How to Get a Bulb out of a Rail Light System

Rail light systems, more commonly known as track lights, use a wide variety of bulbs depending upon the manufacturer. Some rail lighting systems use halogen bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs tend to burn brighter, giving off more light in a concentrated area. When a bulb stops burning, it could be time to change the bulb or simply reconnect it because it is loose. As a precaution, it is a good idea not to touch the bulb with your fingers when getting the bulb out of the rail light system. The oils from the skin can damage the bulb if it is not burned out.

Step ladder
Paper towels
Roll of masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the circuit breaker to the rail light system. This reduces the chance of electrical shock while replacing the bulb.
- 2
  Position a step ladder under the light bulb that requires replacing. Examine the bulbs to determine how they come out of the lamp shade. Flat-sided halogen bulbs simply pull out of the lamp shade. Grab the bulb with a paper towel and pull it straight out of the lamp shade.
- 3
  Grab the bulb with a paper towel and twist it counterclockwise ¼ turn, if your bulb is oblong. This type of halogen bulb has pins that disengage when you turn it counterclockwise. Once the pins disengage, pull the bulb out of the fixture.
- 4
  Tear off a 12-inch piece of masking tape from the roll of tape, if your bulb is round. Form a circle out of the tape with the sticky side pointing out. Push the tape onto the bottom of the bulb. Turn the bulb counterclockwise using the tape as a handle. Continue turning the bulb counterclockwise with your fingers once you are able to grab the sides of the bulb.

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