Changing 8' fluorescent to something else

[Rod N]

My garage has become very dark because of lights being out. Bulb, ballasts, dunno. Comes and goes.
What I do know is I want to swap out all 10 (5 x 2) 8 ft. fluorescents lights to something newer and brighter.
I would like to keep the fixtures as I painted around them and it is pretty ugly under there for sure.
What is the best way?
Cost isn't a problem, but I want to get it right so I don't have to set up my scaffolding again anytime soon.
Thanks
Rod

 

[sparky 1971]

Convert your fixtures to led's. That's the easiest and probably the most cost effective route since 90% of the work has already been done. There are 8' ballast bypass lamps available, but I think they are a pos. I get kits that have new sockets and covers that will turn each fixture into one that will accept four 4' led tubes. Figuring out how to put the first one together was a pita, but after that, about 15 minutes per fixture. Being in Canada, I have no idea where you would get such an animal, but someone on here could point you in the right direction. I would imagine that shipping from my supplier would not be very cost effective.

 

[Rod N]

That would work Sparky.
I really want to get rid of the ballast.
How hard is it to mount the 4’ receptacles
Have any pics?

 

[sparky 1971]

I don't have any pictures, but you scrap your existing ballast, fixture covers, shields, and sockets, leaving just the 8' long housing. The kits snap together and mount to the sides of the old fixture housing using self tapping screws. I have to leave for awhile, if I get back early enough I will throw a kit together and take a picture. There may be someone here that can post a link. The supplier I use doesn't have them on the website.

 

[Bert_]

High output or slimline?

The retro kits are a nice option but often don't work with reflectors. If it was me I would want to keep the reflectors. Not as much need for them with a directional lamp but they look nice in a garage.

 

[sparky 1971]

High output or slimline?

The retro kits are a nice option but often don't work with reflectors. If it was me I would want to keep the reflectors. Not as much need for them with a directional lamp but they look nice in a garage.

If the reflector is the ballast cover, then it goes away. It doesn't make any difference with the lamps I use because they don't shine any light off to the side or up, hence no need to reflect. I don't know if there are led tubes that are multi directional or not. If one wanted to keep the reflectors, then 8' lamps would work since they are available with either socket configuration. I converted 12 fixtures in a county parts room using 8' lamps and was not impressed one bit. With one of my customers, I am, one or two fixtures at a time retro fitting t8 and t12 HO's to these, and side by side, the led's using four 50k frosted lamps have a better light output according to the eye test.

I was going to put a four foot section of a kit together tonight, but discovered I already had one. Please don't pay any attention to the dust. It's the surviving half on an 8'er that had a collision with a fork lift. I get the universal adjustable width kits, but they are made to fit any width. I just get the adjustable because I never know what I am going to be up against. Put it together and screw it to the sides of the fixture. They are also made to fit tight to any width of fixture, but I haven't used that style yet.

 

[Bert_]

If the reflector is the ballast cover, then it goes away. It doesn't make any difference with the lamps I use because they don't shine any light off to the side or up, hence no need to reflect. I don't know if there are led tubes that are multi directional or not. If one wanted to keep the reflectors, then 8' lamps would work since they are available with either socket configuration. I converted 12 fixtures in a county parts room using 8' lamps and was not impressed one bit. With one of my customers, I am, one or two fixtures at a time retro fitting t8 and t12 HO's to these, and side by side, the led's using four 50k frosted lamps have a better light output according to the eye test.

I was going to put a four foot section of a kit together tonight, but discovered I already had one. Please don't pay any attention to the dust. It's the surviving half on an 8'er that had a collision with a fork lift. I get the universal adjustable width kits, but they are made to fit any width. I just get the adjustable because I never know what I am going to be up against. Put it together and screw it to the sides of the fixture. They are also made to fit tight to any width of fixture, but I haven't used that style yet.

Yes the reflector wouldn't really be needed. I just think it's a nice aesthetic.

I do not go by the "eye test", too subjective. I have seen people put in a high color temp lamp that is actually much dimmer but then claim it's brighter. I want to measure footcandles.

 

[cybrdyke]

Techbrite R844SSXWRXX-00P0-WOE is what you want. Commonly called a tandem kit. It provides a change from 8' fluorescent tubes to 4' LED tubes, double-end powered. Offered with a reflector (WR) or without (BC) https://techbrite.com/retro-strip-led-tubes-2/

 

[sparky 1971]

Yes the reflector wouldn't really be needed. I just think it's a nice aesthetic.

I do not go by the "eye test", too subjective. I have seen people put in a high color temp lamp that is actually much dimmer but then claim it's brighter. I want to measure footcandles.

I totally understand wanting to measure footcandles, but I don't have a way to measure it and in all honesty, probably never will. In the example I gave, I mistakenly stated 50k lamps. I'm actually using 40k at that customer. Hundreds of 40k frosted lamps with hundreds still to go across all of the shop and office buildings they have. As stated, I don't know the footcandles but I do know there is more usable light out of the led tubes. Really the only places I have seen the led tubes lose out to florescents are 8' and lower ceilings but it hasn't been bad enough to go back to florescents.

