Refrigerator light bulb: characteristics, types, selection rules + how to replace it yourself

High-quality interior lighting is a determining factor in the aesthetic perception of refrigerators of various sizes. A burnt-out light source in a refrigeration unit can cause a lot of inconvenience, so if it breaks, it must be replaced immediately.

A new refrigerator light bulb must have the appropriate lumen level and base type. We will talk about what characteristics the lamps on the refrigerator spare parts market have and how to choose the right one in this article. We will also provide detailed instructions on how to replace a light bulb yourself.

Why is there lighting in the refrigerator?

Refrigeration chambers are systems isolated from the influence of the external environment, the doors with a rubber seal do not allow either heat or light waves to pass inside. But if your refrigerator door does not fit tightly to the body, we advise you to think about replacing the seal.

Due to the cabinet-like design of the refrigeration equipment, it has its own lighting, making it easy to find food at any time of the day.

The power supply circuit for a light bulb in a refrigerator usually includes a start relay. This scheme guarantees automatic activation of the lighting every time the door is opened. This mechanism makes it possible to save energy and wisely use the lamp resource.


Artificial light ensures the most convenient and quick search for products, as well as their optimal placement inside closed boxes

Sometimes a simple incandescent lamp is connected to the electrical circuit, bypassing the start-up relay, since lighting in a domestic refrigeration unit may also be needed when the compressor is idle.

In this case, under the door inside the chamber there is a special button that opens the circuit when closed.

At first glance, a burnt-out lamp in a refrigerator may seem like a minor breakdown, which, in addition to aesthetic discomfort, does not pose any threat to household appliances.

However, this is not quite true. The absence of internal lighting results in the door remaining open longer than with an operating light.

As a result, the load on the compressor increases significantly, which fails prematurely. Therefore, it is very important to quickly replace the light bulb, because the life of the refrigerator may depend on it.

DIY troubleshooting methods

What if the light in the refrigerator does not work? Firstly, don’t panic - the lack of backlight does not always indicate the failure of all equipment. Moreover, you can try to fix some breakdowns yourself, and if all else fails, call an emergency refrigerator repair specialist.

Make sure there is light in the house

There may have been a power outage or a traffic jam in the apartment. To solve the problem, lift the switch on the panel or contact the housing office manager.

Check voltage

The light in the refrigerator does not light up and the indicators located on the panel do not light up? Make sure there is voltage in the electrical network. To do this, plug in any other electrical appliance and check its operation. If there are no problems with this, check the plug for loose contacts. When the problem is in the outlet, contact an electrician for help.

It also happens that the light in the refrigerator stops working because the voltage is too low (less than 180 V). In this case, place the refrigerator as close to the outlet as possible and make sure that the wire is not pinched or twisted - this could lead to the contacts under the insulation breaking.

Inspect the cartridge and base

Remember if you have noticed periodic blinking or a short blackout. Make sure that the contacts in the cartridge are not contaminated by carefully inspecting them and removing any remaining grease and dust.

How to restore the rubber seal on a refrigerator

Watch this video on YouTube Watch this video on YouTube

Check the motor and relay on the Indesit and Atlant refrigerator

Watch this video on YouTube Watch this video on YouTube

Replace the thermostat on the Atlant refrigerator

Watch this video on YouTube Watch this video on YouTube

How to replace a light bulb?

When fixing a breakdown yourself, the type of lamp is taken into account and measurements of the base are taken. If the lamp is covered by a shade, it must be removed.

Replacing a light bulb in a refrigerator

When the lighting device in the Indesit refrigerator does not work due to the fact that the light bulb has burned out, the following actions are provided:

  • a screw is unscrewed on one side of the lampshade;
  • part of the lampshade is moved back a little, after which the burnt part is replaced.

In Biryusa and Stinol refrigerators, the lampshades do not have mounting screws. It is enough to press them on both sides. If LEDs are installed, the lampshade will need to be removed along with the electronic unit.

Burning light bulb in the refrigerator

If problems arise with lighting in refrigerated cabinets, it is advisable not to carry out independent repairs without the appropriate skills.

How to change a light bulb in an Indesit two-chamber refrigerator?

It is best to use parts of an identical brand when repairing and replacing, including lighting equipment for refrigeration units. This is not a problem in specialized service departments. Even if you have to pay more than in a hardware store, the guarantee will cover the possible risks.

If there is no specialized workshop nearby, look for an analogue in relevant retail outlets or online. To be on the safe side, take the old lamp with you and buy a similar modification. Lighting elements are selected according to two main parameters: the size of the base and the power rating.

As a rule, sellers will tell you which model to buy if there is a need to change the light bulb in the Indesit refrigerator. However, it is better to play it safe and take a sample with you. In versions with two cameras, the manufacturer often uses a pair of lighting devices (one in each compartment). Otherwise, the mounting and lighting device of the unit are no different from single-chamber analogues.

