How can I get at the fixture to replace bulb

[donf]

The light fixture has a lip that prevents the replacement of the bulb. I cant find anyway to pivot the fixture to gain access to the bulb. Can you help?

 

[MD84]

I am not familiar with the fixture. Do you know the make or model? Perhaps a search for the installation instructions would help.

 

[Little Bill]

The light fixture has a lip that prevents the replacement of the bulb. I cant find anyway to pivot the fixture to gain access to the bulb. Can you help?

What is this?
What type of bulb, fluorescent tube, pin based, screw in, etc?
Little more info would help.

 

[donf]

What is this?
What type of bulb, fluorescent tube, pin based, screw in, etc?
Little more info would help.

That's the problem! I can't find a way to get at the fixture to see what I need. It feels like there are two tube lights, one on each side. The bottom of the frame is an extension that prevents the removal of the unit. I guess I could try to get a mirror over the lip to et a better look at it, but I did not have one last night.

The lights are in restrooms and provide reflective light over the commode sections.

 

[mgookin]

It's some kind of indirect lighting. Did you see if the trim piece or frame will pull off? It may be held in by spring clips. What happens if you jiggle it? Does it move at all?
If none of that works look for some plugs that are hiding screws.

 

[donf]

It's some kind of indirect lighting. Did you see if the trim piece or frame will pull off? It may be held in by spring clips. What happens if you jiggle it? Does it move at all?
If none of that works look for some plugs that are hiding screws.

I could find any plus, clips or screws. The frame itself does not move in any direction. I was able to get my hand over the lip and it feels like the fixture is just sitting on top of the frame and slides in just about any direction. I was thinking that the only way in may be to remove the reflector and see if there are any mounting screws. It just seems dumb to have to pull the whole fixture out to change the bulbs.

The building itself is about 20 or 25 years old (school) but the lights are the original equipment, no upgrades or change-outs.

 

[jim dungar]

It just seems dumb to have to pull the whole fixture out to change the bulbs.

It is likely built as 'vandal resistant'.

 

[mgookin]

OP: Can you get the plans or spec book from when the school was built?

 

[K8MHZ]

It is likely built as 'vandal resistant'.

And as such, may possibly require a special tool to get the fixture apart.

 

[dkidd]

What type of lamps, diameter, length, etc? Can you grab them and twist or pull or anything? I once ran into some 4 foot fluorescents were the lamps went straight in without twisting.

 

[JFletcher]

What type of lamps, diameter, length, etc? Can you grab them and twist or pull or anything? I once ran into some 4 foot fluorescents were the lamps went straight in without twisting.

High Output bulbs use a covered bi-pin base that go in that way.

As for Don F's pictures, look for tamper proof Tor-x or Philips fasteners with the pin in the center. If there are none, then my guess is hidden latches, or possibly a maintenance corridor behind the wall that would allow the fixture to be removed from the backside, kinda like jail toilet/sink combos.

 

[SMHarman]

You can also poke a smart phone up there and take photos at angles your eyes can't easily get to without mirrors.

 

[mgookin]

I think the most probable answer is a hidden release you have to activate with a screwdriver or spatula by pushing up along the wall.
Those prints or spec book from that job would go a long way though. Somebody has those records.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Aren't there screws on the end panel that will release the bulb shade(guide) ?