Feit Electric T8 LED Fixtures at Costco
- Thread starter the dude himself
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Autorotica
Well-known member
This is the first set of lights in the shed so I can say with absolute confidence its a night to day difference!
Chris
ambenz
Well-known member
Checked the Costco website and nothing!!!
Saw on e-bay this same light...a lot of 8 for $590
Guess I have to leave it to the wife and her cousins membership to see if I can score 7 of these at the local store here in Schaumburg, illinois...I already feel like it ain't gonna be there...having to rely on the wife....shucks!
Saw on e-bay this same light...a lot of 8 for $590
Guess I have to leave it to the wife and her cousins membership to see if I can score 7 of these at the local store here in Schaumburg, illinois...I already feel like it ain't gonna be there...having to rely on the wife....shucks!
A couple of years ago I updated all the light fixtures in a 1600 square foot retail store. I found the following youtube video very helpful.
In the video, he compares LED to T8 and T5. The bottom line is that in terms of cost per lumen to install and to operate, T8 makes the most sense. The video was done in 2011 but when I checked the Costco fixture against his numbers, nothing has changed dramatically.
We replaced all the old ballasts with new electronic ballasts and all the bulbs with new T8 bulbs. The ballasts we used were https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/54091/BS-QT4X32120IS.html. The bulbs were https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/3506/F-32T8L85025.html. The bulbs are 32w, 3100 lumens, 35,000 hours, and 85 CRI (color rendering index).
So the bulbs we used put out about 96 lumens per watt while the Costco fixtures put out about 97 lumens per watt. The Fl bulbs are rated for 35,000 hours and the Costco fixtures say 50,000 hours. The Litetronics bulbs cost $2.69 each in a case of 25. Many newer fixtures already have an electronic ballast. The ones we used cost about $13 each.
In our store the difference was huge. We had brighter light, instant on, no flicker, no hum, better colors and light quality, and significant energy savings. I have switched all my incandescent and compact fluorescents to LED but shop lights may still favor fluorescents.
In the video, he compares LED to T8 and T5. The bottom line is that in terms of cost per lumen to install and to operate, T8 makes the most sense. The video was done in 2011 but when I checked the Costco fixture against his numbers, nothing has changed dramatically.
We replaced all the old ballasts with new electronic ballasts and all the bulbs with new T8 bulbs. The ballasts we used were https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/54091/BS-QT4X32120IS.html. The bulbs were https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/3506/F-32T8L85025.html. The bulbs are 32w, 3100 lumens, 35,000 hours, and 85 CRI (color rendering index).
So the bulbs we used put out about 96 lumens per watt while the Costco fixtures put out about 97 lumens per watt. The Fl bulbs are rated for 35,000 hours and the Costco fixtures say 50,000 hours. The Litetronics bulbs cost $2.69 each in a case of 25. Many newer fixtures already have an electronic ballast. The ones we used cost about $13 each.
In our store the difference was huge. We had brighter light, instant on, no flicker, no hum, better colors and light quality, and significant energy savings. I have switched all my incandescent and compact fluorescents to LED but shop lights may still favor fluorescents.
dakotart1984
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2013
- Messages
- 236
Not to mention, if cell coverage is an issue in your shop and you have industrial / magnetic ballasts these will definitely help that issue as well. Id be all over this if I just hadnt put in a bunch of T5 HO's in my garage. These LEDs would have to be something really special to make me want to tear those down.
dakotart1984
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2013
- Messages
- 236
Carol Stream, IL Costco had a skid minus 3 this morning.
Here is one fixture in the house so we could see how bright it is. There was NO other lights on in the house...
Chris
Is that a possum?
Autorotica
Well-known member
Nah, just a curious kitten (actually 2 of them in that pic). Happens when we bring something new into THEIR house...
Chris
Stopped by and looked at these tonight. Wanted to get a couple but not a member and couldn't justify the $55 membership just to try these. My wife was comparing prices and said they weren't much if any better than her food shopping at Walmart. I may just go back tomorrow and do it, I'd really like to get a few of these.