Existing types of lamps

The first models of household electric refrigerators with compression cycle technology were not equipped with lamps at all. But as food storage chambers have grown in popularity among consumers, they have continually improved.

Over time, low-power vacuum lighting devices with electrical circuits began to be built into them. These were almost the same as in chandeliers, incandescent light bulbs, only of lower power.


Today, high-comfort household refrigerators are equipped with energy-saving LED units with electronic control to indicate operating modes and the current state of the equipment

Energy-efficient LED lamps are controlled through special relays or a regular button under the door, as well as using microcontrollers.

Modern refrigerators use 4 types of lighting fixtures:

  • with filament;
  • halogen;
  • fluorescent gas-filled lamps;
  • LED

Let's talk about each type of light bulb in more detail.

Features of incandescent lamps

The first type of lamps (incandescent) is easy to operate and affordable. They emit a comfortable yellow light, but get very hot.


The service life of light bulbs with incandescent wire is short - up to 1000 hours. If the network voltage is unstable, their service life is significantly reduced.

We provided more information about incandescent lamps in our other article.

Halogen light bulb option

Halogen ones are similar in design to the previous ones. They heat up during operation, but they shine brighter. They consume a minimum of electricity with high light output. The service life does not exceed 4000 hours of operation.

We talked in detail about the design and types of halogen light bulbs in the following material.

Fluorescent lamp type

Luminescents emit cool white light and last up to 15,000 hours. The service life depends on the number of off/on cycles.

They are used in stores and shopping centers to illuminate refrigerated display cases, making it possible to give products an attractive appearance.

The main disadvantage of these lamps is the content of dangerous mercury vapor. Used devices must be taken to specialized points or collection points for further disposal.

We covered the design, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of fluorescent lamps in detail in this publication.

LED or LED lamps

LEDs are environmentally friendly products that practically do not heat up. They have high mechanical strength and consume a minimal amount of electricity. To learn more about the characteristics of LED light bulbs, please follow this link.

Service life – 100,000 hours. After this time, the LED lamps are not destroyed, they only reduce the intensity of the glow by about 2 times.

Currently, refrigeration equipment manufacturers are increasingly choosing to install LED lighting.


The popularity of using LED lamps in household refrigerators is due to their high efficiency levels. They last much longer than fluorescent and halogen light bulbs, not to mention incandescent devices, which often burn out

Unlike gas-discharge light sources with mercury vapor, diodes ignite instantly and can generate lighting of any color.

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When turning off the refrigerator for a long time, you should unplug the refrigerator, clean both chambers, and leave the refrigerator doors slightly open,

to prevent the formation of unpleasant odors. Characteristic sounds (clicks) of turning on the thermostat and refrigerator compressor, as well as the sounds of gurgling that accompany the circulation of refrigerant gas through the system pipes

cooling sounds are normal sounds that occur when the refrigerator is operating.

Defrosting occurs fully automatically; during operation, water flows into

drainage hole, accumulates in the evaporation tank, then evaporates under

exposure to high compressor temperatures.

Replacing the light bulb

This is not a warranty repair and is carried out by the user independently!

When replacing the refrigerator lamp:

■ Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet ' Press the hooks on the edges of the lamp cover

and remove the cover

■ Replace the lamp with a new one (no more than 15 W) ■ Install the lamp cover and after 5 minutes

plug in the refrigerator.

Fill an ice tray with water and place in the freezer; After the water has completely frozen, turn the mold as shown in the figure.

Address: Simferopol Boulevard, Moscow, Russia

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It would seem that the presence of a light bulb in a household refrigerator does not in any way affect the storage of food. But its absence causes a lot of inconvenience. Especially in the dark. Manufacturers install energy-efficient and very economical light bulbs in modern equipment. But even they sometimes need replacement. We tell you why lamps can burn out and how to change the device in different models of refrigerators. As a bonus, we’ll share how to extend the life of a light bulb.

Characteristics of lighting fixtures

The quality of interior lighting in refrigerators directly depends on the type of light bulb used and its power, the design features of the lamp, as well as its location.

Most models of household refrigeration units install one light source with a power of 15 W, and in some cases - 25 W.

In large-sized equipment, such lighting is clearly not enough. This problem is solved by installing two 15/25 W bulbs at once or installing one 40 W bulb.

You should also focus on their bases, designed for different types of fastening. The standard lamp for a household refrigerator has an E14 .

But there are also devices with T-Click for two terminals, E12 , as well as compact four-pin models 2G7 . We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the markings and types of light bulb bases in more detail.

Light sources can be installed on the top wall inside the refrigeration unit, on the back and side panels of the chamber, and on top of the visor.


