Just bought some T8 LED bulbs to replace the fluorescent tubes in my shoplights from Menards. Supposedly these are direct replacements for the tubes I had in the light. According to the specs -" The most common applications for the GT-LITE 17-watt 48" T8 linear 5000K LED light bulb are direct replacements for 32 watt linear with instant start ballasts". When I replace the bulbs with the LEDs I bought they don't work unless one of the old fluorescent tubes is installed in the other half of the fixture. I tried this in a few of my other fixtures of the same type with the same result. Is this a symptom of a ballast incompatibility with the LED tubes?
LED replacement for fluorescent shoplight issue
- Thread starter PeterN
- Start date
Those GT-Lites were some of the first ones I bought. I put them in Lithonia fixtures that I bought at HD. They all worked but I did have one of them die after 7-10 days.
It might be a ballast issue but it might something as simple as crappy bulbs. I ended up buying the Sylvania 10 pack contractor bulbs, they were cheaper too. Did yours come in a twin pack ?
It might be a ballast issue but it might something as simple as crappy bulbs. I ended up buying the Sylvania 10 pack contractor bulbs, they were cheaper too. Did yours come in a twin pack ?
Yeah, they did come in a twin pack. I looked at the ballast and it states it is a rapid start style. I spent more time with the fixtures that I have and the LED bulb will only work on one side of the fixture when a fluorescent bulb is installed with it. If I switch these two bulb types location in the same fixture the LED doesn't work. The other fixture I have of the same manufacturer does the same thing except it operates in the opposite socket from the first fixture. I may just return the LEDs and try another manufacturer.
PeterN, yeah, those wont work with that rapid start ballast. The other brands likely wont, either.
Your options are:
Remove the ballast and use bypass tubes.
Replace the ballast with a T8 Instant Start and use the tubes you have.
Replace the whole shoplight with a new LED one.
Good luck,
CD
Your options are:
Remove the ballast and use bypass tubes.
Replace the ballast with a T8 Instant Start and use the tubes you have.
Replace the whole shoplight with a new LED one.
Good luck,
CD
If you take them back, I'd suggest taking a look at these.
http://www.menards.com/main/electri...764709189-c-7482.htm?tid=-5063307794051333242
I thought the issue may be the ballast in the fixture. I guess I just learned that rapid start does not equal instant start when it comes to ballast technology. Doesn't pay to replace the ballast - I was looking to get instant full light output when I turned the fixture on which the LED provides. I have replaced a few of the fluorescents with LEDs already but thought I could keep some of the fixtures I have. Thanks for help in diagnosing this issue.
merc66rkm
Well-known member
if you use bulbs that don't need a ballast, and eliminate the ballasts altogether, that would make the fixture more efficient and have less components to fail later.
coljar
Well-known member
This is what I did for the same reasons you stated. I've only done one test row of lights to make sure I like them. Yes, I do.
In the office at work there is three 4 tube x 48 inch fixtures over the counter. Ballast went out in one of them, I got four of these bulbs from home depot. Removed the ballast and installed the new lights while the boss was at lunch. The light is so much nicer, boss wants me to change the other two lights over.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/TOGGLED-48...near-LED-Tube-Light-Bulb-D416-50311/206723425
http://m.homedepot.com/p/TOGGLED-48...near-LED-Tube-Light-Bulb-D416-50311/206723425
laser3kw
Well-known member
If you eliminate the ballast, make sure your follow the instructions to re wire the tombstones.
The t8 are normally "shunted" and need to be rewired "non - shunted".
T12 are normally non- shunted to begin with.
The t8 are normally "shunted" and need to be rewired "non - shunted".
T12 are normally non- shunted to begin with.
penright
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I thought T12/T8 was the size and type of connector.
So what are the ones ,T8 or T12,that have yellow wires on one side and red/blue wires on the other end?
LED tubes that run on the existing ballast and those that bypass the ballast are equally efficient. The main difference is that the tube that bypasses the ballast has a driver internally mounted in the tube, so there is still the same amount of fail points in each system.
