LED shop lights retrofit from Fluorescent lights

[Kent_323is]

I have some 4 bulb T8 fluorescent fixtures in my shop, 10 in total, and 3 decided to go out. I was fairly sure it was the ballast, and so figured now was a good time to try some LED bulbs.
I didn't want the ones that still use the ballast, as what would be the point in that??
I found these direct wire LED bulbs from Menards, and so I did some wiring work on just those 3 fixtures to eliminate the ballast and installed the new LED bulbs.
Each bulb is rated for 2200 lumens, so with 4 in each fixture that gets me 8800 lumens per fixture.
With 16ft ceilings, this was definitely an improvement over the fluorescent bulbs!
Now only 7 more to do... which I'll do once those other ballasts decide to fail.
Here's a video I put together showing it all: Watch until to the end to see the comparison of before and after!
https://youtu.be/HXKPZClTlUo

[astronut]

The best thing I did in my home was switching from flourescent bulbs to led bulbs. Much more light, much more life, and much more less power draw which means a lower electricity bill.

[Shade Tree Welder]

I did the same thing, deleted the ballasts, reused the old fixtures.

I used these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best lighting move I have ever made!!!

[astronut]

I used the single ended powered led tubes from Sunco which is also listed on ebay. A very simple installation.

[Norcal]

If Leviton lamp holders are used there is a big issue with connecting line voltage directly to them, see this from Leviton: https://www.leviton.com/sites/REST/c...10-02-0J-W.pdf

[kbs2244]

I have yet to see a money saving ROI that was not based on 24/7 on time
More light, maybe
but my 6 old style, free, 3 x 4 foot fixtures give me enough light to do brain surgery.
They are on less than 8 hours a day

[mccutter]

Originally Posted by Norcal

If Leviton lamp holders are used there is a big issue with connecting line voltage directly to them, see this from Leviton: https://www.leviton.com/sites/REST/c...10-02-0J-W.pdf

I'm not debating your concern or the info in the linked document. And I will concur that some wiring going to the "tombstones" may be thinner gauge and probably not rated for full wattage at line voltage.

That said, I would venture that connecting a 19w LED bulb to a fixture that once had 600v start voltage going to a 32w or 40w bulb would probably not pose any hazards, ever. I don't have any specific specs but thought this LINK was enlightening...

[JBFab]

I bought these a month ago. Easy install, HUGE shift in brightness. Time will tell how long they last.

Sent from my mobile device using ShopFloorTalk mobile app

[andrew22]

I did the same in my garage, and the difference in brightness is really noticeable. It's great that you eliminated the ballast for those fixtures; it simplifies things. I'll definitely check out your video to see the before and after comparison. LED bulbs are brighter and more energy-efficient, which is a win-win.

For the past two yers, I have been getting my ideas regarding the light bulbs from this website called leds.to. It's a website with many articles for all light bulbs, LEDs, etc. The best part is that they attach a direct link to buy them, so it's efficient and time-saving. So, if you ever need some inspo, check them out!