bulb over the shower. Couldn't figure out how to change the bulb. Your video provided me with the magic touch. Thanks!!!
I used your great information several years ago to change the bulb in my closet and, of course, forgot everything. So glad I could find your video again with the clear and easy instructions needed to get the job done. Thanks again!
Thanks for returning!
You provide a great public service. Thanks!
Thank you Jeff! I had a really hard time trying to figure this out until I watched your video. You did an excellent job explaining this.
Thanks, nothing out there explains this except your video.
Dear Jeff,
I am an old lady and followed your safety instructions to the tee. I am still shaking, but I got it done. What is not right is putting the can and the outside ring back in and now my husbands home and I'm afraid to mess with it. Anyone else would feel sucessful, and I know I can try again!
Aloha,
Maui lighterfighter
Thanks Jeff. I want to thank you for your video. I could not find directions anywhere else. I was getting ready to use a flat head screwdriver to try and pop the bulb and had no idea that you removed the whole unit.
I'm 6"5, so I needed no tall ladder or step stool.
The new light works perfectly.
Thanks again.
Jeff, you solved the puzzle. I have been trying to figure it out for months, seriously. That was so well explained. I changed four bulbs already.
Thanks
Thanks, Jeff! My bf yelled at me for taking the entire fixture housing from the ceiling, but then we youtubed your video. And now he has seen the light! I guess we now have the answer to the question "how many of us does it take to change a lightbulb?"
Each halogen ceiling light is different. Sometimes we dont need to remove the whole socket piece, but just the protective holding rim or glass, and unplug the bulb. In my old house, I got used to that. In my new house, I havent been able to figure out how to change the bulbs , postponed it , until so many of them burned , I was left with no choice, but to tackle the task. Finally, I came upon your video, to learn that , the new kind I am now faced with, needs to be removed as a whole. :) Thanks.
Thank God for the Internet (and people like Jeff) I wouldn't have figured this out in a million years.
Thank you! Still great 15 years later.
excellent demonstration with good closeup video and emphasis on safety of ladder use and turning off the electricity before doing the bulb change!!!!!
Thank you! We just bought a house with these types of lights and were going crazy trying to figure it out.
I had a brunt out light blub in my kitchen for months, i attemped to change it once but thought this can't be right, thank goodness for you Mr.Weissman for posting this I now have all my lights functioning and it was as easy as you showed. You're a good man! One more thing do you know how to locate a short in a house, my phones go out when it rains and my Christmas tree would come on by itself in the middle of the night. I no longer use that outlet.
Jeff: THANK YOU!!! I have been staring at a dark recessed kitchen light for a few months now. I tried figuring it out on my own because I consider myself pretty handy, but this little bulb had me stumped until I watched your video! I am so excited to go to Home Depot today and buy my new light bulb and replace it! So thank you very much for this video!
Thanks a lot Jeff you Rock!!!
Now i changed my kitchen lightbulbs! I was blind now I see ;)
A big thank you from Montreal!
Thanks Jeff, even f'ed up, you were great. My can was different and higher than a ladder, but the key was knowing I could pull down the can and remove the bulb. My wife pushing on my tush, and admiring my legs, was way better than a secure ladder.
Thanks,
'A
Awesome. Hands down the most useful few minutes I've ever spent on RUclips! Thanks for the vid!
I'm glad I was able to help!
Thanks for all the positive reviews. Keep em coming.
Jeff Weissman
There was no manual for my fixture. I dont have this exact model but was able to use it as a reference. Thanks for the video
Still works in 2022! ;-)
Thanks Jeff.
Thanks Jeff for posting this video. I had no idea how to change those light bulbs and neither did my husband. He's gonna be REALLY surprised when he comes home! :)
Thanks from all the way over here in London, England. Your instructions helped tremendously as I had no clue how to do this.
Thank you Uncle Jeff! Your video was the only one that could help me. ❤️ You’re a lifesaver!
I rent, and I could not figure out how to get these things open or even begin to imagine what they're called or who makes them. You really helped me out. THANK YOU! :D
haha, I was trying to change the bulb on a rickety chair unable to figure this out, then I watched the video. The first 2 min's were shame for not using a ladder, but very good advice!
Thanks for the very easy to understand video. Replacing the bulb was easy.
Truly a man of real genius! Great instructions
Hi Jeff! Great video! I successfully changed a few bulbs! Before taking a big fall. I should have listened to you about the ladder.
I hope your kidding about the fall
Great video, thanks - made replacing the bulb in my fixture simple.
Thank you Jeff. Very helpful to us just now. Much appreciated.
I have looked at this several times, and recommended it at well. Thanks for doing this!
Great - you're better than the person at the electrical supply store.