Often, lighting fixtures in domestic refrigerators are assembled into a single control unit along with a switch and temperature controller

Uniform illumination in refrigerators is provided by vertically designed lamps installed on the sides at the back inside a closed chamber. Lamps located in the middle of the side wall also provide satisfactory illumination.

But those mounted on the top panel brightly illuminate only the upper shelves, while the lower ones remain in twilight.

The most unfortunate arrangement is considered to be the light bulbs fixed on the visor. In this case, they are unable to provide sufficient lighting to all areas in the refrigerator.

What is the power and where are the lamps located?

It is worth considering that the final cost of the device does not depend on the light bulb. So, in small and medium-sized refrigerators there is only one lamp with a power of no more than 25 W. If you have a large-sized device, this will not be enough, so install either two lamps with a power of about 20 W, or one with a power of about 45 W.

The lighting is usually placed on the side panel on the side where the door is attached - then the lamp is connected to the switch. However, there are other lamp placement methods that you should familiarize yourself with before proceeding with replacement:

  • on the side closer to the back wall;
  • on the back wall;
  • above;
  • on the ledge.


The top placement of the lamp is considered not the most successful.
The best placement option is the back wall or the side wall next to it - this allows you to get uniform lighting on each side. If the light bulb is on top, then only the upper shelves are clearly visible, which makes using the lower ones inconvenient. This nuance is especially important in the presence of a large-sized device. The worst placement option is considered to be a visor - then there will be little light in all parts of the refrigerator.

Rules for choosing a suitable device

Manufacturers of refrigeration chambers install special lamps inside household appliances that are resistant to low temperatures and moisture, as well as power surges. Therefore, it is recommended to use only original spare parts for replacement.

If you don’t have access to them, you can use universal ones. However, you need to clearly understand that lamps not recommended by the manufacturer will heat the air and often burn out. In this case, the interior lighting will have to be restored constantly.

When it is necessary to replace a faulty incandescent light bulb in an old refrigerator, the logical step is to purchase a similar device of the same power.

But, as practice shows, it is advisable to replace it with an energy-efficient LED lamp.


When installing an LED light bulb instead of other types of lighting fixtures, you need to select an analogue with the appropriate level of luminous flux. Here is a table of light power correspondence for different types of light bulbs

When choosing a lighting fixture for a refrigerator, you need to remember three important points:

  1. Power should not exceed 11-40 W. It depends on the model and dimensions of the equipment, the type of light bulb and its location inside the refrigerator compartment.
  2. Base - mismatch between the type of lamp base and the socket is unacceptable.
  3. Size and shape - the light bulb should fit freely inside the protective shade or diffuser without touching the walls.

The type of light bulb and its operating power affects the illumination of the surfaces of the internal chamber of the refrigerator, as well as electricity consumption.

Halogen and incandescent devices emit warm yellow light, fluorescent ones emit cool white light, and LEDs can generate radiation across the entire visible spectral range.


Properly selected refrigerator lighting helps to detect food spoilage in a timely manner. Therefore, it is better to give preference to lamps that emit light of a cool shade, so as not to artificially make the appearance of food more attractive

It is noteworthy that the transparency of the bulb also affects the quality of lighting. Matte reduces the level of radiation flux by 10-30%. If this is critical, it is better to purchase a light source with a transparent bulb for the refrigeration unit.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the lamp

To replace the light bulb in the refrigerator, you need to perform several simple operations.

Step #1 - disconnect equipment from the network

First of all, household appliances are disconnected from the power supply. This is the main safety rule that should never be neglected.

Step #2 - freeing access to the light bulb

Then, if necessary, remove everything unnecessary from the shelves, and sometimes the shelves themselves, as well as the baskets, to gain access to the lighting fixture.

Step #3 - dismantling the diffuser

Next, you need to remove the transparent light diffuser, which is important for Bosch and some other brands, or the lampshade, if there is one.


To easily remove the protective cover, experienced craftsmen recommend holding the refrigerator door open for 15 minutes. This will make dismantling much easier

The designs of lampshades vary. Atlant and Samsung refrigerators they are secured with screws, in Stinol - with special latches.

Indesit and Ariston refrigeration units, the lampshades are not completely removed, but are fixed with a retaining screw, which allows only one side to be released.

To gain access to the light bulb, unscrew this screw and carefully bend the dynamic part of the lampshade.

The protective casing should be removed very carefully so as not to destroy the coating of the internal walls.

Step #4 - installing a new lamp to replace the burnt one

Now you can unscrew the burnt out light bulb and install a working one.

In household refrigerators from Samsung , before removing the old lamp, you need to disconnect the connectors and wires, and then remove the protective tape.

If an LED lamp is installed in the refrigerator compartment, the lampshade can only be removed together with the electronic unit, and then the bulb can be replaced.

