Installation Overview

For those who really don’t prefer to “read the manual”, the simplicity of the Fluorescent Lightshade™ installation is this:  The fixture needs to be clean, and the Fluorescent Lightshade™ needs fit into it correctly so that; 1) No light shows around the edges, and 2) It is not too large to lie flat.  3) Trim accordingly, if necessary. 4) Install it printed side down in the fixture.

For the technical version and more tips, read on…

Preparing the Fluorescent Lightshade™ for Installation

Carefully remove the shade from the packaging and place it on a clean flat surface. If the product was shipped in a tube, it helps to tightly roll the product the opposite way it was packaged in order to eliminate the curl of the material.  Hold it in this position for several seconds, then repeat the procedure rolling it up from the opposite end.  This quick technique makes installation easier, and causes the shade to lie flat in the fixture sooner.

Correctly Sizing the Fluorescent Lightshade™

Our standard Fluorescent Lightshade™ product has dimensions of 46 3/8 by 22 1/8 inches. Many fixtures will accommodate this size with no trimming.

Follow these steps to make sure of the correct size.

1.      Prepare the fixture. This involves cleaning the lens, and making sure all of the bulbs are the same type (color).  If the bulb looks ‘pink’, it is better to replace it with a ‘white’ one.

2.      Measure the exact size of the fixture lens.  This is the clear 'plastic' part.  (Length ______    Width ______ ). 

     Cut the shade approximately 1/8 inch smaller than the lens dimensions using a pair of scissors.  This allows it to lie flat.

Note - If you aren’t sure that trimming is needed, place the product in the light, then evaluate.

Trimming Tips

·         If more than ¼ inch must be trimmed, it is better to trim a portion from both sides.

·         If insufficient material is removed during the trim, the shade may not lie flat.

·         Take your time on the first one.  Measure twice, and cut once.

3.      Open the fixture door, and let it hang down.  Be very careful that the hinges are in good working order and secured in the troffer frame, so that the lens door does not fall.

Installing the Shade

·         Pick up the shade by two corners in preparation of installing it with the print side toward the lens (So that it will face down when the lid is closed).

·         Place the shade into the door against the lens and carefully work it as far into the corners as possible.  It helps to moisten your thumbs for this step.

·         With the shade partially in, close the troffer lid most of the way, so that the lid and shade can be worked with in a more horizontal position.

·         Carefully work all remaining sides into the frame until the shade is lying flat against the lens.

·         Smooth the artwork against the lens, and center it to block any light around the edges.

·         Close and lock the troffer lid.

·         Several gentle presses on the middle bottom of the lens will assist in getting the Fluorescent Lightshade™ to more quickly conform to the lens.

Task Complete

Enjoy the beautiful upgrade to your lighting.   If you have any questions, or need assistance with the installation contact customer support at 800-491-7120 x3.    Please feel free to post feedback on our website at http://www.fluorescentgallery.com/ if you would like to see additional information in these installation instructions.