How to Change a Light Bulb in an Outdoor Hanging Lantern

Offering more than mere practicality, your outdoor lighting scheme should set the mood while enhancing safer navigation. While a well-lit patio or entryway instantly makes a space more inviting, the soft glow in certain settings can make your outside space feel more styled and intentional. Mind you, even the best-looking hanging lanterns require some setup and maintenance. Between weather exposure and general everyday use, outdoor light bulbs will slowly dim or burn out. Which is why swapping them out for bulbs with an added longevity will keep your lighting looking sharp, bright, and doing exactly what it’s supposed to do—stand out from afar.

 

Tools and Materials You May Need

Before you tackle swapping out a used-up light bulb, be sure to gather everything you need in one place—because it isn’t easy to balance a step ladder in one hand and a bulb in another. While changing light bulbs for outdoor lamps isn’t complex, the right tools make it far less frustrating. 

 

At a minimum, you’ll need:

 

  • A high-quality, replacement bulb that’s compatible with your fixture (outdoor lanterns require weather-resistant or damp-rated bulbs).*Using the wrong bulb affects performance. So, double-check your wattage and bulb base when you order.
  • A sturdy step ladder is needed for any lanterns mounted above eye level. *Place firmly on stable ground to avoid wobbling, especially if you don’t have a second set of hands to help.
  • A microfiber cloth or gloves to handle the bulb. *This helps to ensure that any oils from your hands don’t rub off on the glass.
  • A screwdriver—Philips or flathead. *Some lanterns have a protective casing to protect outdoor LED light bulbs from dirt and bugs, so you may have to remove a couple of screws to replace them.

 

Safety Tips Before Changing Outdoor Light Bulbs

Swapping light bulbs for outdoor lamps should be a quick and easy task, but as with so many effortless chores, there’s always a way for it to go sideways. Between exposure to the elements, electrical components, and elevated fixtures, outdoor lighting comes with possible challenges. 

 

Listed below are some safety tips from our Best Pro Lighting team:

 

  • Turn off the power switch: Always turn your lights of at the source—ideally the breaker.
  • Let the bulb cool: If you don’t already have outdoor LED light bulbs, regular incandescent bulbs get quite hot and take several minutes before they’re cool to the touch. 
  • Use a stable ladder: If your fixture is mounted at an elevated level, make sure your ladder is stable and secure before climbing.
  • Check the weather conditions: Avoid changing bulbs in bad weather. Water and electricity are never a safe mix.
  • Wear proper protection: Gloves and safety glasses improve grip and prevent the unpredictable when handling glass bulbs.
  • Inspect the fixture: Before swapping, look for cracks, exposed wires, and corrosion.
  • Keep your area well-lit: If you’re working out of daylight hours, make sure you have a flashlight or a headlamp to help.
  • Avoid over-tightening: Screw the bulb in snugly, but not forced, as this can damage the socket.

 

Types of Outdoor Hanging Lanterns

  • Lantern with removable top: This design allows you to lift the top portion of the lantern to replace its bulb.
  • Lantern with hinged door: A small door swings open on hinges, giving you front access for bulb changes.
  • Lantern with side panels: One or more glass panels can be removed for bulb access.
  • Lantern with bottom access: The bulb is accessed from underneath the fixture. You will need to unscrew this fixture to release the base. 

 

Step-By-Step Guide to Changing the Bulb

  1. Turn off the power
  2. Allow the bulb to cool—unless you’re replacing outdoor LED light bulbs.
  3. Set up a stable ladder.
  4. Open the lantern’s housing—depending on the design, you may need to remove the top or remove an access panel.
  5. Remove the old bulb.
  6. Insert the new bulb.
  7. Close and secure the fixture.
  8. Restore power and turn on your fixture to test the light.

FAQs

What type of light bulbs should I use for outdoor hanging lanterns?

For outdoor hanging lanterns, you should always use outdoor light bulbs designed and rated for exterior use, as they are best suited to handle moisture and temperature changes.

 

Are outdoor LED light bulbs better than traditional bulbs?

Yes, LEDs are far superior to incandescent and halogen bulbs, especially for outdoor use. Using significantly less energy and better suited to outdoor environments, these bulbs are the ultimate replacements. 

 

Can I use indoor bulbs in outdoor lanterns?

No. Since indoor bulbs aren’t designed to handle moisture, temperature fluctuations, or exposure to the elements, you won’t get longevity using them outside. 

 

How long do outdoor LED light bulbs last?

Outdoor LED light bulbs are known for having long lifespans, roughly lasting 25,000 to 50,000 hours.

 

Why is my outdoor lantern not working after replacing the bulb?

There are many reasons why your bulb isn’t working aside from the bulb itself. A common cause is that your new bulb isn’t seated properly, which means the fixture can’t power it. There could also be a loose internal connection. It may be time to further inspect the problem or consult with an electrician. 

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