Change out GX23 lights for LED's.

[oldpops]

Hello all! We have 6 overhead kitchen can lights that take GX23 bulb sockets. The lighting was not the best and the bulbs never really 'snapped-in' tightly into the fixture (not a good thing when living in earthquake country). About 2-1/2 years ago I got some GX23 to E25/E26 adapters and put in some new LED screw in bulbs. We really like the light they give and the only problem is that because of the adapter, the bulbs hang down below the fixture. Now we have decided that we want to add 2 more lights above the kitchen so it's a great time to just change them all. Talked to an electrician and he said he could change them over to LED but keeping the same fixture?? He said something about a ballast? If I was thinking of just removing the fixtures entirely (cutting the power, then cutting the wires to each fixture, then replace them all at once). But I am a bit confused after the electrician mentioned about the 'ballast the electrician mentioned. Is there one ballast hidden up in the attic somewhere, that powers all the lights? Or do the GX23 fixtures have built-in ballasts integrated into each fixture. If the fixtures are all replaced completely, wouldn't I just be able to hook up new lights? Any and all advice and suggestions is appreciated?

 

[Norcal]

I have bought LED housings the same brand as the existing fixtures & then stripped out the ballast, existing can including the flex whip between the can & J-box, leaving the housing & J-box intact, then harvest the LED ready can & whip, and save a cover for the J-box, the hardest part is trying to salvage the OEM connector on the whip since they are pretty cheesy, after reconnecting all the wiring pushing the new can back in, replacing the 3 screws holding it in place, you have a can ready for a LED trim. I generally use Halo cans because they are as common as dirt, but do not recommend mixing brands of housings, have a rental with 26W Lithonia cans that need to find some Lithonia incandescent rough in housing so they can be converted to LED, there are other ways to do it, but that involved bastardizing the wiring which do not like doing.

 

[oldpops]

Thanks for the info. I feel dumb but where Is the ballast for these lights? And if need be, could I just run a new wire(s) from the j-box and put in any LED can I get?

 

[Norcal]

Thanks for the info. I feel dumb but where Is the ballast for these lights? And if need be, could I just run a new wire(s) from the j-box and put in any LED can I get?

The ballast is usually attached to one of the covers on the J-box, I used the wiring that came with the LED rough in unit so it was like it was always LED, bit of work but then there is no flunky wiring.

 

[yeldogt]

interesting you could adapt to those sockets --- that's "U" shaped cfl .. correct?

The question for you is what type do you have ? If new construction the box is not removable as it was installed prior to the drywall ---- if they are "remodel" the existing can can be removed through the hole in the ceiling and another put in it's place. Most are standard size.

Replacement depends on budget and type .. desired output and beam. I'm not into seeing the light source or lighting the ceiling with my recessed .. so I want the light source/ bulb back from the ceiling ... a true recesed light.

many today are fine with more of a surface light where the light comes out at the ceiling line .. these are available where they just snap into the old can and wire into the 110v.

 

[Norcal]

The can is removable and is required to be by code, a J-box cannot be inaccessible.

 

[yatg]

You've already got the GX23 to edison adapter, what about using the LED can retrofits?

example

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096H8PSTY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cybrdyke]

Oldpops.
Each fixture has it's own ballast. It's mounted on or in a junction box, which is mounted onto an installation plate. The "can" or dome is mounted to the same plate.
One option, the easiest is suggested by yatg above.
Other options are to use wafer lights that snap into the ceiling hole. You can now find these that are recessed and with multiple different finishes, so they look pretty fancy. If you find one you like, you need to remove the dome (should be 3 screws), access the power to the ballast and re-route it to the wafer light. Then, snap it it. It's pretty simple. It also offers you dimming.
It's a pretty simple DIY if you know how to do wiring.
CD