T12 to T8 ??'s.........

[Crow Horse]

I've been researching converting my T12 fixtures in my shop to T8's. I've searched quite a bit and just need some validation on some of my assumptions.

Converting shouldn't be difficult (replace ballast, wire accordingly & replace bulbs). I have a case of T8 lamps that will work with either rapid start or instant start. So far in my searching, I can get the instant start ballasts (GE) for $10 ea. plus shipping. Rapid starts seem to be scarce. Which is better?

The fixtures I have are 2 lamp 4 footers........

Any help will be greatly appreciated....

 

[Gooch]

I've been researching converting my T12 fixtures in my shop to T8's. I've searched quite a bit and just need some validation on some of my assumptions.

Converting shouldn't be difficult (replace ballast, wire accordingly & replace bulbs). I have a case of T8 lamps that will work with either rapid start or instant start. So far in my searching, I can get the instant start ballasts (GE) for $10 ea. plus shipping. Rapid starts seem to be scarce. Which is better?

The fixtures I have are 2 lamp 4 footers........

Any help will be greatly appreciated....

with instant start ballasts you're looking at about a 10-15k hour life and it's intended for minimal switching.

with a Rapid start you're looking at 15-20k hour range. and will handle frequent switching better.

 

[DekeT]

Is it easier/cheaper to change a ballast or just switch out the entire fixture?

 

[Falcon67]

Is it easier/cheaper to change a ballast or just switch out the entire fixture?

Depends. Based on what I buy at the home centers, on a two bulb 4' fixture your ballast should be under $20 and on a 8' 4 bulb it needs to be under $40 plus parts to convert an 8' dual T12 bulb to add 4 more tombstones. I think most older 8'ers can't do that. They do make an 8' T8 bulb, good luck finding one.