Converted to LED! Tip: Get SINGLE ended tubes (Easy Custom Fixtures) + video notes

[keith204]

After much consideration, I finally swapped my fluorescents to LED. This video contains my notes about what options I chose and why.

Also, I found some sweet connectors that allow easy *custom* fixtures (like PVC half-pipe!)

If you converted to LED, which ones did you go with and why?

 

[Norcal]

If the fixtures have Leviton lampholders, it is contrary to manufacturers instructions to run line voltage/direct wire them to bypass the ballast when converting to LED, which makes it not code compliant to do it, not aware of other manufacturers not allowing it.

https://www.leviton.com/sites/REST/...W.pdf?docurl=/en/docs/PK-93480-10-02-0J-W.pdf

 

[keith204]

Interesting. These aren’t Leviton. What makes Leviton different?

BTW the holders are made to be independent. Not part of a fluorescent fixture.


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[Bert_]

Not sure I like that second picture. Taped up extension cords spliced in what looks like a drill bit case...

Also I have never seen fluorescent lamp holders that are made to be independent of a fixture. Maybe you could post a close up picture of one?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Note: Frosted vs Clear - Frosted provides even distribution. Clear provides striped uneven output and eye irritation.

Those pin mounted lamp holders (link)(though can't really call them lamp holders since the lamp is holding the socket) have some issues that people should be aware of:
1. Not UL
2. One reviewer stated pin center distance = 11.6mm (0.457"). G13 = 0.50"

Also, be very careful using those metal clips on glass bulbs. Easy to score the glass with the clip edge and break the lamp.

 

[cybrdyke]

Not sure I like that second picture. Taped up extension cords spliced in what looks like a drill bit case...

Also I have never seen fluorescent lamp holders that are made to be independent of a fixture. Maybe you could post a close up picture of one?

We use them to fire up lamps for demonstration, and to evaluate performance on site without getting into the fixture. But we haven't used them recently since nearly everything is done with double end these days. They're not intended for permanent use.
CD

 

[keith204]

Note: Frosted vs Clear - Frosted provides even distribution. Clear provides striped uneven output and eye irritation.



Those pin mounted lamp holders (link)(though can't really call them lamp holders since the lamp is holding the socket) have some issues that people should be aware of:

1. Not UL

2. One reviewer stated pin center distance = 11.6mm (0.457"). G13 = 0.50"



Also, be very careful using those metal clips on glass bulbs. Easy to score the glass with the clip edge and break the lamp.

Metal clips have rubber coating. I had same concern about metal to glass.


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[keith204]

Not sure I like that second picture. Taped up extension cords spliced in what looks like a drill bit case...



Also I have never seen fluorescent lamp holders that are made to be independent of a fixture. Maybe you could post a close up picture of one?

Due to this, I was careful to avoid being prescriptive in the video.

As for the wiring and safety considerations, the fuse is a 0.5A fast blow fuse, mechanical bonded, then soldered, and double heat shrink tube wrapped. If anything goes wrong, it will blow very quickly.

On top of that, the drill bit box has the outdoor rated water resistant clamps making sure the wire doesn’t move around even if pulled with considerable force.




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[s14kev]

Not sure if the OP is joking? �� Maybe I missed the joke? It seems he’s wiring things up like a 12v automotive circuit. Fuses and heat shrink connections? Aren’t all connections supposed to be in a code compliant box for fire safety amongst other things? Is the repurposed ridgid drill bit box fire resistant? What kind of inline ‘fuse’ is rated for use in this situation. Current carrying cable loosely draped and not secured with staples? I’m guessing this is an April fools in September. Jokes on me?

 

[cybrdyke]

Not sure if the OP is joking? �� Maybe I missed the joke? It seems he’s wiring things up like a 12v automotive circuit. Fuses and heat shrink connections? Aren’t all connections supposed to be in a code compliant box for fire safety amongst other things? Is the repurposed ridgid drill bit box fire resistant? What kind of inline ‘fuse’ is rated for use in this situation. Current carrying cable loosely draped and not secured with staples? I’m guessing this is an April fools in September. Jokes on me?

I dont think so. It seems to me that he's having some fun playing around with lighting stuff. Some of the technology has changed so much that some folks like hands-on experience just to see how stuff works. There's been times that I've tore into stuff, just to see how it works. Also I have lots of things in my barn that aren't done quite right, but they seem to work for me.
If it's just tinkering in the garage, then you can cobble together whatever you want. A pro wouldn't do things this way because of codes and UL and lighting guidelines. But Mr. Homeowner...sure...go for it.
CD

 

[keith204]

I dont think so. It seems to me that he's having some fun playing around with lighting stuff. Some of the technology has changed so much that some folks like hands-on experience just to see how stuff works. There's been times that I've tore into stuff, just to see how it works. Also I have lots of things in my barn that aren't done quite right, but they seem to work for me.
If it's just tinkering in the garage, then you can cobble together whatever you want. A pro wouldn't do things this way because of codes and UL and lighting guidelines. But Mr. Homeowner...sure...go for it.
CD

I have several large Leviton surface mount UL boxes that are ready to go on the ceiling once the prototyping is done, and will run conduit at that point.

This is to show the concept.






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[bochnak]

I recently used the same bulbs. I have 105,600 lumens:

I got all my fixtures for free

Matt

 

[cybrdyke]

I have several large Leviton surface mount UL boxes that are ready to go on the ceiling once the prototyping is done, and will run conduit at that point.

This is to show the concept.

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Have fun experimenting. What's your goal with this?

I recently used the same bulbs. I have 105,600 lumens:

I got all my fixtures for free

Matt

You produced a nice video. Food for thought...tell them how many foot-candles you have, instead of how many lumens. Quantity of lumens really means nothing.
Do you ever do updates? If so, double-end powered tubes are more commonly used. Maybe show those...

CD

 

[keith204]

I recently used the same bulbs. I have 105,600 lumens:

I got all my fixtures for free
Matt

Brilliant, and great video!

Have fun experimenting. What's your goal with this?

CD

Goals for the shop/ceiling/lighting: Major ceiling cleanup.

1. Strategic air lines
2. Conduit & electrical cleanup (used to be a bunch of extension cords & hooks)
3. 12V DC lighting above my work bench for doing 240fps slo-mo video (so a MeanWell 12V 350W mounted in one of those Leviton enclosures)
4. Replace the upside-down Piano stand with something more intentional

Goals for YouTube channel:

• Next 2 videos in the Usability series posted by end of October. The first is about bananas. Second is about lunch breaks. Neither are about food.
• 100 subscribers by end of 2019

 

[bochnak]

Have fun experimenting. What's your goal with this?




You produced a nice video. Food for thought...tell them how many foot-candles you have, instead of how many lumens. Quantity of lumens really means nothing.
Do you ever do updates? If so, double-end powered tubes are more commonly used. Maybe show those...

CD

I provided lux measurements before and after. Also with going from 2 to 4 bulbs per fixture.

I covered both single and double end. In my case, since going from 2 to 4 bulbs per fixture, it was easier to do single ended. Also, if I buy more LED ready fixtures in the future, those are all single ended.