How To Convert T8 Fluorescent Lights to LED ● Explained in Simple Terms
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- Опубліковано 15 лют 2018
- Getting rid of the ballast and the T8 fluorescent bulbs that burn out and retrofitting and converting to LED was the best thing I have done. It was easy and the LED light is fantastic! Before doing this project, switching over and converting to LED was confusing because I didn't know what was actually happening when you retrofit from T8 fluorescent to LED lights. I watched a bunch of videos but none of them described what was actually happening with the circuits. They just cut a bunch of wires without explaining clearly. I made this video on how to convert and retrofitting to T8 LED's in the hopes that others could understand what and why and how. Converting and retrofitting to LED lights is not that hard to do yourself once you understand what is happening.
GOOD NEWS TO TELL YOU !!
The technology has changed since making this video! I refreshed the links below.....The LED bulbs I have listed below can be installed anyway you prefer. They're called "hybrid"LED. They can be plug and play.....just remove your old florescent and install them...... or..... you can remove the ballast to save even more power and wire it with the tombstones (listed below). They are great!
It's been a few years now and I definitely prefer the 5000K over the 4000K. It's just a great work light to use in a work shop. Hope that helps making your decision!
USA
● 4 Pack LED Bulbs .... ballast needs removed .... 3000k, 4000k, 5000k or 6000k .... amzn.to/3yugTal
● 20 Pack LED Bulbs .... ballast does not need removed .... 4000K, 5000K or 6000k .... amzn.to/3jqNUA7
● Non-Shunted Lamp Holders .... amzn.to/2qahxt9
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CANADA
● Non-Shunted Lamp Holders .... amzn.to/35pOrIC
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Chris No
tap
Did this to my shop lights. Easy to do and much brighter. Got bulbs from Ebay. $49 for ten bulbs.
The biggest problem i have is that the T8 fluorescent setup kills the radio in my shop instantly any time i turn it on. The number 1 thing i want working in my shop is the radio. My question is will the radio work if i switch the T8 + ballasts out for LED's?
@@rockymountainman7 I think these led light would kill your radio, here is the reason, most of these lights did not pass the EMC and EMI testing, has electromagnetic interference problem.
Chris Notap how did you hook up the Electric wires
To that on/ off switch
Thank you for being succinct. I searched several too-drawn-out videos for the information I needed and couldn't get it. You were quick and to the point - without wasting my time. Thank You!
I liked the way you laid out just the bulbs, connectors, and the wire. Made it clearer for me. Thanks
Its different again for the older type that uses starters and magnetic ballasts, and even with the electronic ballast shown in the video there's often an extra 'preheat' wire used to warm up the lamp filaments prior to ignition which isn't shown here. Clear as mud? :)
Love absolutely everything about this video. Straight forward no nonsense from a dude in his basement like a throwback to the glory days of youtube.
This was exactly the info i was looking for and I enjoyed the song as well.
liked and subscribed good sir, appreciate you!
I just retrofitted the fluorescent fixtures in my garage, but I used GE T8 type B LED tubes, which made it even easier than what was done in this video. With the type B tubes there is no need for the non-shunted lamp holders. You just clip the wires from the ballast, remove the ballast, reconnect the wires directly to the power, and you're done. Oh, one more optional step: add an inline fuse between the hot wire coming in and the live wire end of the fixture to protect someone who might put a fluorescent tube in in the future. (The type B bulbs come with warning labels that the fixture is no longer safe for fluorescent tubes, but not everybody reads labels.)
Thanks Chris. THIS is what I needed to know. Type B info...
OUTSTANDING explanation! Love how you laid out the bulbs and explained the circuitry. Thanks for a great job. Best I've seen explaining the process.
This is EXACTLY what I was searching for! You explained it and the camera work was excellent! I have a ballast going out in one of the units in the kitchen drop ceiling and want to do this. Thank you for the video!
