Small fluorescent fixture conversion to LED?

[Innovate1]

I have converted a number of 4' fixtures to ballast bypass LED, even some that were snap together cases that were a bit harder to rewire. Now thinking about some smaller fixtures that use shorter bulbs - probably about 12 - 18". Think they are T5 diameter. I know I could probably by a whole LED fixture for the price of the bulb but having an easy to replace bulb is attractive to me. Who has done this and any tips? The bulbs aren't as common but I see them on line. Any recommendations for brands or suppliers?

 

[rlitman]

Best I can say is YMMV, but there is good stuff out there amongst all the ****, so if you have a fixture you want to save, if you find the right part, you should be happy with the results.

Most recently I replaced a 13W GX23 CFL with a drop-in LED that works with my magnetic ballast, but also works as a ballast-delete on electronic ballasted lamps. It's got a mild 60hz flicker to it that I think is coming from the ballast, but I'm not keen on rewriting for a ballast delete and it's good enough for my use and has way better light than the CFL that came out.

One day I'll probably use these to replace the tubes in my Dazor lamp.

 

[The Cobbler]

The shortest I've done is 2' . only because I got a deal on a bunch of 2' bulbs and had a use for them . I even cut down some 4' fixtures to make 2'ers
I've not done any t5's
I like the idea of just having to replace the bulbs too.

 

[cybrdyke]

Tubes are great for T8, T5HO and 8' replacements. They're easy and cheap. But when you encounter less common fixtures that use shorter bulbs, they are more difficult to find, more expensive and overall just a PITA. When we find shorter lamps, PLL lamps or even some CFL's, we switch over to light bars insteaad of tubes. The bars go right into the fixture using magnets and/or screws and so there's no need to even use the sockets. What a great benefit to not have to search for a tube that has the correct pin configuration! You can find light bars with external driver or internal driver, depending on your needs. They come in 1' and longer lengths, and are available with dimming and other features.
In a low power fixture, such as cabinet fixtures, you might even get away with using LED tape lights.
Good luck,
CD

 

[rlitman]

Tubes are great for T8, T5HO and 8' replacements. They're easy and cheap. But when you encounter less common fixtures that use shorter bulbs, they are more difficult to find, more expensive and overall just a PITA. When we find shorter lamps, PLL lamps or even some CFL's, we switch over to light bars insteaad of tubes. The bars go right into the fixture using magnets and/or screws and so there's no need to even use the sockets. What a great benefit to not have to search for a tube that has the correct pin configuration! You can find light bars with external driver or internal driver, depending on your needs. They come in 1' and longer lengths, and are available with dimming and other features.
In a low power fixture, such as cabinet fixtures, you might even get away with using LED tape lights.
Good luck,
CD

There's something to be said for this. A drop-in LED replacement will be directional and will often not make use of the fixture's reflector, so a light bar may indeed be an equally good or even superior substitute.

 

[Bert_]

The old school t5's like f8t5 and f13t5 are less common and last forever anyway so not much demand for LEDs in those sizes.

 

[walta]

I have had good luck with the stick on LED tape.

2 or 3 strips should be more than bright enough. they run off a 12 V wall wart power supply. With some work you can rewire the lamp the dimmer is optional.

https://www.amazon.com/NOVOSTELLA-Dimmable-Daylight-Flexible-Lighting/dp/B0CS34YLK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Walta