T12 to led

[sberry]

I got a couple recessed fixtures, 4 ft, 2 lamp and about a foot wide. They are 12 yrs old and don't always start right. I was looking for new, looks like a challenge. As I understand these can be relamped led. It would save a buttload of work. What do i replace them with, a link would help.

 

[Showkey]

This will quickly fall in the “drop in” vs rewire removing the ballast debate.
BIG BOX choices:
The FEIT drop in seem to work in T8 and T12 fixtures.
Sylvania Drop in LED ( Menards) and the Lowe’s LED bulbs you will have to try. If they don’t work return them.
Home Depot has several choices as well.

Rewire may require new tombstones with some bulbs.

 

[exranger06]

T12s probably have non-shunted tombstones, so it'll be easy to convert to LED. Buy some single-end direct-wire LED tubes. Each tombstone will have two wires connected to it. Just remove the ballast and connect the hot leg and neutral to the 2 wires on the tombstone. Only one tombstone needs wires connected to it; the tombstone on the other end doesn't get any wires connected to it.

 

[cybrdyke]

No brainer. Bypass the ballast and use something like this. Your local supplier probably has them in stock.
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/double-ended-direct-wire-t8-tubes-4ft-5000k/
Good luck,
CD

 

[dogdog]

No brainer. Bypass the ballast and use something like this. Your local supplier probably has them in stock.
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/double-ended-direct-wire-t8-tubes-4ft-5000k/
Good luck,
CD

^^^^^^ that ... go dual end powered, though, I used the a different brand

once you decided to bypass ballast. it doesn't matter if it is T8 or T12 any more... as long as it is 4' (more common for LED) and your tombstones are bi pin (more common) not one of those one pin, or get a proper tombstones to convert it if you have those one pin ones. Shunt/non-shunt, doesn't matter if you go double-end powered (I forgot the proper name for those sockets, G13 I think... they sell it cheap) I think you got to make sure it fits a standard tube and not one of those low profile things as well....

Work is about the same....nothing much... I always choose double end powered....and ballast bypass. I think this is is as simple as choosing a lamp for your ballast, instead of a ballast for your lamp...

 

[Platonic Solid]

This lamp (link) does it all. Plus save 7% by using coupon code GARAGEJOURNAL at checkout. Excellent lumen output and efficiency.

Looks like they're located near you too

PRO Lighting
7060 Kensington Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116

 

[theoldwizard1]

This is how existing fluorescent fixtures are wired.

On an LED replacement, the ballast (G) and starter (C) are not used. Assuming the bulb has its own constant current power supply built in the "logical" wiring would be AC input (B) directly to the pins on the bulb.

Wiring for the GLL "drop in" replacement (not so drop in; wiring is the same for 1 or more bulbs)

 

[Platonic Solid]

Instant start fluorescent is wired like this:

The GLL lamps claim to also work with most instant start fluorescent ballasts, in which case it would be "drop in". Though you may experience reduced lumen output depending on the fluorescent ballast factor. Removing the ballast and direct wiring is very easy.

 

[TractorJeff]

While I was "shopping" at Menards on Saturday, I found the two types of LED. Direct and Bypass, the Bypass has all the parts and instructions inside the box to explain how easy it is to remove the Ballast, then plug the Line and Neutral into the supplied connectors.
Seemed easy enough for a Tractor Mechanic to do!

 

[sberry]

Bypass then, I want to get rid of the ballasts.

 

[Strouty]

Definitely remove or bypass the ballasts, otherwise you **** more juice than you need to and if a ballast goes out, you will still have to replace it later. I went with Hyperikon bulbs, they were not the cheapest, but the reviews speak for themselves. Very well built, I will be buying them for all my future replacements. Just look through the reviews and questions, everything is explained in detail.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SSNPI80/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Platonic Solid]

Recommend frosted lens for your comfort. If you choose Hyperikon, here is same lamp Strouty linked to with frosted option: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S5OA1U2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bczygan]

This lamp (link) does it all. Plus save 7% by using coupon code GARAGEJOURNAL at checkout. Excellent lumen output and efficiency.

Looks like they're located near you too

PRO Lighting
7060 Kensington Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116

I went there for mine. Great place.

Bill