Hello /diy/, I have a bunch of T12 sized fluorescent tubes that I’d like to replace with LED tubes if there’s a plug and play solution, has anyone gone through this process? Also general shop/garage lighting thread.
>>2864401Yes there should be direct plug and play lights that will work with your ballasts, but I would recommend removing your ballasts and direct wiring your tombstones (things that hold the bulbs on the ends) up to the power in. Less shit to fail and a cleaner install in the end.
>>2864401It is easier and cheaper to buy brand new LED lamps than to convert fluorescent lamps and buy LED tubes. Not that it's hard or expensive, but that (simple) LED lamps are so cheap.
>>2864401Why do you want to replace them?The fluorescents have better “CRI” more light output, are relatively cheap to replace and long-lasting, and relatively low power.Only thing is in winter they take like 10 minutes to start up, but I don’t feel like doing work immediately in the cold anyway. win-win.
>>2864405This.Iirc you can get an inline fuse kit which may be a good idea.
>>2864410led's are brighter and can achieve 6500k, perfect for shops where you need to see shit clearly
>>2864408This. The LED strips are getting so affordable, you might as well toss the old floursecent fixtures.
Yes there are plug and play LED tubes. They're labeled Type A. They work with existing florescent ballasts. Because of the ballasts this option uses the most energy, even though the bulb might be listed at a few W less than the other types.Type B tubes run off 120V directly, no ballast.There's also Type C where you convert the 120V to low voltage DC before the socket, but I never see these bulbs in store so I've never looked into it much.