My shop currently has L-765 CFLs (65w/300w eq) 3400Lu each with 2 bulbs per fixture, 6 fixtures total. It's decent light but not as good as I want. I leave them on 24x7 and get zero cell signal in the shop, so these may work good for me long term.....
...
My shop currently has L-765 CFLs (65w/300w eq) 3400Lu each with 2 bulbs per fixture, 6 fixtures total. It's decent light but not as good as I want. I leave them on 24x7 and get zero cell signal in the shop, so these may work good for me long term.....
...
adamz
Member
I would like to share my experience with the Feit T8 LED fixture and offer a brief comparison to the Utilitech T8 fixture I purchased from Lowes.
After seeing this thread and coming across the lights in Costco, temptation got the better of me and I purchased one to replace an old T12 fixture in my garage that was on it's last leg. It took me more time to navigate past all my wife's classroom boxes and supplies to be able to get under the old fixture than it did for me to unbox and install the new LED fixture! Initial impressions were that it wasn't the greatest construction, but compared to what I would have to pay Cree or perhaps Titan LED for a fixture it seemed appropriate for the price. The unit weighs next to nothing and can either be mounted on the ceiling or suspended with the provided link. Seeing as my old fixture was suspended by chains, I utilized the existing hooks. As soon as I stepped down and turned on the light, I was amazed at what I saw. The light was very bright, natural almost, and had great coverage. I was very pleased with my purchase.
My issue comes down to my detached workshop. It is approximately 26'x28' with 9' ceilings, all plywood painted white, with six rows of five 4ft 2 lamp F40T12 fixtures with most only having one working side. I liked the Costco fixture but not sure I want to spend the money on 16 fixtures for the shop. So, I stopped at Lowes and picked up the 4ft 2 lamp Utilitech T8 fixture with two GE 4100k 2900 lumen T8 bulbs. I replaced the LED fixture in the garage with the T8 fixture so I could have a more direct comparison. I will add, I like the construction of the Utilitech fixture more (granted it's an $18 fixture...). My wife helped me with a before and after, and we both reached the same conclusion: The Feit T8 LED fixture was brighter and had better coverage, but not by a large amount. I made sure they were both suspended the same amount, both 4100k, but for our eyes we liked the LED lighting more.
I used the LightMeter by whitegoods app on my iPhone 4s as method to compare the output between the two fixtures. No, I do not own any calibrated light meters nor do I have access to one, this was not intended for any scientific comparison but to compare two numbers for my own curiosity... besides, the app is free so I got my money out of it! At approximately 6 feet directly under the fixtures, the LED fixture showed 55fc while the other fixture actually showed 70fc! Perhaps the other T8 fixture puts out more lumens, but I personally felt the LED fixture did a better job.
My plan is to replace my workshop lights in a 4x4 pattern with 12 of the Utilitech T8 fixtures, and put in 4 of the Feit LED fixtures on the back row over the workbench area. This way I feel like I would get the light output I prefer over the areas where I would be working closely, yet still provide plenty of light over the body of the shop where I have the cars setup.
You can't go wrong with the Costco lights, but if you cannot justify spending $40 for lights, the $18 Utilitech T8 fixtures at Lowes are a close runner up!
After seeing this thread and coming across the lights in Costco, temptation got the better of me and I purchased one to replace an old T12 fixture in my garage that was on it's last leg. It took me more time to navigate past all my wife's classroom boxes and supplies to be able to get under the old fixture than it did for me to unbox and install the new LED fixture! Initial impressions were that it wasn't the greatest construction, but compared to what I would have to pay Cree or perhaps Titan LED for a fixture it seemed appropriate for the price. The unit weighs next to nothing and can either be mounted on the ceiling or suspended with the provided link. Seeing as my old fixture was suspended by chains, I utilized the existing hooks. As soon as I stepped down and turned on the light, I was amazed at what I saw. The light was very bright, natural almost, and had great coverage. I was very pleased with my purchase.