 

[Walkers]

I bypassed the ballast and installed the 5k LEDs available at HoDe for 50 bucks a pair. They are exceptional.

 

[Rod N]

Great info here guys. Thanks.
Personally I'd like to keep the reflectors. Looks nicer and I feel and 12' up probably won't make a difference.
Looks plug and play (with a lot of swearing) if I could just screw the new fixture to the reflector that would be ideal.
Rather go with 4' as 8' is a PITA for numerous reasons, unless they cost twice as much.

 

[sparky 1971]

If you want to keep the reflectors, look into 8' ballast bypass lamps. I don't like them, but have to admit to only using one type. If you go this route make sure you get the right style. Single pin vs. HO so the lamp fits the existing socket.

 

[Rod N]

If you want to keep the reflectors, look into 8' ballast bypass lamps. I don't like them, but have to admit to only using one type. If you go this route make sure you get the right style. Single pin vs. HO so the lamp fits the existing socket.

I've done a bit of research and these are very plug and play. (I will bypass the ballast) What do you not like about them?
My current set up is single pin. Should I be concerned?
Is HD okay or should I go to my local electrical supply store?

HALCO LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES 8 ft. 42-Watt T8 Non-Dimmable LED Linear Light Bulb Type B Bypass Double Ended Single Pin Daylight 5000K (2-Pack) T896FR42/850/BYP/SP/LED2PK 89005 - The Home Depot

ProLED T8 Linear Bypass Lamps are energy efficient, long lasting replacements for traditional T8 and T12 fluorescent linear lamps. Most reliable and efficient way to retrofit existing Linear Fluorescent

www.homedepot.com

 

[sparky 1971]

The tubes that I used didn't put out as much light as I expected, but in all honesty, were probably as good as a new T12 lamp, but nowhere near 18 watt four foot leds. Also, they sagged in the middle. I wound up screwing 1" minerallac straps to the center to help support them.

 

[Meursault74]

Last year I converted the 8' fluorescent fixtures in my kitchen (drop ceiling) and garage to these:

Amazon.com

I didn't measure the light output, but I've was able to run 1 of these LED bulbs per fixture instead of the 2 Fluorescent and it "looks" about the same to me.

If you put 2 in each fixture, you'll definitely have a much brighter workshop than you do now.

I haven't had any issues with mine, electrical or sag-wise.

edit, holy ****!!! they cost a shitload from amazon Canada, WTF?

Amazon.ca

 

[Rod N]

Went into my local Westburne electrical supply supplier. They are getting me prices on Philips.
These are glass. Are the ones that are sagging plastic?

 

[tonyciambrone]

96 in. Ballast Cover Retrofit Kit - For (4) T8 Lamp

Buy the PLT 8RB422X2T8-L11 ballast cover retrofit kit to easily convert your 96 in. T8 strip fixture. Low prices on retrofit kits at 1000Bulbs.com!

www.1000bulbs.com

If you want to keep a "stock" look and convert to 2x4ft T8 LED's I like this cover kit from PLT. I have a bajillion fixtures and I like only using 4FT tubes.

 

[Masheen365]

January of 2020 I replaced the existing fluorescents with these. 8 fixtures with two bulbs a piece and another 2 fixtures in the garage. I bypassed the ballast and rewired for the new LEDs and have not been disappointed. The single pin connection makes the 8ft bulb a whole lot easier to work with. In a 30x50 shop it makes for good general lighting. We still use additional task lighting for specific areas.

 

[sparky 1971]

Went into my local Westburne electrical supply supplier. They are getting me prices on Philips.
These are glass. Are the ones that are sagging plastic?

Yes. Those junkers were plastic that had some kind of metal, aluminum?, strip down the back. I suppose that was for support, but it didn't do a very good job. I don't believe I have ever seen a glass led tube, that would solve the problem of the sagging lamps.

 

[Meursault74]

Yes. Those junkers were plastic that had some kind of metal, aluminum?, strip down the back. I suppose that was for support, but it didn't do a very good job. I don't believe I have ever seen a glass led tube, that would solve the problem of the sagging lamps.

The ones I have, the metal back is about 1/3 of the circumference and the metal is ribbed. More than just a strip. I just checked the ones in my garage. No sag. They've been up for 1 year. These are the only ones I've ever used, so no experience with any other type.

While researching my purchase, I read that the all plastic ones sag and they sell clips for the middle or some used zip ties for support in the middle. It gets hot in my garage in the summer. I have no doubt all plastic would sag and would need some additional support.

 

[Rod N]

When you say LED tube, are you referring to the ones that you can see the LED's? To me most look like regular fluorescent bulbs. Are they directional?

 

[sparky 1971]

When you say LED tube, are you referring to the ones that you can see the LED's? To me most look like regular fluorescent bulbs. Are they directional?

The tubes with the visible led's have a clear lens. The tubes that look like a florescent have a frosted lens. Inside, they are the same with differences between brands. As far as I know, they are all directional, but some can be rotated.