I definitely agree with the ladder deal. Very helpful video by the way, you should do more of these tutorials.
Jeff, you're an awesome teacher! Thank you for speaking slowly and clearly. I will definitely try your techniques - and I am subscribing to your vids! Pls make more - I enjoy learning from you!!
chantal in Toronto
thanks a lot mate, very helpful video, I changed 8 of these at home. when they die... they die in groups!!!!
Thank you so much. Couldnt figure this out for squat before your video.
You are wonderful! I spent a lot of time yesterday trying to figure this out
many thanks-
Thanks Jeff! Your video made it easy!
Hey Jeff! Good video! Unfortunately the can that they used is a square can that's a f#%& to pull out! .. And when you do, you have these f#%& clips to dork around with! .. And it's nearly a waste of time because the whole socket is encased within the can! Fortunately, I had an access panel nearby that I could use to reset these clips back into place! "Plan B" is remove the shaft nut that holds in the socket assembly at the top of the can and pull out the whole socket assembly and replace the bulb. In this setup, the built is held in place by the bi-pins and a pair of guides on the socket. It does appear that you can just pull out the bulb, but getting the new bulb to line-up correctly is a big challenge. .. Oh, yeah, I'm in Singapore, and this might be a European design/nightmare! 😉
Nice work ! You saved my rear end !!
Thank you Jeff. Very helpful.
Thank you!!!! Crystal clear instructions.
You are a hero, thank you so much
Jeff,
Great video, I was scratching my head, and felt something like Ben Stiller in Zoolander trying to get files out of a computer... My lights were mildly different but the housing popped out all the same.
Thanks!
Great video, and very helpful. Thanks Jeff.
I did it, I did it! Thanks for the how-to!
Thanks for the info had no idea Do now
Great video!!! It made it so easy and idiot proof!! Thanks Jeff!!
hi good video. im getting 4 bulbs they are mr16 12v 1watt each, just type in on amazon or ebay for mr16 12v 1 watt, will 4 be ok to light up a very small caravan. thanks
Hey, thanks, Jeff.
I was looking for something like this.
Thanks Jeff, this was just what I was looking for.
Other than getting a very tall ladder what do you do in the case of a cathedral Ceiling?
Instructions on changing light bulb start at 2:21.
Darned! I forgot that one cannot post a comment in RUclips without it posting on my wall.
Deeply ashamed to have been exposed as the person that watches a video about how to change a light.
Thank You Jeff - this was very helpful.
Just had a call from a client asking for help with this task. Sending them you video.
Years ago, I too, got a call from a client asking how to change bulbs, and thats what started this!
Thanks for sharing
Excellent! Thank you.
This was so helpful!!! Thank you
How you doin'??😘
You Are A Genius!!!!
Good step stool tip. I have seen youtube videos where the guy is standing on a 5 gallon container.
Watched 4 useless videos before I found yours. Nothing to it once you know how the damn thing works. Thank you!
@poptium You mean like the bar style halogen like shop and spot lights use too. No it doesn't matter which end goes where. Just make sure not to crack the ceramic ends while pushing in on one of the spring side pins and push hard to make sure the other end fully clears the other pin or that ceramic end could crack too--those ceramic ends are fragile.
Thanks a lot! I've just done it thanks to this video!
Thanks buddy! helped me out for sure!
Thank you very much. Can you replace the tiny bulbs inside the flashlights, the led tiny bulbs? Thanks.
Sure, mail me the flashlight to keep & I'll put up a video!
Thanks.
I have to replace a few metal transformers the size of my fist and the light place sold me little white plastic Damars. Are they going to work?
I have 22 ft ceilings and I'm 6 ft tall. How tall a ladder should I use? 20? and where do I find one that big?
these transformer are just about as good as anything
www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Lightech-60-Watt-12-Volt-Electronic-Transformer-GELT60A12012DIY/203586278
22' Ceilings? your going to need scaffolding(same as my ceilings) unless you can get access from an attic.
Jeff, I love you I did it, I did it thank you!
you're funny man!! thanks for the very helpful tutorial!!
Great video! However, I followed it step by step to replace to lights in my kitchen, and now the two bulbs still won't work when I flip the switch. I have obviously made sure that the pins are firmly in the sockets. Any suggestions?
+Jake Dotson Sometimes its the socket that the bulb inserts into. Or the other thing will be the lowvoltage transformer.
@smoothtouch77
It sounds like you had the "Lightolier" recessed cans in your old house.
This is for the "Halo" type recessed cans.
I'm glad I could help
What happens whenyou try to change it with the power own?
Thanks! Very helpful!
Hi Jeff, many thanks for your detailed video. I changed the bulb. However, the connection appears to be loose as sometimes the light works and sometimes it does not. Then I give it a gentle tap on and around the bulb and it lights up. Any thoughts of how to fix this 2-pin holder/bulb? Many thanks.