My issue comes down to my detached workshop. It is approximately 26'x28' with 9' ceilings, all plywood painted white, with six rows of five 4ft 2 lamp F40T12 fixtures with most only having one working side. I liked the Costco fixture but not sure I want to spend the money on 16 fixtures for the shop. So, I stopped at Lowes and picked up the 4ft 2 lamp Utilitech T8 fixture with two GE 4100k 2900 lumen T8 bulbs. I replaced the LED fixture in the garage with the T8 fixture so I could have a more direct comparison. I will add, I like the construction of the Utilitech fixture more (granted it's an $18 fixture...). My wife helped me with a before and after, and we both reached the same conclusion: The Feit T8 LED fixture was brighter and had better coverage, but not by a large amount. I made sure they were both suspended the same amount, both 4100k, but for our eyes we liked the LED lighting more.
I used the LightMeter by whitegoods app on my iPhone 4s as method to compare the output between the two fixtures. No, I do not own any calibrated light meters nor do I have access to one, this was not intended for any scientific comparison but to compare two numbers for my own curiosity... besides, the app is free so I got my money out of it! At approximately 6 feet directly under the fixtures, the LED fixture showed 55fc while the other fixture actually showed 70fc! Perhaps the other T8 fixture puts out more lumens, but I personally felt the LED fixture did a better job.
My plan is to replace my workshop lights in a 4x4 pattern with 12 of the Utilitech T8 fixtures, and put in 4 of the Feit LED fixtures on the back row over the workbench area. This way I feel like I would get the light output I prefer over the areas where I would be working closely, yet still provide plenty of light over the body of the shop where I have the cars setup.
You can't go wrong with the Costco lights, but if you cannot justify spending $40 for lights, the $18 Utilitech T8 fixtures at Lowes are a close runner up!
bshusted
Well-known member
I picked up 4 of these tonight at the Kirkland, WA location. Looking forward to putting them up tomorrow morning.
ambenz
Well-known member
SCORE!
Thanks guys, the wife and cousin pulled through...I'm hooked up!
My wife had 10 fixtures sitting in our Ford Ranger bed when she parked in the garage from a day of Christmas shopping!
I am so happy!
I opened one and tested it and "BAM"..... damn, it's friggin bright!
I could actually see like a kid again and I will be rearranging my drill bits too! LOL!
I have two 20+ year old, very heavy porcelain coated 8 foot commercials fixtures screwed into the rafters that I want to replace.
These Phillips Day Bright fixture came off a Marathon Gas Station exterior soffets and they are very heavy and well built...Craigs list, here I come!
I think I will weigh them any determine my sale price on the scrap cost and what they cost new...the bulbs alone are $10 a piece to replace...and are less than 2 years old.
The girth of these fixtures is just added weight I would like to eliminate from my hip roof rafters.
The power they consume and the hassle to transport, replace, and dispose of those long tubes can be a challenge.
These LED fixtures are so much lighter in weight, will be cheaper to operate, and brighter is just a no brainer in my book!
I'll be curious to the longevity claimed in these fixtures.
We all have bought those 7 year florescent socket bulbs only to find there lucky to last that long....so we will see how that goes.
A "SUPER SPECIAL"Thanks!...to the dude himself, for Posting up this thread...no where else I could find such a deal on LED shop lighting...you guys and gals rock!
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jon72vega
Well-known member
I got one last night at the Granger/Mishawaka, Indiana location.
They currently have an almost full skid of the lights.
I got this to replace an old 4' T12 2 bulb.
The LED fixture is quite a bit brighter that what it's replacing.
Of course the bulbs are several years old in the T12, but what a difference!
They currently have an almost full skid of the lights.
I got this to replace an old 4' T12 2 bulb.
The LED fixture is quite a bit brighter that what it's replacing.
