T8 replacement tubes

[curliejones]

I want to power 4 ft led tubes Type B where the ballast is removed or simply by-passed. Since line voltage is used, is anyone aware of issues with A) mixing different bulbs (close Wattage but not identical) in the same fixture. and B) I’m anticipating better lumen output, so I’m considering using 3 bulbs in 4-bulb troffers. Thanks for input.
- Why mix bulbs? I have used a combination of 4100K and 5000K in my shop, with the 5000K seeming brighter while the 4100K a little yellower. I really dislike harsh blue (6500K) light and the combo of colors gives me brightness as well as good color matching for how stained /dyed wood furniture will look in the house (mostly 4000K, some 2700K).

 

[Innovate1]

No issue with mixing different wattage of ballast bypass bulbs. Also no problem leaving out bulbs if less bulbs give the brightness needed. I have some dual bulb fixtures and put in only one bulb because that was plenty bright. You can tell when looking at the fixture that there is only one tube - if that bothers you that's the only down side.

 

[cybrdyke]

I have used a combination of 4100K and 5000K in my shop, with the 5000K seeming brighter while the 4100K a little yellower. I really dislike harsh blue (6500K) light and the combo of colors gives me brightness as well as good color matching for how stained /dyed wood furniture will look in the house (mostly 4000K, some 2700K).

Theoretically, if you combine two different CCT's, the result will be the average of those two. This assumes that you use the same quantity of both and that they're in close proximity to each other. There are places where this is done on purpose.
In any given diode, 5000K is only very slightly "brighter" (meaning more lumens) than 4000K, but it is most definitely "blue-er". So, if your goal is to color match any lights in your house that are 4000K, you'd be better served with a "brighter" 4000K than a "blue-er" 5000K tube.
Good luck,
CD

 

[larry4406]

Following along.

My garage has T8’s that many of the ballasts have failed (I assume since a new tube won’t light).

I need to gut them all and convert to LEDs.

 

[Norcal]

The only issue is Leviton (a major mfg. of fluorescent tombstones) says not to apply line voltage to their product, I no longer have a link to the notice though.

 

[curliejones]

The only issue is Leviton (a major mfg. of fluorescent tombstones) says not to apply line voltage to their product, I no longer have a link to the notice though.

I’m curious and will try to find it. Before Type B dual-end powered bulbs came to market, the warnings I recall were mostly about differentiating shunted vs non-shunted “tombstones”. Now there are led 4 ft tubes that can use either type.

 

[cybrdyke]

The only issue is Leviton (a major mfg. of fluorescent tombstones) says not to apply line voltage to their product, I no longer have a link to the notice though.

It's in the instruction sheet that comes with the sockets. Or, at least, it used to be. Near the top, in the Warnings section.

 

[larry4406]

This is on the back of my Leviton T8 tombstones. My googlefu is failing me on finding Leviton literature.

 

[curliejones]

I visited the Leviton site. Installation instructions for G13 sockets say not to connect directly to a branch circuit. No other “do not” statements I could find. Ballasts put out higher (than line) voltage and amp draw is low with reduced wattage of led tubes. I may try Leviton support. It may be the UL listing (any application other than the way it earned approval is unacceptable) rather than some physical / mechanical reason.

 

[cybrdyke]

I visited the Leviton site. Installation instructions for G13 sockets say not to connect directly to a branch circuit. No other “do not” statements I could find. Ballasts put out higher (than line) voltage and amp draw is low with reduced wattage of led tubes. I may try Leviton support. It may be the UL listing (any application other than the way it earned approval is unacceptable) rather than some physical / mechanical reason.

Now that you've looked into it, realize this...that warning has been on those instructions for decades. In the meantime, millions of LED tubes have been installed on those sockets being attached directly to a branch circuit. The socket is rated for 600V, so I dont know what the main concern is. I've heard some Leviton tekkies try to explain it, but nothing that ever made sense, so I just wrote it off as a "CYA" line on the instruction sheet.
I certainly wouldn't let this get in the way of your plans to bypass ballasts and install LED tubes. It doesn't seem to have stopped anyone else.
CD

 

[The Cobbler]

I had an inspection done on a bunch of LED conversions in the volunteer warehouse as well as several other newly installed lights, receptacles for fridge, hot plate, coffee maker etc etc.
nothing at all was mentioned about not able to use the tombstones for LED's, but I do recall someone citing something about not to use the tombstones for direct wire long before this thread .
but, with the ratings shown on them, I doubt it is an issue . but that's just my $0.02

 

[cybrdyke]

The only thing that I could ever think of was that the sockets dont easily accept 12AWG wire. Maybe it has something to do with that.
CD

 

[The Cobbler]

^^^ but if you cut off the wire from the original ballast, and use that it's a non issue . I agree that 12 or even 14g will probably not fit into them
some of the lights I bought came with prewired new tombstones in the box of bulbs , and they are UL & CSA approved.
I wonder if it's more that Leviton says it, but it's not really an issue . like you're not supposed to use a screw driver for a chisel, but it's done all the time.

 

[curliejones]

Now that you've looked into it, realize this...that warning has been on those instructions for decades. In the meantime, millions of LED tubes have been installed on those sockets being attached directly to a branch circuit. The socket is rated for 600V, so I dont know what the main concern is. I've heard some Leviton tekkies try to explain it, but nothing that ever made sense, so I just wrote it off as a "CYA" line on the instruction sheet.
I certainly wouldn't let this get in the way of your plans to bypass ballasts and install LED tubes. It doesn't seem to have stopped anyone else.
CD

You are exactly correct. After a conversation with a Leviton rep this a.m., the tombstones pre-date led evolution. Their current position: “follow recs of led manufacturers”.

 

[curliejones]

You are exactly correct. After a conversation with a Leviton rep this a.m., the tombstones pre-date led evolution. Their current position: “follow recs of led manufacturers”.

THANKS Y’ALL!