Can I retro these?

[scribble79]

I have numerous Fluorescent light fixtures like the one pictured and am wondering if I will be able to convert these to direct drive with LED tubes? I don't see how to tear them apart and the bodies are so thin I don't know what type of ballast they would have.

 

[The Cobbler]

short answer is if you can get to the wiring inside, you can convert them. are they 4" fixtures?
a few more pics might help figure out how to get into them

 

[Bogie1632]

I replaced the pull switch in mine a couple years back. The ends were pressed on. A couple gentle taps with a soft faced mallet and they were free. Yours looks to be very similar to mine. If there are no rivets or exposed fasteners give it a tap and see what happens.

V/R
Bogie

 

[scribble79]

Yes they are 4' fixtures. I have 13 of them so Id rather convert then have to start over. When I get the rest of my tools in my new garage i'll find the mallet and give it a few taps. I will try and get more pictures tonight.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just buy new ones. Much easier

 

[cmandp]

To give you some more info I paid $27 each shipped for the LED ready Maxlite fixtures recommended in the Best light fixture ever thread.

But if you rewire to bypass the ballast that's some of your time and maybe wire as long as the fixtures are in good shape. Good LED tubes are about the same cost as florescent tubes.

 

[scribble79]

The fixtures are all in good shape. I don't mind doing the labor as id rather use what I have then buy new and toss what I have. I am going off one of the recommended light configurations. I will need to add 2 more fixtures to get my total 15 recommended for my main level and figure out my 2nd level lighting next.

 

[Bert_]

Just buy new ones. Much easier

For once I actually kinda agree. The fixtures shown are the cheapest of the cheap. But the cheap new led shop lights are just as crappy...

Led tubes in the existing fixtures are a going to be a better light than the cheap led shop lights.

 

[scribble79]

Well I popped the end caps off last night and it looks to be a no go with ought some serious work. I guess I will just use these for the time being as I already have them and a full box of bulbs to keep them running till next year when I can splurge and get the correct fixtures with LED tubes.

 

[nadogail]

When you want Cheap, there will always be someone who will take your money. Cheap and Good are seldom found together; I suggest you buy new fixtures rather than spend your time trying to make good fixtures from cheap ones.

 

[Terry D]

That looks like a integrated ballast with the sockets. Not saying it would not be impossible to do it, but not worth it. My vote would be to get new fixtures

 

[The Cobbler]

a lot of work needed to achieve the results you're after , I'm in the get new camp

 

[Worsedog]

I'm a cheap ******* and have been known to waste three hours of labor to save ten bucks, and I'd replace them as well.

 

[Innovate1]

With the sockets integrated into the circuit board those would be very difficult to switch over. I agree with getting new fixtures or some other older fixtures that are easier to convert. I wouldn't go for LED fixtures without replaceable bulbs. The cheap LED fixtures will likely go out in a few years and much easier to replace the bulbs than the whole fixture.

I did convert a couple shop lights to ballast bypass LED tubes but they were older with magnetic ballasts. Had a couple snap together tabs that I had to release with a small screw driver but that was easy.