Good luck,
CD
T8 and T12 refer to the diameter of the tubes. Without seeing it, what you are describing would normally be non-shunted sockets. Most often this would be T12, but could also be T8. If you want to determine which you have for sure, just look on the ballast. It will be spelled out on the label.
Good luck,
CD
laser3kw
Well-known member
video explaining difference shunted / non shunted
this video explains the difference and shows how to measure with a ohm meter. Note there are no wires attached while making the measurements.
Even if you have the shunted tombstones, your favorite BBS has the non shunted available for a couple of bucks.
non-shunted-rapid-start-tombstones-for-led-t8-conversions-4-pack
or you can modify your existing.
Once you are sure of you have the correct tombstone. you can wire them in a "daisy chain" style - hot of the first tombstone to the second, then the third and then the forth, same with neutral.
There should be a wiring diagram to help you.
Good luck,
I switched my house to all LED and my power bill has dropped 25 ~35% over the entire last year
this video explains the difference and shows how to measure with a ohm meter. Note there are no wires attached while making the measurements.
Even if you have the shunted tombstones, your favorite BBS has the non shunted available for a couple of bucks.
non-shunted-rapid-start-tombstones-for-led-t8-conversions-4-pack
or you can modify your existing.
Once you are sure of you have the correct tombstone. you can wire them in a "daisy chain" style - hot of the first tombstone to the second, then the third and then the forth, same with neutral.
There should be a wiring diagram to help you.
Good luck,
I switched my house to all LED and my power bill has dropped 25 ~35% over the entire last year
Would you say $20 is about the cheapest T8 LED replacement tube? I have been shopping around and it appears like that so far.
penright
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Check out elellights.com
https://www.eledlights.com/led-lamp...-and-t12/4ft-led-tube-light-bulbs-t8-t12.html
When comparing price be sure to pay attention to specifications. I have bought from them before. Not fast shipping, not bad, just avg. Our church bought some 4 foot from them in box of 50 foot 7.50.
Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk
Yes, I found plenty of 4FT T8 LED's online for $2.86, if I buy a box of 50, lol.
I don't need 50; I need 4.
You can get instantfit tubes from Home Depot for less than $10. If you choose to go the ballast bypass route, dont forget that you might need to add in 2 sockets for each tube.
CD
penright
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I hear you, the single bulb price is under 10. Don't have a dog in the fight, just giving options. If you found some for 3, I over paid. [emoji1]
Again, you have to really read fine print on specifications.
Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk
I found these, $15.99 each + tax
http://www.homedepot.com/p/48-in-T8...6K7eb6QhxjAC0cO4H3-AwaAtXU8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
I'm not sure though how comfortable I am bypassing the ballast/etc. I haven't even installed my T8's yet; they are Lithonia and still sitting in the box.
Can I use the instanstfit's with the T8 ballasts?
I stand corrected. Home Depot doesnt carry the instantfit in individual lamps anymore, it seems. They just had them recently for $6 each.
I checked Lowe's and they have the same thing from Sylvania. Maybe you have a Lowe's nearby? They sell them individually too. Item 757274 $6.98 each.
Yes, these types work with the ballast.
Good luck
CD
Yes sir, I'm like 2 miles from a Lowes. Thank you for the reference!
It's so interesting to me how the same product is cheaper at the same store(s) than a competing product. baffles me; assuming quality is similar.
Last edited:
Do you have a Menard's around you ? Go back and read my reply in Post #8.
1000bulbs.com
I have ordered from them before and have been very pleased. Just yesterday I ordered 22 of the 4 foot LED ballast bypass bulbs and the tombstones from them to finish updating the lights in the office at work. The bulbs were $7.49/ea and the tombstones were $0.69/ea. They do have these bulbs in a case of 16 for $6.99/ea.
You will need to bypass the ballast
laser3kw
Well-known member
My guess is your fixtures do not have, what the mfg considers, instant start ballasts. I got tripped up on the same word traps when I looked at doing this earlier this year. The consumer is expected to know all the details of their fixture and then decipher the LED specs. It's easy enough to do, once you know what you are looking for. That's where GJ helps!