Of course the bulbs are several years old in the T12, but what a difference!
cajunfirehawk
Well-known member
Nawlins has quite a few
Regards,
Todd
Sent from my iPhone4 using Tapatalk
Regards,
Todd
Sent from my iPhone4 using Tapatalk
Well, I went back and signed up to be a member and got 6 of these to try out. I am going to try one first and see how I like it before opening the others.
...
3 at 8
Well-known member
So how do I figure out how many I want/need for my garage? I recently moved so the area is new to me with no previous investment made yet for lighting. Its drywall finished with painted white walls and white ceiling. It measures Width 22' x Depth 24' x Height 11'. No parked cars in my garage. I want to have all workspace with lathe, drill press, several benches, etc. Currently only two ceiling mounted incandescent bulbs in sockets. Will need to hard wire individually or install multiple boxes on ceiling I guess. Someone said you cant wire them in a chain. Why not?
In my previous house I had a 20x20 10' high (I think) and had four 4' T12 and it was nicely lit. I'd *guess* start at 6 and see what you think?
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rice rocket
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2011
- Messages
- 3,175
You'll like it there. Costco does great seasonal items and special buys. Their fresh food is much better than Walmart's as well.
Well I put one of the lights up to test.....and I don't like it. The 4100K is too yellow for me. My shop has 6500K CFLs (not enough of them) which just make the LED look more yellow.
I do see that the 6500K may have a little blue tint, but I like a white light. I only buy Reveal bulbs for inside the house, I can't stand "soft white".
I may end up returning these (most likely) and going with T8 fixtures in 5000-5500K.
...
I do see that the 6500K may have a little blue tint, but I like a white light. I only buy Reveal bulbs for inside the house, I can't stand "soft white".
I may end up returning these (most likely) and going with T8 fixtures in 5000-5500K.
...
Overlord66
Member
I picked up two and I'm trying to figure out how I want to wire them. How is everyone here installing them?
I stopped at Lowes tonight and picked up a Utilitech T8 dual bulb fixture ($18.72) and GE T8 "sunshine", 5000K, 2600Lu bulbs to try out. I removed two existing fixtures in the center of my shop (12' height) and put the LED on one side and the T8 on the other side along the same rafter, about 10' apart.
The LED seems to put more light to the floor but it's noticeably a more yellow light. I do like the T8 5000K light temp a lot better. I sure wish these LED were 5000K cause I'd like the power savings.
...
Banjorear
Well-known member
I'd like to know too. I want to cut the plug off, but it does state altering the cord voids the warranty.
The install is my holiday week project.
Banjorear
Well-known member
Yeah, I guess this is the way to do it.
A quick cross-post, inspired by this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272945
Autorotica
Well-known member
I downloaded one of the free aps for an Android device to measure FootCandles. I was roughly centered under the middle of a Costco light (1 of 30 in a 3800' building and all were on) and here are the readings I observed.
3' away 125fc
4' away 76fc
5' away 52fc
6' away 39fc
7' away 31fc
8' away 24fc
9' away 22fc
14' away (phone on the floor) 13fc
Chris
3' away 125fc
4' away 76fc
5' away 52fc
6' away 39fc
7' away 31fc
8' away 24fc
9' away 22fc
14' away (phone on the floor) 13fc
Chris
Banjorear
Well-known member
Are these good numbers?
Autorotica
Well-known member
As in everything else, the answer is "it depends"...
Setting the phone on my dining room table showed a FC reading of 26. My basement garage showed a FC reading of 8 with the meter on top of a fuel injected intake manifold underneath a propped open hood.
How bright is your world?
I encourage each of you to make the decision for yourselves as to the level of light you wish to have (and pay for every month on the electric bill.)
