How to Make a Fluorescent Bulb Work in a Garage Door

Automatic garage doors include a lighting fixture that is activated when the door opens or closes. The light fixture is built into the head of the door opener and is usually rated for use with a maximum 60-watt incandescent light bulb. Typically, an 18-watt compact fluorescent light bulb produces as much light as a 75-watt incandescent and installs in a garage door fixture like any other bulb. CFLs also last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

Things You'll Need

• Step ladder

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn off the power to the garage door opener.

   • 2

     Depress the tabs on either side of the lens. Slide the lens off from the garage opener head while holding the tabs in. This action could require a step ladder.

   • 3

     Remove the incandescent bulb from the light fixture socket. Turn the bulb counterclockwise.

   • 4

     Install the fluorescent bulb into the fixture socket. Grip the bulb at its base and turn clockwise until snug.

   • 5

     Replace the lens by sliding it forward until it snaps into place.

   • 6

     Restore power to the garage door.