Just curious how do you like this light in the kitchen? I am looking at replacing the entire fixture in my kitchen due to the grease build up, but the led fixtures I find online do not include a light diffuser and I think I would prefer one with a diffuser.
"Explained in simple terms" is the most perfect description. Before I went in I knew the how and why of the original setup and which option I should choose for the conversion. I had all the parts and tools and the change-over went off without a hitch. Many thanks!
I recognize the work of a natural teacher who knows how to use the tools of the teaching trade. Your video has evidence of careful planning, clear presentation, good use of audio-visuals with no fumbling or bad camera work. My ballast-removal project was easier because of your clarity about plug/play vs retrofit, and clear visuals about the wiring. Thanks.
Wow, thank you for that great feedback!!
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Was looking for this, im doing the exact same retro fit as you did, helped me alot! Thanks! Greetings from Sweden
Thank you for the explanation between retro fit and plug and play. I've been confused for months.
Excellent job in showing the hookup. I like the way you laid it all out on the bench . I know what my next project is.
Thanks Chris. This video inspired me to go the retrofit route with single-ended bulbs. The wiring you used was the simplest I've seen during my research. Finished three lamp conversions yesterday in the garage and am extremely pleased with the results.
I converted my 5ft Kitchen Fluorescent to LED 10 years ago! It was easy, and the LED Tube is still working as good as the day it was installed!
Watched another guy fitting one and I have to say you explained and demonstrated it extremely well to someone with limited wiring knowledge! Thankyou sir!
I've looked at a few of these type of vids and your video is by far the most easiest, straight forward way to explain the process... thanks mate
This is exactly what i was looking for.
The laying out of the setups was super helpful, and explanation was clear and simple.
Thank you!
Finally, I understand the wiring, great video, thanks.
Thank you for a simple but informative explanation on how to do this change over. I too have watched numerous videos and found them confusing or too technical. Cheers from Australia.
Thanks your video was the easiest to understand by far. I was able to replace the bulbs in my laundry area and ditch a broken ballast!
Great video! No BS approach, just informed me of what I needed to know without a giant theatrical presentation. Thank you sir!
I followed you easy directions just as you said, and it was so easy!! I have now completed 6 fixtures with 4 more to go! I have also shared your information with my boss, and he thinks I am sooooo smart!! haha thanks!
Thank you, useful video. I now know to shop for retrofit replacements.
Your production quality just keeps going up! Great work!
Man appreciate your help, was able to order single ended leds and non shunted sockets and was able to replace easily didn't take that long. Can't believe that electrician asked me $800 for labor just unbelievable. Thank you
Excellent video. The way you static displayed those bulbs in the beginning is exactly how instructional videos should be made
Great job. I think I could really use these in the shop. Time to go shopping!
Ladybug Adventures
Ladybug Adventures de gente
Very nice explanation of the different types of kits. I needed your video a month ago when I was installing new LED bulbs and found out my ballast was bad. The retrofit is definitely the way to go.
I have bought the plug and play LED's. I just took out the fluorescents - replaced with the LED tubes and I am very happy with the results. No extra wiring etc at all. Thanks for posting this information as well.
Andrew Gifford
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Thank you VERY much for this excellent video. This is my first electrical project and this video has built my confidence enough to do it on my own. Awesome!
Thank you Chris, you must have been a teacher, you make it so easy to learn, with your right to the point approach explanation.
I must say. EXCELLENT VIDEO. I don't see how someone can't comprehend after watching your very descriptive video. Thank you
Wow, thank you!
Clear and precise! Exactly the instructions I was looking for. Thanks for posting.
You can also get Dual or Double-ended tubes. No messing with the Tombstones (Lamp holders) Just cut out the Ballast and wire hot to one side, neutral to the other. Doesn't matter which side although I prefer to keep the original hot and neutral wires the same. You can install a dual ended tube safely in any direction. If you accidentally install a fluorescent tube in the rewired dual ended fixture nothing will happen. In a single end fixture it will short out.
