Replacing T-8's

[dfiler2]

I put the lights in my shop about 6 years ago and some are now burning out. They are 4' T8's, any thoughts on what to replace them with? The older I get the brighter I like it, are there LED s that would be a good choice? I have 8' 4 bulb fixtures, I would need 36 bulbs to replace them all, can you mix LED bulbs with standard T8's?

Thanks for any advice or opinions

 

[cybrdyke]

I put the lights in my shop about 6 years ago and some are now burning out. They are 4' T8's, any thoughts on what to replace them with? The older I get the brighter I like it, are there LED s that would be a good choice? I have 8' 4 bulb fixtures, I would need 36 bulbs to replace them all, can you mix LED bulbs with standard T8's?

Thanks for any advice or opinions

You have tons of options.
You can just replace the fluorescents with LED T8's. This kind will run on the existing ballasts. This kind you can mix fluorescents and LED's.

You can remove the ballast and fluorescents and use LED T8's. Different than above, the advantage here is that you wont have to worry about ballasts dying in the future. Get the kind that is "double-end powered". You'll have to do a little wire stripping and wire nutting.

Look for something about 2000 lumens. That will be brighter than what you have now. Most folks prefer the 5000K color for garages, but 4000K is also popular. Your call.

There are tons of other options, but those are your lamp replacement options.
CD

 

[yeldogt]

I just went through this again in my NYC space .... In my case the fixtures are decent quality and I like the output ....

Just bought new T8 bulbs --- I'm in the lower K camp. I replace them all at the same time

For my use the savings were never going to happen and the LED's seem to have questionable life.

 

[AP514]

Look at the Sticky at the top of this forum it says it all.

The Best Light Fixture Ever!

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=278420

 

[NUTTSGT]

I prefer a color in the 5000K range, it's whiter than the 4000K range. The 6500K maybe too blue for your taste.

I would simply swap out the bulbs for a LED that is a direct swap and not worry about the ballast.

You can find boxes of 20 in big box stores, buy all at once and replace. It'll drive you nuts when you notice the brighter/different color bulbs if you mix/match.

 

[JOE.G]

Why get the kind that power on both ends?

 

[coljar]

I retrofitted all of mine with 4000K LED and eliminated the ballast. They are great.

 

[cybrdyke]

Why get the kind that power on both ends?

OP asked about replacing T8's. This suggests that he already has shunted sockets, which is perfect for double end powered tubes. If he tried to use single end powered tubes, he would have to change all of the sockets, which is a PITA.
That's the main reason.
If you're replacing T12 fluorescents, you most likely have non-shunted sockets. In this case, either single end or double end powered tubes will work fine. I'd still suggest to use the double end, though. They're just a little easier to install.
CD

 

[TTMotorsports]

I swapped my garage lights to the leds as well way more output and recycled the ballasts to get some money back too

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[rsanter]

I found a deal at home depo or Lowe’s, can’t remember which....
Where the local power company was offering a rebate at the register program where the LED T8 replacement were $5 for a pack of 4.
These have been great, they put out more light ar at least more perceptible light.
I have installed them At the house and at the shop.

I have mixed them but not in the same fixture

 

[JOE.G]

OP asked about replacing T8's. This suggests that he already has shunted sockets, which is perfect for double end powered tubes. If he tried to use single end powered tubes, he would have to change all of the sockets, which is a PITA.
That's the main reason.
If you're replacing T12 fluorescents, you most likely have non-shunted sockets. In this case, either single end or double end powered tubes will work fine. I'd still suggest to use the double end, though. They're just a little easier to install.
CD[/QUOTE

I Have T-8 also so how do i check what ends I have? Anyone know of a good wiring diagram that'll walk someone doing this though removing the ballast?

 

[dfiler2]

Here is a pretty simple video that shows how to remove the ballast.

I have decided to leave the ballasts an go with a 5000k with 2200 lumens, I think. What are the "lumens" anyway, I don't have to worry about them running over a cliff at some point do I?

Sorry, forgot to add the link, here it is.

 

[ddawg16]

Ditto on the 4000-5000K light color range. Also look for a CRI of 90 or better (helps to show up all the colors)

Personally, I'd dump the ballasts. All they are really going to do is waste energy....and eventually go out. Look at this way, any device that gets warm, that is wasted energy....(unless it's a heater).

A 13W LED? That 13 watts is not light energy....it's the heat loss in the LED.

Light energy is a very complicated subject

 

[NUTTSGT]

Here is a pretty simple video that shows how to remove the ballast.

I have decided to leave the ballasts an go with a 5000k with 2200 lumens, I think. What are the "lumens" anyway, I don't have to worry about them running over a cliff at some point do I?

I think you forgot the link for the video.


Looking at Lowes website, the direct swap LEDs are cheaper than the ones that require rewiring ? What is different in the bulb itself ?

