Today, I Kill Buzzy

Buzzy has been driving me crazy for about fifteen years.  Today, my plan is to kill him.  Well, not actually kill him in any direct, stab-him-in-the-back way.  I am going to pull the plug on him, so to speak.

I am going to disconnect power and then replace Buzzy.

Buzzy is a light fixture.

My apologies.  We need to stop for a small aside here.  In accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code, we are not to refer to our light sources “light fixtures” any more.  At this late date, they are to be called “luminaires” so the National Electrical Code can maintain a global appeal.  This, given that the document is adopted by “authorities having jurisdiction” worldwide.

If you insist, then, Buzzy is a luminaire.

An old-school, obnoxious one at that.

Buzzy is the first light encountered when you enter my house from the garage.  And Buzzy is old technology—a pin-style compact fluorescent powered by two magnetic ballasts.

Magnetic ballasts are so 1991.

Buzzy, therefore, buzzes when you flip the switch and turn him on.  Often, when I leave the house knowing I will not return until after dark, I will think: “I’d best turn Buzzy on before I go.”

No more.

Off to the recycle bin with Buzzy the light and up with a new LED job.

—Mitchell Hegman