I believe shunted tombstones are recommended when wiring dual ended tubes from opposite sides.
The industry is going away from single ended LED lamps. Dual ended are so much easier to install, and much safer.
@@Spreadswings Brilliant and concise Video, but it doesn't answer the principal question "are these LED tubes simply wired to mains power be it 110 or 240 V"? the rest is obvious. please answer, thank you :)
@@marcmccord5085 In a two tube fixture that has been converted to ballast bypass, is it safe to leave one tube out or is that a fire hazard or something? They're a bit too bright!
@@sl1237 They operate independently. You can either take out a lamp, or cap off the leads to that lamp. No fire hazard. BUT... dual ended lamps are much better. Easier to install and safer since you don't have the power and neutral to the same socket. Power to one end of the lamp and neutral to the other. And you don't have to put the lamps in a certain way.
Thanks! Best vid so far I've found. Many do not explain as well as you.
Thank you for laying out the info in simple terms. The time and effort to produce and upload this video is MUCH appreciated.
I have T12, 4 bulb fixtures in my finished basement. 2 are starting to him, 1 comes on when it feels like it...if at all. Found out the hard way T12s are ancient and on their way out, but so are T8s, the way it looks. May as well upgrade to LEDs. Hate I will probably end up trashing over half a case of new 4ft T12 bulbs.
Quality work no bs straight to the point experience and kindness you got it all going on keep well regards
nice work better advice than others you just keept it simple
Picked your video because it was shorter than most of the other ones. Actually learned something, thank you!
For a man of years you seem to be enjoying yourself. Wish I could still move that easy and come up smiling ☺️
Yes, I am enjoying myself. I'm glad youtube came along when it did. This is my main gig for entertainment, income and fun.
This is how you make a how to video. Well done, clear, and concise. Thank you for taking the time to share your project.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much for this video. You are a fantastic teacher and I loved how you laid the diagrams out on the table. Thanks again, Chris!
Quick explanation that everyone enjoys
Your explanation and video breakdown was unsurpassed. GREAT job!!!
Great info. No wasted time and mouth running.
Finally converted my fluorescent tubes to LED today. Great video gave me the confidence to attempt it and referred to it a couple times while wiring the tombstones to be doubly sure.. Only snag was that I made the pigtail too short. No biggie. Plus I learned some Canadian lingo. Thanks man!!!!
At last - a great video!
I looked at numerous videos on "How to be get very confused when converting T8 Fluorescent Lights to LED", before thankfully finding this one that shows how easy it actually is!
Thank you Chris, and your understanding of the art of explaining!
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Awesome, thank you!
Great improvement, especially on the color rendering.
Just what I was looking for. Neat and easy. Thanks Chris!
Thank you for this easy to learn. I have to replace 10 double 8 footers and 10 4 footers next month. this video certainly helped
One of the BEST how to videos I've ever watched! Short simple and very informative and effective. Amazing. Other how-to channels need to watch this. Great job!
I found this video to be very helpful, thanks. I noticed so many thumbs down but couldn’t find any comments to go with them. I checked because I thought maybe I missed something, but no. I especially like the way you put the circuit on the bench, it made it very easy to understand. Thanks again.
Thanks for that great feedback!
A very enlightening (pun intended,) video. I didn't even know that such a change over from fluorescent to led's was available. I will probably do that in the near future. Thanks for the interesting lesson, and great explanation.
One thing to be aware. I used the replacement bulbs from Costco which still requires the ballast. Like you, I find the light superior to the florescents. However I also have a motion detector on mine so that when I enter the garage via the house door or via car, the lights turn on for me. Works great EXCEPT.... when off, one light from each fixture (of two like yours) stays partially lite. The one bulb never completely turns off. It's about the brightest of a nightlight so I use it as such. Let's me see what's in the garage so I don't trip or not see something before I enter far enough for the motion detector to kick on. I contacted the manufacturer and was told this is how the bulbs work if there's a motion detector on the circuit. They turn off completely if just a regular switch. Just more info for anyone deciding on replace bulb only vs remove ballast options. But I agree - definitely do replace with LED. I was replacing bulbs about every 8 to 12 months. Now it's been years and I haven't had to replace or fix anything.