Yeah, your socket that the bulb goes into is bad, very typical for these lights.
You need this socket, amzn.to/49H4pzE and then to cut and splice this onto the existing wires. 2 small Blue wire nuts too amzn.to/3TpuDRg
WOW!!! I am super impressed with your prompt and detailed reply Jeff. Truly appreciate it. The first link you provided for the socket just defaults to the general page where there are multiple sockets and stand confused. If you can send me a direct link to that particular socket only, it will be great (also the brand and amount it is for, so that I can identify it quickly should the default page open up again) . Many thanks again for your great help!!!
Try this, if not search for "MR-16 Lamp Socket"
amzn.to/48HHTFn
If not, your local electrical supply will have these, Home Cheapo prolly have it too
www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Miniature-Bi-Pin-Base-Ceramic-Body-G4-G6-35-GY6-35-GX5-3-MR16-GZ4-MR11-Halogen-Incandescent-Lampholder-White-80054/301667505
@poptium It does not matter which way you put the bulb in. A double-ended halogen bulb is also known as a J-type halogen bulb.
Thanks so much.
Awesome! Thanks!
Still great!
lol! "Bi-pin bulb goes both ways!"
+mookiemu And I was thinking my humor goes un-noticed
+Jeff Weissman Lol! That and the "pin isn't confused", gave me a nice chuckle! Thanks :)
4:34 is priceless..
:D
Thanks;)
@jeffweissman no, but they will be running of a car battery and solar will charge the battery. I don't really need a dimmer because its a very small caravan.
@MultiJamie12345 .....4 will be fine, can you get a dimmer on them? I dim everything I can.
We've got some that swivel / bevel - do we take the whole unit out?
+Peter Boughton with out seeing the exact trim, I'd say grab the outside of the trim where it sits on the ceiling and pull.
Thank you! :)
thanks man! you rock.
Hi Jeff, I have replaced the bulb a few times just as you described it. It is really easy. But now my porcelain connector gone bad.
It seems the half of bulb pins broke and stuck inside the connector. I have bought a new connector, but it seems that to replace it is more difficult. Could you show how to do it? Thanks!
I don't do request. But, That happens frequently, cut the old on off, get 2 small blue wire nuts and this from Amazon www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Miniature-Bi-Pin-diameter-Halogen/dp/B0195NEI3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533333814&sr=8-2&keywords=mr-16+socket
Thanks!
Great video. How do you change the socket? Is it as simple as splicing a new socket in? Any ideas where to get replacement sockets?
Yes, Amazon sells replacement sockets, they sell everything!
FYI.... You can replace the light bulb with a LED replacement bulb. A LED bulb in a low voltage fixture should last forever, give or take a month.
The problem with this is that the LED MR 16 is typically a 9watt bulb. Magnetic transformers don't like being loaded less than half of their rating. This leads to an early death for the transformer.
I have yet to find an issue regarding this. Your mileage may vary....
Holy molly Batman that’s one young unk!
That was my first!
the sockets must be different in Australia, because when i unplugged the blown bulb and tried to plug in another new bulb there are no holes to accept the pins…just two metal plates that are slightly sprung. Tried everything to find the socket holes, but nothing, zip, nada. Bent the pins trying to find non existent socket holes.
FWIW, This is the bulb we use for that exact fixture
amzn.to/3nWFNjI
thanks
Thanks so much Jeff! Very helpful, except...I followed the instructions, (was feeling pretty good about taking care of this myself) & flipped the switch, but---nothing! Recessed lights installed about 14 years ago & I'm using a brand-new pkg of Philips MR-16 bulbs. Another family member used a bulb from this pkg to change recessed light over kitchen sink & it worked for a couple of days, then stopped. What do u think? Defective bulbs? Family of idiots? HELP!: its dark & we're scared!
My recessed can fixture has a lens protecting the bulb. How do I get to the bulb for replacement?
Most recessed can fixtures are opened by pulling down on the trim ring.
Thanks. This helped me!
It sounds like you have the "Lightolier Brand"of recessed can. For that brand all you have to do is pull the ring around the Glass cover to expose the bulb. The White trim and Black baffle are not removed for Lightolier
Hi @UncleFjester your video really helps! In fact the trim you have is very similar, if not the same, as mine! I have one issue though - for whatever reason my tim is very tight, I cannot really pull it down. In your video the tim gets off fairly easily. Is there any tricks on pulling it down? I notice it does not have the usual spring loaded mechanism.
Give it a twist while you pull
One of the wires came out of the plug that drops down? What do I do now?
you'll need to replace the socket
OK Thanks
Thanks
No problem