 

[Masheen365]

When you say LED tube, are you referring to the ones that you can see the LED's? To me most look like regular fluorescent bulbs. Are they directional?

They may be directional but most of the ones I’ve seen advertise around a 270* throw.

 

[Rod N]

Thanks for all the info guys. Very helpful.
Specs for the Philips
240 degree
Frosted
4400 lm
Cool White
4000K
33 watt
Are they bright enough?

https://www.lighting.philips.ca/api/assets/v1/file/Signify/content/fp929003112104-pss-en_ca/929003112104_NA.en_CA.PROF.FP.pdf

 

[Bert_]

Thanks for all the info guys. Very helpful.
Specs for the Philips
240 degree
Frosted
4400 lm
Cool White
4000K
33 watt
Are they bright enough?

https://www.lighting.philips.ca/api/assets/v1/file/Signify/content/fp929003112104-pss-en_ca/929003112104_NA.en_CA.PROF.FP.pdf

It might end up being similar to what you have now. A good F96T12 is 5500-6000 lumens each. The led tube will have less fixture loss. Power use will be quite a bit less

 

[Rod N]

It might end up being similar to what you have now. A good F96T12 is 5500-6000 lumens each. The led tube will have less fixture loss. Power use will be quite a bit less

This is the only one they have. Should I look elsewhere or is this enough compared to my old ones? Everything is on one switch so I can't pick and choose which ones I want on.

 

[Rod N]

I went to another electrical supplier and this is what they have. Plastic and made in China.
$36 each and the Philips were $31.50 each.

 

[Meursault74]

I went to another electrical supplier and this is what they have. Plastic and made in China.
$36 each and the Philips were $31.50 each.

Here it says glass + film. whatever that means.

Tubes

4FT LED T8 FROSTED COVER ModelT08L21-ABDECT-T801T84FT-18W50DFECT-T803Flux1700lm2100lm1250lm2100lmWattage12w18w18w18wVoltage100-277v100-277v100-277v100-277vCCT4000k4000k, 6000k5000k5000kTypeA&BD…

ectstar.lighting

I wonder how the Phlips can be less. I would consider Philips a known brand name.

 

[Rod N]

Maybe because the Philips is from a electrical supplier that does mostly to the trades and the other one looks to be retail?

 

[Rod N]

It would be a no brainer if the Philips was a bit brighter.

 

[Bert_]

Most retrofit lamps are designed to produce the same amount of light as what they are replacing. Some offer a couple different lumen outputs but I doubt you will find that with 8'ers since it's a limited market

 

[Rod N]

Lets do a poll. lol
Just buy the Philips and get on with my life?

 

[Meursault74]

Lets do a poll. lol
Just by the Philips and get on with my life?

YES!!!!!

 

[yeldogt]

Make sure you report back as I have an area with the 8' tubes and I just used the last of my bulbs .. have one ballast left. Mine are open twins (two bulbs). Have two rows of them end to end on a garage cathedral ceiling (each side) .. Have zero desire to switch out the fixtures.

Going up there once to bypass the ballast and pop in the bulbs sounds nice

 

[Rod N]

Philips bulbs ordered.

 

[yeldogt]

Philips bulbs ordered.

Ordered from local supplier ?

 

[Rod N]

Ordered from local supplier ?

Yes. Contractor type place.

 

[redragoon]

For my Father's 40x40 shop, I am looking at using the LED High Bay lights. Should be able to light everything with 4 of them.
Using standard 110V outlets and a wood eye screw should be a lot easier than setting up a bunch of tube fixtures.
Amazon LED High Bay Light

I may get 2 for my own garage, but that may be overkill.

Another member on here has done it in this thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...8-high-bay-ufo-led-lights-impressions.457403/

 

[Bert_]

For my Father's 40x40 shop, I am looking at using the LED High Bay lights. Should be able to light everything with 4 of them.
Using standard 110V outlets and a wood eye screw should be a lot easier than setting up a bunch of tube fixtures.
Amazon LED High Bay Light

I may get 2 for my own garage, but that may be overkill.

Another member on here has done it in this thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...8-high-bay-ufo-led-lights-impressions.457403/

That's going to give very poor lighting. Might be very bright underneath each light but there will be a lot of shadows.

 

[sparky 1971]

For my Father's 40x40 shop, I am looking at using the LED High Bay lights. Should be able to light everything with 4 of them.
Using standard 110V outlets and a wood eye screw should be a lot easier than setting up a bunch of tube fixtures.
Amazon LED High Bay Light

I may get 2 for my own garage, but that may be overkill.

Another member on here has done it in this thread.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...8-high-bay-ufo-led-lights-impressions.457403/

I put five 150 watt UFO fixtures with similar specs in a 20X30X16 room at one of my customers shops. The five 8' T12HO fixtures they replaced did a better job of lighting it up when the lamps were new. Good luck. The UFO style lights are blinding bright to look at, but they just don't do a very good job unless it's a really high ceiling.