Best LED Replacement Bulb for CF 13DS/827 (GX23 base)

[kbuhagiar]

Hello Folks,

I would like to replace all of the compact fluorescent lights in our kitchen with brighter LED replacement bulbs

Currently we have twelve recessed fixtures, and each has a two-pin compact fluorescent bulb (CF 13DS/827 with GX23 base). They are rated at 800 lumens. We can't stand the uneven lighting and flickering.

Can anyone recommend a brighter replacement LED bulb?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cybrdyke]

Are your lamps oriented horizontally or vertically?
CD

 

[kbuhagiar]

Hello CD,

Vertically. They are all recessed 'can' lights, seven in the kitchen and the rest in the bathrooms.
The house was constructed in 2000 and I think these CFL fixtures & lights were cutting edge back then.

Thanks!

 

[cybrdyke]

Your fixture likely has an older magnetic ballast in it that looks like a small transformer. This is what is holding you back from a good easy solution. Most new lamps aren't made to work with that old ballast. To get a good solution, you'll almost certainly have to remove it. The GX23 socket is also holding you back. A new replacement LED lamp that can provide more light will probably have 4 pins and will need a different socket.
There are some options for you, neither of which involves new lamps. You can install a new "trim kit" like this one:


or a new wafer light, like this one:


Good luck,
CD

 

[FMB4]

Have you looked into replacing the CFL 2 pin bases with name brand A19 units (the can and bezel should swap over)? Doing so might the cheapest and easiest thing to do. Btw, a pic of your light cans and base might help in answering your Q.

 

[mike93lx]

I would try to get the socket changed to a a19 and then use led trims, like what CD linked.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I have to consider all of my options, but honestly if I am going to have to disassemble the cans anyway (to de-activate the ballasts) I may as well switch over to A19 sockets for the most flexibility.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Just returned from the other house, haven't had a chance to do any research yet , but here are the fixture specs. Forgot to take a dang picture. And my next concern is whether I can get to the ballasts from below or if I have to get into the ceiling to get them from above

COOPER LIGHTING #H2741C 'Halo Lighting'
13 WATT Dual Twin Tube Compact Fluorescent
Ballast #BHP274

 

[Norcal]

What I have done is take a incandescent can of the same brand as the CFL recessed can & swap things out & removing the ballast, making it a incandescent model, then it is easy to use the LED kit of my choice. Rather convoluted way to do it, but it is clean.

 

[yeldogt]

The OP can get LED replacements. The problem is if he wants to dim .... I did some of these back in the day for a laundry room in the burbs. They actually work very well -- mine have very shinny mirror reflectors w/ the bulb set back. They work great for a laundry room. Since they have a ballast .. no dim. That's how mine worked.

I'm not sure how much brighter the LED will be ..... in reality getting the replacement bulbs may be the best way to go. I bought a bunch when they were being off loaded ... they do degrade and fresh are brighter.