 

[Bert_]

OP asked about replacing T8's. This suggests that he already has shunted sockets, which is perfect for double end powered tubes. If he tried to use single end powered tubes, he would have to change all of the sockets, which is a PITA.
That's the main reason.
If you're replacing T12 fluorescents, you most likely have non-shunted sockets. In this case, either single end or double end powered tubes will work fine. I'd still suggest to use the double end, though. They're just a little easier to install.
CD[/QUOTE

I Have T-8 also so how do i check what ends I have? Anyone know of a good wiring diagram that'll walk someone doing this though removing the ballast?

if you have just a single wire going to each socket and you have shunted sockets. Shunted sockets are used with instant start ballasts which is the most common type for T8, it's also a terrible choice for residential but that's another subject.

Here is a pretty simple video that shows how to remove the ballast.

I have decided to leave the ballasts an go with a 5000k with 2200 lumens, I think. What are the "lumens" anyway, I don't have to worry about them running over a cliff at some point do I?

Lumens is the amount of light. As an example an old school 100 watt bulb is about 1750 lumens.

 

[JOE.G]

I feel bad for jumping on this thread asking questions, I can start my own if OP would like just figured this may answer both our questions.

Link to wiring both types of ends for T8 would be nice wire color and what not as I will remove my ballast makes no sense to keep them. Also 4 to 5 K is what most use for garage use? any certain brands better then the others? Thanks

 

[dfiler2]

Not a problem at all, I'm sure we can both learn something.

 

[JOE.G]

So I counted my Bulbs, I forgot how many fixtures I have. I have 2 Rows of 4 so 8 Fixtures that each are 8 Ft long with 4 4 ft T-8 bulbs, 8 Sockets each fixture. I also have 4 4 Ft T-8 bulbs on separate fixtures right above my bench.
So I need 36 Bulbs to Do this. I'll need to figure out where I can get the best deal for this many.

Do These style light fixtures have one ballast each? Do I need to wire each socket? Any help would be great.

I believe these are the ones I have or at least this style.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithoni...H=REC-_-plpsearch_multi-_-NA-_-202193133-_-N&

 

[SARG]

I just bought eighteen of these LEDs for my two garages. Excellent especially in the "cold". Very bright for under $12. each

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LGTJQ2S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JOE.G]

My Lights are built into my ceiling, I want to reuse the current fixtures.

 

[yeldogt]

So I counted my Bulbs, I forgot how many fixtures I have. I have 2 Rows of 4 so 8 Fixtures that each are 8 Ft long with 4 4 ft T-8 bulbs, 8 Sockets each fixture. I also have 4 4 Ft T-8 bulbs on separate fixtures right above my bench.
So I need 36 Bulbs to Do this. I'll need to figure out where I can get the best deal for this many.

Do These style light fixtures have one ballast each? Do I need to wire each socket? Any help would be great.

I believe these are the ones I have or at least this style.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithoni...H=REC-_-plpsearch_multi-_-NA-_-202193133-_-N&

You need to pop one open and take a look.

Have you done the math? ... any rebates from your electric co?

Make sure you check out the reviews on the bulbs .... My experience - The cheap stuff just does not hold up .. get some extras if you are ODC like me and want them to match color output when one dies.

Knowing I was going to be spending more time at my place in NJ -- the lights are from early 00's. I bought 3 x 10 packs of the 4' at about $2 a bulb .. and, that was from Grainger. Never going to see the payback switching ....maybe you use more.

 

[JOE.G]

I would probably buy 40 Bulbs, I need to see what I am looking to spend, I am not doing it to really save much but maybe getting a better Light, longer lasting bulb. Prices seem to be all over the place.

 

[Bert_]

I've got a few T8's. They are fine, no plans to switch. A case of 36 lamps is like $60. You can get cheaper but they aren't as good of lamps. They usually do 6+ years in a commercial environment where they run all day.

 

[larry4406]

I've got a few T8's. They are fine, no plans to switch. A case of 36 lamps is like $60. You can get cheaper but they aren't as good of lamps. They usually do 6+ years in a commercial environment where they run all day.

The GE brand T8's I have are listed for 3000 hours. Box of bulbs I have now I got from Lowes. I am getting about 1.5 years or so out of them. We turn them on and off probably 15-20 times a day going in/out of the garage.

I am not sure of the brand of the fixtures and ballasts I have. They came from either Lowes/Home Depot.

Edit - 30,000 hours rating. Still they die early.

 

[yeldogt]

The GE brand T8's I have are listed for 3000 hours. Box of bulbs I have now I got from Lowes. I am getting about 1.5 years or so out of them. We turn them on and off probably 15-20 times a day going in/out of the garage.

I am not sure of the brand of the fixtures and ballasts I have. They came from either Lowes/Home Depot.

This is amazing ..... I get ..... a long time. Decade + ? I do just tend to leave them on.

 

[Bert_]

The GE brand T8's I have are listed for 3000 hours. Box of bulbs I have now I got from Lowes. I am getting about 1.5 years or so out of them. We turn them on and off probably 15-20 times a day going in/out of the garage.