Very simple and plain language description on the difference between the retro and plug and play replacements. Well done Sir!
Thanks man!
Simple, informative, and humorous...well done! Thanks.
For the people that aren’t very good at DIY projects, you need to go slowly so we can see how things are done. You went so fast, I don’t know how you hooked into the electric.
Maybe try playing in 0.75 playback speed; It helps me keep up on things when watching a walkthrough I’m unfamiliar with.
Best video ive seen in youtube thanks man and god bless ya for the much need wirring feedback🙏👌
Went to other sites but you gave the best explanations and instructions!
Great video. Love how you laid it out on the table. It explained it perfectly. My install should be a breeze now. Thank you.
Great video. You have an excellent way of teaching a person, using a simple precise manner. Thank you for your informative video, It made my life easier changing from fluorescent to LED.
Thanks for that great feedback!!
Excellent video!
One thing you missed is that the "Lumens" rating of each bulb is what determines its brightness, NOT the color rating (e.g. 4,100K). You can have two different bulbs, each 4,100K for example, but with different Lumens ratings (different brightness). If one bulb is rated at 2,500 Lumens it will provide more light than a bulb that is rated at 2,200 Lumens for example. The 4,100K is the "color" or tone of the light. It has nothing to do with the amount of light generated from the bulb.
Also, it's not clear if you use T12 size lamp holders at the ends, or a different size?
Well stated.
I watched your DIY video. I tried it. It worked. Easy cheezy. Thanks for making it so simple.
Thank you for your simple easy to follow instruction and explanation.
You are welcome!
Perfect and easy explanation. Thank you.
Very well explained both verbally and with video. So simple and non shunted Ithink is the way to go, eliminate the ballast altogether.
Great illustrative layout of the methods to replace these. Thanks!
Chris, thanks for shedding some light on this swap! (oh yes, I did)
Just working on some fluorescent lights over the kitchen area and you showed me a great idea to solve my conundrum since the repalcement ballasts for the old flourescent light fixtures in place are not longer easy to find almost anywhere. So, I am cosidering replacing them with something else as they are starting to burn out after many years of service.
Great video and surprisingly, I love the music!!!
Thanks. Most simple wiring explanation I have found. Other videos were super confusing.
I have learned so much from your clear and concise videos. Thanks so much.
This is the first video of yours I have watched. Your explanation of how LED and fluorescent light work was great. I want to do this in my garage. I have eight foot fixtures that need to be updated to LED and I plan to lose the ballistic when I complete the conversion. Thanks for making it look easy. You have a new subscriber. Cheers!
I would suggest not going to an 8-foot LED tube..They have been shown to sag badly in the middle. Go with 4-footers.
@@imdeplorable2241 if you bought a quality 8-foot tube,should be no problem.
@@imdeplorable2241 Zip Ties
Very well explained.. Thank you!
Thank you for awesome video! I watch this tutorial while converting mine!
Thank you for explaining in laymen's terms the difference in the two and how to connect em both up. I've got the ballast out in two of my florescent light fixtures and now I know how to fix them both and with led lights as well. Thank you!!!
Hi Chris, I've been looking for bulbs that would replace my old 40w 2 bulb florescent light that I have in a downstairs office that's used as indirect lighting. As a former electrician (now retired) I have done replacements of LED for old florescent lighting for some time now, but in the past they've always been way too expensive and for the average home owner those prices were out of sight, so TY for this video, Also I'd like to bring up one point that was over looked for the average DIY'er and that's to make sure the power to the light is turned off! If you are comfortable just shutting off a light switch - place tape over the switch, I also put a small key tag that says "DO NOT TURN ON!" Again TY for this great video. Cheers!
