LED Light output vs T-8's ????

[BillK]

The ballast in the two tube 4 ft T-8 fixture I have in my attached garage decided to give it up last week. So, I am at HD to get a ballast and started thinking maybe I should just get two of the 4 ft direct wire LED tubes instead and do away with the ballast and get the advantage of LED's at the same time.

I started looking at the options and it seems like the LED tubes only have a light output of 2000 Lumens each where my T-8 bulbs are 2900 lumens each ??? So I would be getting almost 30% less light ? Why on earth would I do this ??

I ended up buying a new ballast instead.

I am just wondering if I am crazy or are there other LED tubes that give you the same amount of light as a T-8 or T-5 bulb ? Granted I did not spend a lot of time searching, I just wanted to get the light working again ASAP.

 

[jkwilson]

There are 4ft LEDs that have 4400 lumens printed on the box. Whether that is an accurate number is not something I'm able to evaluate. I bought one rated 4200 lumens for $35 at Menards as a trial since my 8ft T12s are going to need bulbs soon. I hung it near the end of one of the T12 fixtures and ran an extension cord to it to see how it works.

My impression is good. The light seems to be a little more directional than the T12s because of the sides of the fixture, but at 12' off the floor it isn't going to be a problem. I plugged it in and unplugged it several times while observing the area and could see it adding light over a large area. Minimal in the area directly under the nearest T12 fixture, but that would be expected.

I believe my next step will be to add 4 more to replace a pair of T12 fixtures and see how that works out.

 

[Showkey]

Comparison of T8 vs drop in LED .........one Data point is huge market place of bulbs and fixtures......

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302649


Since that test the fixture at Costco has dropped to $24, there is wide variety of bulbs with an equally wide price range from $9 to $29 per bulb. Many drop in bulbs remain at a higher price. Quality, claimed light output, beam angle, warranty, claimed life span will vary.

 

[Brad J.]

I've replaced about 30 bulbs since early winter and the light is comparable. By the numbers it should be less light but its pretty much the same.

I've tried 4 different bulbs with 5k or 6k color. Purchased all from Bees lighting and spent anywhere from 8 to 12 bucks a bulb. I used 8k Octron bulbs on all of my lights and they were 7 dollars a piece. These are the bulbs I'm replacing. I haven't seen any downfall to these yet. Other than radio reception in the building.