Sometimes it is very difficult to dismantle a unit with a microprocessor yourself. If you do not have relevant experience working with electronics, it is better to seek professional help.

Step #5 - testing the lamp performance

Check the correctness of the work performed. To do this, you need to turn on the replaced light bulb.


The last stage is to check the functionality of the lighting device. If everything is in order, you can install the protection in place and connect the refrigerator to the power supply.

How to set the temperature on a Samsung refrigerator

Advice

How to change the rubber seal on an Indesit refrigerator yourself

Samsung refrigerators are equipped with an Energy Saver button that optimizes temperature control so that the refrigerator operates as efficiently as possible while consuming less energy.

Keeping the Energy Saver button pressed for three seconds activates the child lock. If you have small children and are concerned that they may change the temperature in your refrigerator or freezer, use a child lock to prevent unwanted temperature changes.

Temperature selection is made easy with two separate buttons: one to control the refrigerator and one to control the freezer temperature. With these buttons you can change the temperature for each part of the refrigerator separately. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, you should keep your refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or lower. The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).

The nuances of replacing different types of light bulbs

It is worth noting that different types of lamps require different approaches. For example, you can take a regular incandescent light bulb by the glass part , but do not press or squeeze it.

Be sure to screw in smooth movements so that the base is correctly positioned in the thread of the socket.

During the process of replacing such a lamp, the glass sometimes breaks. In this case, it is important to be careful and not try to remove the remains and fragments with your hands.

Round nose pliers or pliers will come to the rescue. You just need to grab the edge of the base with a tool and unscrew the lighting fixture.

Unlike vacuum bulbs, halogen bulbs cannot be touched by the glass part with bare hands . Local overheating may occur at the point of contact. This reduces its work life.

During installation, the quartz bulb of the lamp must be held through a clean cloth or with gloves. In case of accidental contact, it is recommended to wipe the surface with a cloth that does not leave marks, for example, microfiber with an alcohol solution.


Fluorescent lamps have very fragile tubes containing mercury vapor. Therefore, holding them by the glass part is prohibited - you can only grab them by the base

Such lighting devices must be removed very carefully so as not to break the flasks with harmful mercury vapors. They are used mainly in the food trade.

Why might they spoil?

There are many reasons, but the darkness in the refrigerator is not always the fault of a broken light bulb. What can cause a malfunction?

  • wiring problems;
  • cord damage;
  • socket failure;
  • The refrigerator does not work;
  • contacts or cartridge are faulty.

If everything is checked, but there is no light, it means that the light bulb has reached the end of its service life and must be replaced. Vacuum ones can still be shaken and this will stop the work of the part.

Recommendations for use

Following the basic rules for using a refrigerator will help extend the life of even the simplest light bulb. So, it is necessary to ensure that the doors are closed tightly, and also not to allow them to remain open for long periods of time.

It is equally important to control the humidity inside the unit. Condensation can cause irreparable damage to electronic equipment.

To connect refrigerators, electricians recommend a specially grounded outlet. Using an uninterruptible power supply or connecting a surge protector will help avoid breakdowns due to power surges.

If the lamp burns out without working out the period stated by the manufacturer, you should definitely check the light switch, which is usually located on the side or upper inner wall of the chamber.


A faulty lighting button can cause not only the breakdown of the light bulb, but also the burnout of the lampshade, and sometimes lead to a short circuit

Deformation of this element leads to uninterrupted operation of the lighting and rapid breakdown of the light source. In most cases, the spring in the key fails, which is responsible for fixing the On/Off .

And although the type of interior lighting of the refrigerator is not an indicator of the quality of the household appliance itself, when purchasing it is better to choose models with LED lamps . They are resistant to low temperatures, reliable and durable.

How to extend the life of a light bulb

To avoid having to change the lamp frequently, you need to follow a few simple rules:

  • Keep an eye on the humidity in your refrigerator, as condensation and water cause frequent lamp replacement.
  • For refrigeration appliances, install a Euro socket with a grounding function.
  • Use the refrigerator only in accordance with the instructions. Pay particular attention to humidity and temperature conditions.
  • Voltage surges are also one of the reasons why light bulbs burn out. Use a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply.
  • Although the type of lighting is not an indicator of the quality of the refrigerator, when purchasing, give preference to installations with LED lamps. They are reliable and durable.

If the light bulb burns out without working for the required time, check the shutdown button, which is usually located inside the camera on the side or top panel. Deformation of the door can lead to the fact that the lighting device works around the clock, the light is on even when the door is closed. Fixing the problem is simple: stick a polystyrene plate of the required width onto the button itself.

In this article, we tried to describe in detail the process of replacing a light bulb in a refrigerator Atlant, Indesit, Samsung, etc. We hope our article helped you!

If you open the refrigerator and find complete darkness, then you should not immediately unscrew the lamp - first you need to determine the cause of the problem.

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