How To Change A Recessed Light Bulb On A High Ceiling

Recessed lighting always look really good when installed in high ceilings, and like we have said before, they are a great option for home improvement.

But having to change them — perhaps when the bulbs get bad — could be a bit of a challenge.

How To Change A Recessed Light Bulb On A High Ceiling

The main headache is usually how to reach up there where the ceiling is without a Spider Suit, lol.

Well, here today, we will tell you how you can safely change a light bulb in a recessed fixture if your ceiling is quite high.

And guess what, the trick is actually not a very long ladder. You may not even need a ladder at all. If you have never seen this being done, you will probably be surprised at this.

Well, let’s take it a step at a time…

Will I Need A Professional To Remove A Light Bulb From A High Ceiling Recessed Lighting Fixture?

It is very understandable if you take a look at the very ceiling in your home or in an auditorium and just lose all hope of being able to take out the bulbs in the recessed fixture by yourself because of how high it is.

From where you are standing, it most likely looks like a very difficult task, but when you actually get into the steps we have laid out in this article, you will find that it is actually much easier that you imagined.

So, yes! We can confidently tell you that you will not be needing the help of an electrician or a handyman to change that bulb in that ceiling, provided you have us guiding you through it.

And sincerely, an electrician who is not very experienced himself might struggle with this without a guide like this article.

Ever wondered why recessed lights in high ceilings stop working and never get changed for a long time? It is simply because people have no idea what to do about them.

Anyway, here we provide you with 5 very simple steps to take to remove an old light bulb in ceiling fixture which is really high up and replace it with a new one. And as difficult as you thought it would be, you won’t even be needing many tools.

And to reiterate, you can even very well do without a ladder. This then begs the question; what then will you need?

Stuff You Might Need

In changing light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that are so high up, there is really only one thing you will need: a bulb changer with an extension pole.

Of course, the bulb changer is what connects to the light bulb and can then be used to unscrew it and also screw in an old one in place.

The pole is what gives you that extra length you will need to reach the height of your ceiling. It is usually adjustable and we will be showing you how to use it later in this article.

If you have no idea what a bulb changer with a pole looks like, here is one below.

STAUBER Best Bulb Changer with PowerLatch Extension Pole (Large Suction, 4 Feet)

Click here to check this out and buy on Amazon.

If you get a pole that is long enough, you could stand on the ground and have the bulb changer reach the ceiling and do the business for you. It really is that easy.

However, if the pole isn’t long enough, or perhaps your ceiling is just too high, then you will need to get a step ladder to give you some additional height.

Make sure that the step ladder you get is firm on the floor so that no disaster occurs while you are on it.

Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder, 300-Pound Duty Rating, 15422-001

Click here to check this out this 22-foot ladder and buy on Amazon.

Now, let us look at steps to take in order to get light bulbs out of recessed lighting sitting too high up in the ceiling.

How You Can Change A Recessed Light Bulb On A High Ceiling

1. Turn The Light Switch Off

Even if you won’t exactly be touching the bulb with your bare hands, it still is not advisable to remove it while the switch is still on.

Anyway, you will not be needing to turn off the power at the circuit breaker since you will not be dealing with any naked wires. 

It also will not be necessary to leave the bulbs to cool since you won’t be holding them in your hands. So, you can get right to it once the switch has been turned off.

2. Extend Your Pole To The Ceiling

These poles are usually adjustable. So, rotate the stick counter-clockwise and then stretch it out until it is long enough to reach the recessed lighting which is high up in the ceiling. Then rotate clockwise to secure it.

3. Position The Bulb Changer Right Under The Bulb & Twist

Position the cup of the bulb changer carefully and it will stick right to your recessed light. When it has done that, twist counter-clockwise until the bulb is out completely. You can now remove it from the cup and set it aside.

4. Get A New Bulb And Place It In The Cup Of The Bulb Changer

Place the new light bulb you want to install in the suction cup at the end of the pole and raise to the fixture.

Get it in position and then twist clockwise until it is secure. You then will have to give it a very gentle push to fully disengage the cup from the bulb.

How To Change A Recessed Light Bulb On A High Ceiling
Photo by Felipe Hueb from Pexels

5. Turn The Light Switch Back On

Well, that is really all about changing a light bulb in a recessed lighting fixture. Now, go back and hit the switch to check if your new light bulb is working.

Adjust your pole back so it can be properly stored for future use.

PS: if you are interested in figuring out how to install a recessed ceiling light in a not-so-high ceiling, check out this article here. It contains 9 simple steps you will find very useful.

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