120V T8 LED Tubes - Reviews/Feedback?

[cavediver]

Has anyone tried this type of LED T8 replacement option?
It is a 120V "direct to the tube" solution where you essentially bypass the ballast and provide line power to the tube.

I was originally intending to install 21 of these "cheap" fluorescents in a 20x30x12 shop. The issue I am mostly concerned about is the 3" minimum hanging distance as these are not surface mount rated (ballast heat issue?). I don't want them hanging from the ceiling that low (if at all), and would surface mount them if I used this type of bulb instead.
I have already installed the receptacle outlet boxes which will be controlled via wall switch (pull cord will be removed/cut short).
I'm not concerned about the reflector, as the tubes claim to only project at 160degrees. I can usually find this style of light fixture for around the $20-30 dollar mark, but I really only need the structure to hold the tombstones and thereby the tubes.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/4-ft-shop-light/972628

The tube details are here at the link below...
http://www.bulbscanada.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=4946

And for those who are interested, I was able to find a specification sheet here:
http://www.aaoptoelectronics.com/ledproducts/konka-led-t8-4ft-18w-4000k.pdf

I'm looking for feedback from anyone with any experience with them, or a valid argument to stay away from them... Thanks!!

 

[cybrdyke]

Here's the deal with those tubes....
That ballast bypass technology is already outdated. The big manufacturers have moved on to better stuff, which is probably why these have been marked down. What the info hasn't told you is that if you use the fixture pictured and bypass the ballast to install the LED tubes, you will also need to replace all the sockets with non-shunted sockets. Depending on the sockets that are in the fixture, this can either be easy....or not. Also, be aware that this version is a single ended power lamp. Some of this type have a fuse in the opposite end which will blow if they are installed backwards. This was once a UL requirement and I see that these are cUL, so you should verify this. I'm never an advocate for buying lamps from no-name manufacturers, which these are. On the other hand, the specs on this lamp are quite impressive. At 2150 lumens in 160 degrees, they will be much brighter than a full 32 watt T8 lamp. But still, they're yesteday's news.
The new technology is the direct replacement LED tube. In the US, Home Depot carries them by Philips, called the InstantFit. I dont know about HD Canada. These tubes work with the ballast in line, so there is no re-wiring, no worry about sockets. They can run on fewer watts and still put out 1650 lumens at 160d, which is just a tick less than new 32w T8's. Ease of installation makes all the difference in large projects. The large manufacturers have all moved in this direction going forward.
As for surface mount, you can easily find strip fixtures cheap, that are OK to be surface mounted and then pop the LED's into them. Pretty popular to do these days.
Good luck.
CD

 

[fastjohnny]

Just got these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50pcs-Led-I...hite-6000K-frosted-milky-cover-/281527327424?

5 days from china.