(We did a lot with them. Got our bill to 20% of what it was)

As Architect noted -

Changing a 4’ fixture with a ballast to one without is quite easy. The replacement LED bulbs need to be made for use without ballasts. I have used Sylvania. The ones I use get 110v with one wire to each end of the bulb. The Ballast gets removed completely.

I think mine pull something like 17% of the power needed in the past. They are also instantly on - no dim, slow starting, no flickering. In addition, in my barn they are also instant on, whether it’s 90* out or 20*.

The details that need to be watched are which bulb you get - power from one end or power from both ends? Ballast or no ballast? They make LED replacement bulbs that simply go in where the old florescent comes out, still using the ballast. The problem there is the ballast is inefficient and will likely, eventually go bad.

Rather than shopping at a “big box” store where the help may know less than you, I suggest going to an Electrical Supply house.

While I paid $10-12 per bulb, they are supposed to last for some 10 years.

If you are thinking about making the move to 4’ LED bulbs, this is one of those simple decisions. Do it.

Everybody's color preference & perception is a little bit different. MFG ratings & bulb type (LED/FL/Incandescent) also vary a bit it color.

For me, 3k is pink, 4k is yellow, 5k is white & 6k is blue.
I prefer 5k everywhere for LED. Sylvania & GE have good quality & consistency. Feit has been shit in my experience (mostly CFL, but I've avoided their LEDs because of how bad the CFLs were).

Thanks for all the responses, everyone. [thumbs up]

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Simple Costco! Direct replacement, no need to replace or rewire the fixtures, just plug n play

If the fixtures are compatible. Don't recall the technical explanation, but some aren't. One of the five fixtures in our garage was not. It would light, but would eventually overheat and shut down. Replaced it with a compatible fixture and all was well.

They are compatible with electronic T8 ballasts. Magnetic T12 needs to have ballast replacement or direct wire lamps.

COSTCO website states:
"No replacement of the ballast or installation of LED driver or removal of old ballast required
Features:
T8 & T12 Plug & Play Replacement
32/40 Watt Replacement"

Is that not correct?

COSTCO website states:
"No replacement of the ballast or installation of LED driver or removal of old ballast required
Features:
T8 & T12 Plug & Play Replacement
32/40 Watt Replacement"

Is that not correct?[/QUOTE]


The problem with this is that you do want to remove the ballast. That's the most expensive energy using and problematic part of the whole fixture.

After you have done one of them you'll wonder why people thing this is so hard. I was one of those at first.
Now I have all new LED fixtures that cost just the price of the bulbs and about ten minutes per fixture of my time.
They are brighter, and use less than 25% of the electricity.

quote:

Originally posted by ranger312:
COSTCO website states:
"No replacement of the ballast or installation of LED driver or removal of old ballast required
Features:
T8 & T12 Plug & Play Replacement
32/40 Watt Replacement"

Is that not correct?

That is correct, while removing ballasts or changing the whole fixture is a simple job for some, others it might not be.

These solve the problem of moving to LED for many people easily.

Doing the full monty replacement is great, if you can... if not, this is a solution.

As a side note...original tubes are Phillips F40T12/Cool White Plus "Alto Collection".

Problem solved!!! Thanks again!!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-GE...I-CCT-2CT/5001967165

A big box hardware store like Home Depot will have sample bulbs in fixtures so you can see what color temperature suits you best.

I also find fluorescents a little too harsh for most living spaces. A warmer tint helps with that. But over a workbench or the stove, something in the bright white range may be just the ticket.

My Handyman installed 2 LED lights in my kitchen -- one above the sink and another in the ceiling. I love them.

Also, the ceiling light above my toilet is now LED, too. Good light.

flashguy