First, you need to figure out what type of light covers your fluorescent bulbs have. Fluorescent light covers are called lenses or diffusers and there are three versions seen of it. Usually, they contain simple mechanisms to hold in place. All you need is a standard frame ladder to reach the light covers.
Liked what you have read so far? Well, a far more detailed discussion on it is waiting for you.
As you push up on one short end, angle that end of the cover up into the light fixture a little bit. This will create enough space for the other short end to drop down. Simply maneuver the acrylic cover until a long side comes out of the frame, as well.
Removing an Acrylic Cover
There are quite a few variants of acrylic covers for fluorescent lights In this guide, we will cover three kinds of covers. These are the most common kinds of acrylic lights available in the market. These are:
These are the more common fixtures or fluorescent light covers available. Typically seen in commercials as well. The lights are set up inside the cavities made in the ceiling and the cover goes over the said opening.
These covers usually have two levers that can be used to lock and unlock the cover from the frame. You can identify them around the frames laying flat. Pull the levers or hooks at a right angle (90-degree angle) and the frame will come loose. You can then remove the frame and work on the light if needed.
The second type of fixture we are going to talk about is the wraparound light cover. When you learn how to remove plastic cover from the fluorescent light, you will encounter this kind of structure on lights that usually hang down from the ceiling. They usually don’t have a decorative frame. The plastic covering wraps around in the shape of the letter ‘U’. The covers adjoin the frame in an opening at the side.
Opening these kinds of covers is relatively simpler. You have to use your ladder to reach the light. Then, simply you need to identify where the lip of the cover is. Pushing into the lip will release the plastic cover from the frame. Afterward, pull the cover down slowly. This is how you can remove a plastic cover from a fluorescent light.
The difference between a flat acrylic cover and the previous versions is that the acrylic flat cover is flexible. These are the kinds of covers used in kitchen lights and it is common to have decorative frames as well. However, removing this kind of cover may be a bit tricker than usual
For a flat acrylic cover, you have to carefully push up one end of the frame. This is to create a gap inside the frame. The idea is to use the gap to position the cover and ease it out. A safeguard to this is the fact that these kinds of covers are flexible to be inserted and replaced. So, you will be able to bend them slightly when pulling them out.
Press inward on the clips or tabs holding the cover in place to release them from the fixture. Pull down on the cover. Wiggle the cover back and forth if it is stuck; one end may come off easier than another.
Wrap your fingers under the edge of the light cover if there are no clips or tabs. Pull outward and down. A lip on the inside of the cover may hold it in place. Set the cover gently on the ground or a work table so that it does not get scratched.
Set up a stool, chair or step ladder below the fluorescent light fixture in the ceiling and climb up on it to reach the light.
Fluorescent light fixtures feature a light-diffusing cover. Covers fit into the fixture through clips and tabs. The shape of the fixture may also hold the cover in place. When a fluorescent light tube goes out, you may need to remove the cover to access the tube. Doing so doesnt require any special tools or expertise. Never remove the glass casing of the fluorescent tube itself — inside is toxic mercury.
If a fluorescent tube breaks when you remove the cover, open the windows of the room. Let the room air out for five to 10 minutes while you stand outside of the room. Clean up the bulb and place it in an outdoor dustbin. ×
Removing an Acrylic Flat Fluorescent Light Cover
Flat acrylic lights covers are flexible and lightweight which makes them easier to remove.
Flat acrylic lights usually have a decorative cover to hold them in place. Due to their decorativeness, they are mostly used in the kitchen.
In order to remove acrylic flat fluorescent light covers:
Step 1: Push one end in order to create a sufficient gap at the other to maneuver it out of the frame.
As they are very flexible, you might bend them while inserting or removing them if you are not careful.
Step 2: If the panel gets stuck, gently tap around the cover perimeter with a soft mallet. It will loosen up and then try again.
Follow these procedures accordingly. You will get your way around any sort of fluorescent light cover:
| Product 1 |
| Product 2 |
It’s not unusual that you will have to remove fluorescent light covers from time to time. There can be plenty of reasons to remove it. Knowing the proper steps to do it always makes the process easy and efficient.
FAQ
How do you remove the plastic cover from a fluorescent light fixture?
How do you remove fluorescent light covers without clips?
How do I remove a single fluorescent light cover?
How do you remove a ballast light cover?