Convert T-12 to T-8

[Bigrhamr]

I've got a pile of T-12 fixtures (2 bulb 4') that apparently have bad ballasts. They were HD cheapos. Is it worth changing to the T-8 ballast? Any idea of cost? Does the new ballast have to be for a specific fixture or are they generic? The cost of new T-8's seems to be coming down but I thought I would check into this option before I scrap all the T-12 fixtures.

 

[pattenp]

Being that they are standard T12 and those are being phased out I'd just scrap them. You can buy new T8 units for the price of the T8 ballast. Walmart has the T8"s for around $15.

 

[May Pop]

If you get a good price on T 8 ballasts keep them. The 15 dollar fixtures have low quality ballasts that will not last as long as a good replacement.
Ron

 

[burleymike]

I found 5 Advance multi voltage T8 ballasts on Ebay for IIRC $30 last year when i got a deal on some old T12 fixtures. You never know you might be able to find some top quality ballasts for a decent price.

 

[ezriderga]

I work at a local University in the maint.dept. I've been changing these things out for several months now. We have tons of these old fixtures so when a t-12 ballast goes out, I just grab a t-8 ballast off the shelf and wire it in. Put in a couple of t-8 bulbs. Done. If it's a t-12 4-bulb fixture it has 2 , 2 bulb t-12 ballasts so I take them out and install a single t-8 4-bulb ballast and t-8 bulbs. Hope this helps.

 

[Falcon67]

FWIW - I have 14 4' T-8 $18 shop lights from Lowes. None have had a single problem. I have one 8' 4 bulb T-8 fixture. It had a singing ballast that I replaced pretty quick after install. I put a $20 3' fixture in the pantry and replaced the ballast within a year. The replacement ballasts were more expensive but all have worked without a problem.