Chris
Banjorear
Well-known member
Thanks for clarification. I'm going to go with the LED's since I have them already. I'm going to supplement them with thfee of those LED flood lithis that have been mentioned. They put out very white light. I think the mix will do just fine in my situation.
warmpancakes
Well-known member
if you dont have fixtures already this is a better option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10PC-4-FT-4...78?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&var=&hash=item418c019a8a
these can be mounted direct to a ceiling. You can join them togeether to make wireing easier, they are cheaper. The costco units are the same quality as these but the ebay ones you arent paying for a reflector thats not needed, and are much easier to install and take up alot less room
if you have fixtures (t12 or t8)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-4ft-4...1154554?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&hash=item418c90807a
takes about 10 minutes per fixture to retrofit
I swapped my basement over last night huge difference, one of the LED tubes puts out more light than the old pair of t12 40w it replaced
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10PC-4-FT-4...78?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&var=&hash=item418c019a8a
these can be mounted direct to a ceiling. You can join them togeether to make wireing easier, they are cheaper. The costco units are the same quality as these but the ebay ones you arent paying for a reflector thats not needed, and are much easier to install and take up alot less room
if you have fixtures (t12 or t8)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-4ft-4...1154554?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&hash=item418c90807a
takes about 10 minutes per fixture to retrofit
I swapped my basement over last night huge difference, one of the LED tubes puts out more light than the old pair of t12 40w it replaced
Banjorear
Well-known member
Whoa, this is a game changer. Has anyone used these? Only snag I see is after the first one, the other nine need to be in a straight line to use the links. Does anyone know if you could insert a wire into the links to create bend or curve?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10PC-4-FT-4...78?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&var=&hash=item418c019a8a
I do love the idea that they can be linked with a cord after the first one is wired.
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warmpancakes
Well-known member
I installed the retrofits last night in my basement, HUGE difference the light is a pure white I didnt use any fancy meters or gizmos to tell me that, the wife and both kids came down stairs and said "its brighter" , simple install. If you dont have covers over your lights get the frosted covers, it removes the sharp cutoff where the light ends oin walls. Im already working with the seller to buy a bunch to get the price down (250 ish Local car club group purchase)
^ ^ For the fixtures above (1st Ebay link), those ones your club are purchasing??
Ebay seller only has 9 transactions . . . 2014sophiechang
Where are those coming from as no Ship From location is listed on Ebay??
Any feedback on quality and reliability??
Ebay seller only has 9 transactions . . . 2014sophiechang
Where are those coming from as no Ship From location is listed on Ebay??
Any feedback on quality and reliability??
These "ballast by-pass" tubes are older technology already. The fixture needs some re-wiring to make them work. Plus, if you have T8 lamps existing, you will need new sockets to make them work.
I'm sorry, but the 6000 to 6500 kelvin color is friggin' BLUE. It might be good for inspecting car paint or a hospital operating room, but it makes your house about as warm and inviting as the freezer down at the grocery store.
The newer LED technology, at least for T8's, is the instantfit tube. These work by simply changing bulbs. Easy peasy. And they are available in "normal" colors. HD has them in stock.
I'm glad you're happy with yours, but I just dont like blue lights.
CD
I'm sorry, but the 6000 to 6500 kelvin color is friggin' BLUE. It might be good for inspecting car paint or a hospital operating room, but it makes your house about as warm and inviting as the freezer down at the grocery store.
The newer LED technology, at least for T8's, is the instantfit tube. These work by simply changing bulbs. Easy peasy. And they are available in "normal" colors. HD has them in stock.
I'm glad you're happy with yours, but I just dont like blue lights.
CD
warmpancakes
Well-known member
I bought a box of 10, they ship from texas I ordered saturday they arrived Fed ex thursday
quality is very nice, reliability I cant comment yet,
so far im impressed
warmpancakes
Well-known member
the "rewiring" takes 5 minutes tops
t12 and t8 both use the same socket , I installed these yesterday, one set into a t8 fixture and one set into a 40 year old t12 fixture both work perfect. flourcent lamps arent warm and inviting, I have these in a basement and a garage, when Im usually working and want to see things. These bulds are 15.00 cheaper per bulb, than the direct fit. so thats 30.00 Per fixture fo 5 minutes of work My basement needs 18 bulbs total , so thats a $250.00 savings enough to do the garage.
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It looks like the pigtail has 3 wires, yellow, blue and red. How do they tell you to connect those to power?