T8 LED - single or double ended?

[PNWguy]

I'm figuring out the lighting for my shop space, and will be installing mountain of new LED ready 4' fixtures and T8 LEDs.

I've seen single and double ended fixtures and bulbs. I haven't seen much discussion of which style, or why?

Is there any info on which way might become the standard? Anybody have a reason to prefer one over the other?

 

[exranger06]

Double end is generally better, since they can be used with either shunted or non-shunted sockets. Single end bulbs can only be used with non-shunted sockets. Pretty much all T8 fluorescent tubes use shunted sockets, so if you're retrofitting to LED, you can't use single end tubes unless you switch out the sockets too. T12 fluorescents use non-shunted sockets, so you can use single-end LED in those no problem.

 

[PNWguy]

I'll be purchasing new fixtures and tubes that are compatible with each other. This is 100% new construction, from the ground up.

Other than more compatibility with retrofits, are there other reasons?

 

[exranger06]

Other than more compatibility with retrofits, are there other reasons?

I can't think of any other reason. If/when one of them becomes the standard, I would place my bets on the double-ended ones becoming the standard since it's compatible with both style sockets.

 

[cybrdyke]

Double end powered is the way to go. Most of the larger manufacturers dont offer a single end tube anymore. There are a few reasons.
It's less confusing to wire double end tubes since they will work with either type of socket.
If, by accident, someone was to install a fluorescent tube into a socket wired for single-end tubes, a dead short is created. Not so with double end tubes.

When these tubes first came out a few years ago, there were other issues, but they have all been taken care of since then.
Hope that helps,
CD

 

[PNWguy]

Double end powered is the way to go. Most of the larger manufacturers dont offer a single end tube anymore. There are a few reasons.
It's less confusing to wire double end tubes since they will work with either type of socket.
If, by accident, someone was to install a fluorescent tube into a socket wired for single-end tubes, a dead short is created. Not so with double end tubes.

When these tubes first came out a few years ago, there were other issues, but they have all been taken care of since then.
Hope that helps,
CD

Thanks. If the double ended are more popular or more available, that seems like the right way to go.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Agree with all above. Note that many of the budget strip light housings out there are wired single end by default. Some offer double end as an option.

 

[PNWguy]

I was just noticing that the Maxlight and the others in the "Best Light Fixture Ever!" thread are single ended. I'm going to be buying 50-60 of them, and pricing will be a consideration (not the only factor, but an important one).

Do you have a recommended double end fixture?

These are going into 2,400' of shop & garage spaces - with 10' and 12' ceilings.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Any of the single ended fixtures are easily converted to double end via pulling one of the wires from the single side an plugging it into the other end.



Image linked to "4ft 2-Lamp LED Retrofit Strip Fixture Reviews" post.

Suggest 3 lamp fixtures for 12ft ceiling height.

 

[PNWguy]

Any of the single ended fixtures are easily converted to double end via pulling one of the wires from the single side an plugging it into the other end.



Image linked to "4ft 2-Lamp LED Retrofit Strip Fixture Reviews" post.

Suggest 3 lamp fixtures for 12ft ceiling height.

Thanks for the info.
I've been looking at the layout thread, and finding layouts similar to what I am building.

My main shop is 32 x 40 (outside dimensions) with 12' ceiling. White ceiling, and (probably) light grey or white on the walls. Non-reflective concrete floor. Machining, welding, metal fabrication and a lift.
I've been looking at the layout #3 on your thread, but with LED T8s.

My woodshop will be 24 x 16, and have 10' ceilings.

The garage will be for parking only, at 24 x 26 with 10' ceilings. I'm not as concerned about the light, but I might as well have the option of making it nice and bright. I figured I'd run a 3x3 array of twin bulb T8 LED fixtures, and have the center 3 on a motion detector. If I need more than 120 Watts, I'll flip the switch and turn on all 9.

Thanks for all the time and effort you put into lighting. It's been a good education.

 

[fourjeepin]

+1 for double