T8/T12 LED with wide beam angle

[GRB]

Some of my conversions are running into problems with the narrow beam angle of LED conversion lamps.
I see some are listing beam angles of 180* or even 230*. Still looks like there is one row of LEDs inside instead of two rows at an angle to each other. On the few where they show actual light specs, it looks like they still put out almost all straight down. They have a narrow spread for almost all the light. Perhaps they just have a heavier frost on the inside?

Are there any bulbs that come closer to the even light output by fluorescents?

 

[Platonic Solid]

Not sure I would apply the term "even" to a lamp with 360° output.
Not to be confused with "even" distribution at workplane.
What is the purpose of your quest?

 

[GRB]

Several places don't lend themselves to LED conversions. As a test, I updated a number of 12'x12' offices that have 4 2x4' wraps, two rows of two basically centered in the office. The T-12 original and T-8 converted work great getting light into the corners and letting you work on credenza behind desks. The LED converted ones don't work well at all. Even the ones with 2400 lumen bulbs at the outside don't get light into the corners. Had to go to low watt bulbs in the center ones as too much light on desks. Basically too much light straight down and not enough to the sides even with the wraps.

Another issue is even a bigger problem. The entire downstairs parts department has 3' wide aisle with a single T-12 down the row. Light is fantastic since parts are stacked up even above the lamps. I built this 37 years ago and am thinking I could save $ by going to more efficient lighting. About 75% of the original magnetic ballasts still work so going to modern ballast would help but LED would be more efficient. If I could go to LED, Occupancy sensors would make sense on lightly used rows. Here is a pic:

 

[Platonic Solid]

LED Retrofit bulbs may not be your best solution for either scenario. Rotatable end bulbs might help. http://www.remphos.com/portfolio_page/intdrivet5g3-2/ you'd have to call them for pricing.

Edit - Sorry, link is to a T5. I'm sure there are rotating G13 (T8, T12) base somewhere out there.

 

[GRB]

I think rotating end T-8 4' bulbs would solve the problem in the offices so that is a great help. THANKS!

The lower floor of parts department is single bulb single pin 8' so they can rotate. I tried directing a 8' T-8 LED straight up into the flxture but that didn't work well. One of the problems is the bulbs are 7' 5" from the floor and we stack parts above that.

I just keep putting off buying $1000 worth of modern T-12 ballasts. I was waiting for Carson Technology to start production (importation?) of their T-12 360 degree, 3 rows of LEDs at 120 degrees from each other, bulbs that had been in their catalog for 2 years. Now it is gone without ever existing. Or maybe cost problem?

There one row upstairs that has old T-12 HO fixtures with full reflectors hung at 9'. Using T-8 and rotating them so they are just above horizontal works well.

In the shop we are successfully using clear lens T-8 LED in 2x8' fixtures at 14' with the bulbs each rotated outwards at about 20-30 degrees.

 

[cybrdyke]

Some of my conversions are running into problems with the narrow beam angle of LED conversion lamps.
I see some are listing beam angles of 180* or even 230*. Still looks like there is one row of LEDs inside instead of two rows at an angle to each other. On the few where they show actual light specs, it looks like they still put out almost all straight down. They have a narrow spread for almost all the light. Perhaps they just have a heavier frost on the inside?

Are there any bulbs that come closer to the even light output by fluorescents?

More important than the number of rows of LEDs is the placement of the board inside the tube. A typical plastic/aluminum tube will have the board about in the center of the tube. A typical glass tube will have the board glued to the top. Board placement is a huge factor in determining potential beam directions.
Also, understand what is trying to be accomplished by the lamp. Your typical fluorescent troffer is bent so that the beam angle is somewhere around 120 to 160 degrees, so there is no need for an LED tube in this fixture to have a wider spread. A troffer is the primary fixture for retrofitting today, so that's why the tubes dont have a wider beam.
Beam angle is currently the spec area where most of the B.S. from shady manufacturers is. Lots of 'stretching of the truth' is going on...

Several places don't lend themselves to LED conversions. As a test, I updated a number of 12'x12' offices that have 4 2x4' wraps, two rows of two basically centered in the office. The T-12 original and T-8 converted work great getting light into the corners and letting you work on credenza behind desks. The LED converted ones don't work well at all. Even the ones with 2400 lumen bulbs at the outside don't get light into the corners. Had to go to low watt bulbs in the center ones as too much light on desks. Basically too much light straight down and not enough to the sides even with the wraps.

I agree that wraps are not a great fit for LED tubes. Even with wide beam angles, the percentage of light at the extremes is not enough. High lumen lamps wont help, and in fact, will probably make it worse. (sounds like you found this out.)
CD

 

[Platonic Solid]

I found this GE spec sheet (it's a start anyway)

 

[cybrdyke]

I found this GE spec sheet (it's a start anyway)

Notice how Life is B50, not L70?
CD

 

[Platonic Solid]

Page 1 says L70 50,000 hrs. So 50% of lamps hit 70% lumen output @ 50,000 hrs. (I think)

 

[GRB]

That GE lamp does look interesting. Only GE websites that seem to list it say "Europe, Middle East, etc."

I started looking for other lamps with B13 base that have rotating ends. Only coming up with discontinued lamps or sellers that stopped selling them so far. Have rotating bases been a problem?

 

[cybrdyke]

That GE lamp does look interesting. Only GE websites that seem to list it say "Europe, Middle East, etc."

I started looking for other lamps with B13 base that have rotating ends. Only coming up with discontinued lamps or sellers that stopped selling them so far. Have rotating bases been a problem?

I think you're right that it's a euro tube. Reading the first paragraph where is says it replaces 36w and 58w lamps. Those are not North American lamps.

Rotating ends are available, but not popular. You'll see them in retail stores for things like shelves, or in grocery stores...places like that. But they dont sell very well.
Philips makes one for USA. It runs on the ballast.http://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/prof/led-lamps-and-tubes/led-tubes/led-instantfit-lamps/929001303604_NA/product
CD

 

[Platonic Solid]

GRB - I assume B13 is a typo - should be G13. Hyperikon has the rotating base in clear lens. I would not purchase these - especially behind typical recessed acrylic diffusers unless your into psychedelic lighting. I did stumble on a Hyperikon Amazon listing for the same lamp with frosted lens, but out of stock. Thus may be worth contacting them and asking if/when the frosted will be available again.

 

[GRB]

Yes, typo, meant G13.
Was going to try clear lens behind reflector, glad you stopped me from wasting my time on that. Was also thinking of trying the retrofit strips that are magnetic, thinking I could put it on the ballast cover and aim it to the outside. Those are also clear lens, or actually no lens. They sell them to go in troffers but maybe that would not work well. Link: https://www.eledlights.com/8ft-magnetic-linear-led-retrofit-kit.html#.WtdX-nY0b18
I bought a couple of those to try adding to the top of some fixtures where I thought up-light might help add some light that gets into corners in a warehouse. Those particular lights are hung 2' below reflective insulation on the ceiling. Haven't installed my test yet.

 

[cybrdyke]

I bought a couple of those to try adding to the top of some fixtures where I thought up-light might help add some light that gets into corners in a warehouse. Those particular lights are hung 2' below reflective insulation on the ceiling. Haven't installed my test yet.

You could try LED tape on top of fixtures. I've used it for uplight before. There are some HO tapes out there.
CD