4 Lamp T5 lighting issue/question

[onewheat]

I have a bunch of 8-foot (4-light) T5 fixtures in my garage and after they are on for a bit, some of the lights go out - maybe 1 end of an 8-foot - sometimes the whole fixture. It's done this since new. I can flip the light switch off and right back on and they will all light back up immediately, then maybe 5 minutes later, they will go out again. Any ideas on what could be causing this - something gets warm and breaks contact or ??? It happens gradually, so at some point, you look up and notice only 2/3 of the garage is still lit up.

 

[BillK]

Probably the ballasts. Just replace the bulbs with ballast bypass led's and be done with it.

 

[Innovate1]

If they have done this since new why didn't you deal with where you got them and return them or get warranty replacement? I'm guessing the bulbs are 4' since it's T5. Rather than replace the ballast, converting to LED would be my vote too.

 

[onewheat]

Probably the ballasts. Just replace the bulbs with ballast bypass led's and be done with it.

Is this just a bulb change or does that require any type of wiring modification?

 

[onewheat]

If they have done this since new why didn't you deal with where you got them and return them or get warranty replacement? I'm guessing the bulbs are 4' since it's T5. Rather than replace the ballast, converting to LED would be my vote too.

It was an issue with my builder - I had nowhere to return them to. LEDs sound like the way to go.

 

[Innovate1]

Is this just a bulb change or does that require any type of wiring modification?

I haven't dealt with T5 replacements but it looks like it is similar to T8/T12. The best way and since the ballasts are suspect is to get ballast bypass tubes. It's a simple thing to cut the ballast wires and connect the power directly to the tube sockets. For T8/12 there are single ended and double ended powered so maybe T5 are similar - most are using double ended with one side of power to one end and the other line to the other end. Hopefully someone familiar with T5 LEDs will jump in with some more info.

 

[cybrdyke]

The capacitor in your ballasts are shot and cant hold a charge. Bypass them and install tubes or get new fixtures.
There is a difference between T5 and T5HO. Sounds like you have T5HO. If so, you need to use that lingo or you'll get yourself into trouble. You'll need T5HO LED tubes which will require some slight wiring modifications. (T8 or T12 tubes will not work for you). These tubes will most likely be "double-end" powered, meaning all the sockets on one end will need to be connected to black wire and all the sockets on the opposite end will need to be wired to white wire.
Nearly all T5HO fixtures used non-shunted sockets.
In the configuration that you have, it will be easiest to make all the sockets in the center of the fixture powered with black and the sockets on the ends of the fixture powered with white. Pretty simple to do. When you get ready to do it, ask us for details.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Innovate1]

Here's some previous discussion of the topic. Sounds like it might worth it to just change to standard T8 fixtures that take more standard bulbs. You can buy fixtures already set up for LED ballast bypass tubes.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/can-i-convert-t5-fixtures-to-led.496079/