I am not sure of the brand of the fixtures and ballasts I have. They came from either Lowes/Home Depot.

3000? What I usually buy is 30,000hrs. You can get longer life but cost goes up to the point it's not worth it.

The common instant start ballasts do tend to kill bulbs with frequent switching. Most guys didn't understand they should have been using program start for anything residential. Only adds a $3-5 to order a fixture that way.

I don't really do the ballast compatible led tubes. I get some GE direct wire tubes that I like. They use a frosted glass tube. Beam angle is pretty wide so you don't get the dark ceiling effect if you're using strips.

 

[mkef]

If you get the Phillips led replacement bulbs, check your ballast with their compatability chart. I bought some and they didnt work, dug around online and found the chart, seems my ballast was one of the few not on the list.

Also picked up some toggle brand conversion kit from home depot. Only powered on one side so I converted some cheap 2 bulb fixtures. 5k color, I like em. Going to get a kit for the 4 bulb fixture by the weekend.

 

[larry4406]

3000? What I usually buy is 30,000hrs. You can get longer life but cost goes up to the point it's not worth it.

The common instant start ballasts do tend to kill bulbs with frequent switching. Most guys didn't understand they should have been using program start for anything residential. Only adds a $3-5 to order a fixture that way.

I don't really do the ballast compatible led tubes. I get some GE direct wire tubes that I like. They use a frosted glass tube. Beam angle is pretty wide so you don't get the dark ceiling effect if you're using strips.

Sorry Bert, typo. 30,000 hour rating but they still **** out early.

 

[JOE.G]

Bert $60 for a case of LED Bulbs?
i'd be open to suggestions about Brands of LED Bulbs that replace ballast.

 

[James-W]

I have 12 CFL bulbs in the ceiling of my garage. I can replace them with LED bulbs as they burn out, but in the last 8 years only one of the CFL bulbs has gone bad. I know changing fixtures would not be easy, but you might like having the option of changing from one type light to another by just screwing in a different type light bulb. I know I like it a lot.

 

[Bert_]

Bert $60 for a case of LED Bulbs?
i'd be open to suggestions about Brands of LED Bulbs that replace ballast.

That's for a case of fluorescent t8 lamps, 36 to a case.

I use these led tubes. They come 20 to a case for about $120.

 

[yeldogt]

That's for a case of fluorescent t8 lamps, 36 to a case.

I use these led tubes. They come 20 to a case for about $120.

That may be worth going through the trouble .... And they come in many colors and outputs

In my case the T8 light fixtures are too nice to switch out ....

Still have 8' T12 in my old studio space .. I'm going to be selling the property in a few years -- so I have not changed anything. For me it's having full coverage lighting .... don't like the "sun spots" that the T5's will do. I find the same with some of the LED retrofits .... they are too bright.

 

[Greeny]

My Lights are built into my ceiling, I want to reuse the current fixtures.

I had a home in VA with a basement, with a variety of fluorescent fixtures. Knowing nothing about these fixtures, or ballasts, it was easy to figure out how to remove the ballasts and extra wire. I replaced all the tubes with LEDs, using the existing fixtures. I think it was 8 fixtures, 16 tubes. I was very happy with the result.
In the garage, I replaced the overhead bulb with a bunch of LED fixtures. In place of the ceramic bulb base, I installed a quad outlet set up and plugged the LEDs into that. That way, it was switched at the door. Fairly easy retrofit/upgrade.

 

[JOE.G]

Bert did you use the 4 or 5 K Version? I would like to stick to a name brand so i can try and match them easier in the future.

 

[cybrdyke]

Bert did you use the 4 or 5 K Version? I would like to stick to a name brand so i can try and match them easier in the future.

Using a name brand is smart, but there's no guarantee that they'll match in the future. The color temps that are advertised are only an approximation of the actual color output. It varies quite alot.
CD

 

[Bert_]

Bert did you use the 4 or 5 K Version? I would like to stick to a name brand so i can try and match them easier in the future.

I've used both in different situations. Personally I like to stick with 4000* for anything less than 50 foot candles. 5000*k for 80+ fc.

4,000* k starts to look yellow with high light levels. Same issue with 5,000 k at lower light levels.

 

[JOE.G]

You lost me with the FT Candle ? How do i figure this out? Is it on the spec sheet?

 

[Bert_]

You lost me with the FT Candle ? How do i figure this out? Is it on the spec sheet?

Foot candles means how much light on a surface, say at a bench in your garage

 

[Bert_]

Not sure how much this will help, but anyway.

Foot candles is basically a function of the size and quantity of light fixtures, the distance from the light fixture and how reflective the walls and ceiling are around it.

This is a bench in my basement. It's pretty bright, good for detail work. The meter shows just under 100 foot candles. It's lit by three 6500*k T12 bulbs.

 

[JOE.G]

Gotcha getting way beyond dme now lol, I have 10 Ft ceilings with wood colored walls and ceiling, I just needs lights that work lol