Very helpful! Thank you :)
Thank you. Very helpful, now I realize it's simple...
Just changed over my 800 Sq/ft garage ( machine shop) to led 5000k with out the ballast, got a steal on 20 new fixtures for 85 dollars! I installed 16 fixtures/ two tubes for each fixture. There are no dark areas in the shop now and that's not an under statement! Like your video shows very easy to install and made a big impact on the power bill. Should have done this years ago 😎
That's great!! I still like the 5000k ones. I swapped them out for the 4000's just to try again but went back a day later to the 5000's.
Good instructions and explanation. Thanks very much
really, really helpful! excellent explanation - I could not figure out why, even though I got correct size, wattage and obviously length my lights would flicker or not work. it was because they were the wrong type! got some new bulbs and they are working beautifully! thank you!
Early LED tubes required a low voltage DC supply, but these new ones run directly off AC mains voltage,
Simplest video on how to do this. Thanks. Great video
Perfect explanation. I'm impressed. (From Sweden )
New here, For sure you are a teacher Chris, excellent explanation and also great great film and editing, great job, became new subscriber
Not a teacher. Many have suggested that I should have been one.That is great feed back. Thanks for that!
the drawback from removing the ballast is that you will now be shocked by 277v and possibly die not 120 volt
Just came across him tonight and I second that!
nice video, very informative right to the point.... have a good Monday
Thanks for the feedback.
Very good tutorial. Simple and straight forward. Thank you!
Thank you for such a great video that answers all my questions on how they are wired.
Terrific, thanks for the good info.
Great video for a DIY person. Around here most people wait for the 4 foot LED lights to go on sale at Costco and replace the whole unit.
Agreed, at $18 PER bulb or $36 per light plus your time. A lot cheaper to buy the whole LED assembly at $25- $30
Exactly. I purchased some LED replacement bulbs and they don't seem to work in my fixtures. And they cost as much as a replacement LED fixture when on sale.
@@pman64 I totally disagree
I've found those Feit tubes at 12 for two. It's a direct fit. Good for 4 ft but other sizes I have to retrofit. This video will help me definitely.
Brilliant! You did an amazing job explaining this and ready to do mine.
Great video!
I’ve been looking to convert our garage just like this.
Thanks!
Compared to all other awesome videos on UA-cam demonstrating similar conversion which , this is by far the best, very simple and yet easy to understand. 👍👍👍
Thank you for sharing (done subscribed)...
Wow, thanks!
Awesome job thanks
This is on my list. I have a burned out bulb & want to retro fit with LED. Thanks for this & all your other great videos.🙂
Very informative and to the point! Thank you for your efforts!!
Thanks for posting this! The explanation and visuals were super clear. Taking the fixture down, taking it apart, and laying it out on the work bench made it easy to follow. I will be doing this with a fluorescent fixture in my garage soon and this helped a lot.
Jason Baker how did the man get it to light up without hooking it up to the Electric CURIOS
Nicely presented. Liked that background music also.
Thanks for explaining and demonstrating this so clearly. I was wondering why everyone else was changing the ballast, now I know the answer. :)
Phenomenal video! Great job start to finish!!! Thanks so much.
... a great explanation of the connection differences!...and your presentation of the conversion was very clear also! I would have liked to see a comparison of the costs of converting vs. ripping out the old and installing new lighting "strips". Regarding color temperature, there's not much difference we humans can detect from 4100 to 5000K (both are considered to be "daylight balanced"), so I'm kinda surprised the manufacturer offers both. 2700K more simulates the color balance of the old incandescent we're used to, but that probably wouldn't be preferred in a shop. Cheers
I would like to see cost compareson of "electric saved/price& life of bulbs" . Also life of bulbs at hot & cold temps?