can you put an led bulb in a fluorescent fixture
@PhotoHokieNC @Coach McGuirk
I am going to replace the fixtures and have them downstairs. I just need to take care of my sick wife first, then replace the fixtures. Should I just go with normal florescent bulbs, or can I put in LED bulbs? AI says I should not put in LED bulbs unless I want to by pass the ballest.
If you all feel ambitious, link the correct 48 inch LED bulb from Amazon. ROFLOL
AI: can you put an led bulb in a fluorescent fixture
Yes, you can put LED bulbs in fluorescent fixtures, but you cannot simply screw in a standard LED. You must use specialty LED tubes and either plug-and-play them (if compatible) or rewire the fixture to bypass the internal ballast.There are three main options for upgrading:Plug-and-Play (Type A): These LED tubes are designed to work directly with your existing fluorescent ballast. You simply remove the old tube and click in the new LED. However, you must verify that your specific ballast is on the manufacturer's compatibility list, and keep in mind that when the ballast eventually fails, the lights will stop working.Ballast-Bypass / Direct Wire (Type B): This is the most popular and reliable option. You remove or bypass the old ballast and wire the fixture directly to the mains voltage (line to one end, neutral to the other). This eliminates the ballast entirely, so it will never fail or hum again.Plug & Play + Direct Wire (Type A/B Hybrid): These versatile tubes can be used with your existing ballast initially, and then rewired to bypass the ballast if the ballast fails down the road.
8 Replies
1w
I did in my garage. Easy peasy.
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
1w
Sticking your head up a butcher’s a**.
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
1w
Check out the link below - I actually received a cut sheet for this exact LED retrofit lamp from one of our electrical contractors earlier this week. As your search result said, you need "Type A", which is the "plug and play" version that can be installed directly into a fluorescent fixture without having to bypass the ballast. Unfortunately it does not appear you can purchase directly from the manufacturer's website as a consumer, but if you call a local electrical supplier and tell them you want some of these, hopefully they can help you out.
Link:
Click here
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
1w
Amazon so far makes you order six, and I only need two for now. I do have two in my barn, but I plan on getting rid of that fixture too.
(In response to this post by PhotoHokieNC)
Did it, done it, been there. Bypassing the ballast isn't TOO difficult, but
it's also pretty easy just buying the tubes with the extra wiring / hardware in them already. A bit more expensive, but no big deal.
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
1w
An old T-12 fixture that came with the house when I bought it. Eventually decided that it wasn't worth the hassle or expense and just bought a new lamp
(In response to this post by VaTechie)
1w
My wife has had 50 appoints in the last 17 weeks with more to go. I just want a temporary fix until I get to replace with the ones I have.
(In response to this post by Beerman)