Forum Discussion

KD4UPL's avatar
KD4UPL
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013

Ballast or LED replacment for fluorescent lights

The main light fixtures we use all the time each have two F8T5 fluorescent bulbs. Only one in each fixture will light. I replaced the bulbs but that didn't fix the problem. I guess they need new ballasts, if I can find them.
I'm wondering about LED replacements. Has anyone used the replacement tubes that have LEDs in them?
Do you like them?
Where did you get them?
It seems silly to spend money on new ballasts or fluorescent fixtures when LED lighting is clearly the direction technology is heading. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on junk LEDs that put out a sickening blue-green light. I much prefer light in the 3000K area of the spectrum.

Thanks,
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    LED's will outlast any fluorescent. You don't need the expensive regulated LED's sold online. The 36-1210 SMD or 48-1210 SMD panels sold as warm white are much warmer than any fluorescent I've used. If you buy them on E Bay from Asia and get the included adaptors, the adaptors (modified) make connection very easy.
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    KD4UPL de KA9ATV

    I'm getting ready to switch mine to LED's. I plan on putting in a strip of 3528's mixed with a strip of 5050's, Should put it in the 4,200 area. I picked up 5 meters of the 3528's for just over $7 on ebay. I even gave some thought of starting out with two strips of them them adding more if needed. My 5050's should be here Mon or Tues.

    Now if I could just finish some of the other projects and then find my soldering iron. I won't be boondocking until the end of Oct so I've got some time.
  • docj's avatar
    docj
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    A lot of people here have used the LED fluorescent replacement tubes. I'm sure you can search and find numerous threads on them.

    We used the Ming tubes available from several retailers because they don't use the existing socket for electrical connection; they connect via a wire that comes out of the side of the tube. I was concerned that the sockets in my fixture were possibly contributing to the problem and I didn't want to use them. The cost of two LED tubes was less than the replacement cost of the fixture; IMHO there's no reason to do anything other than use LEDs in your situation.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    I did replace both.
    I guess I misspoke a bit. They both light, it's just that one comes on fully like it's supposed to and the other one is quite dim. I'd say about 25% or less. I reversed the two new bulbs and the same side was still dim so I know it's not the bulbs.
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    If only one bulb lights, you still have a bulb problem. Try putting two new ones in.

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