In our office we have boocoo (large number) of T12 florescent light fixtures. Each has a total of (4) T12 bulbs and (2) ballasts each. I initially rented this building before later buying it and several of the lights weren't working correctly. Only 2 bulbs were working on some.
Anyway, I have replaced many ballasts over the years and they're a pain in the ass and the cost can add up quick. Also, you can't put a dimmer switch on 'em.
I was at one of our customers office yesterday and I saw a couple of guys on ladders replacing the lights. I asked the owner about it and he had me to speak to the guy that was installing the lights. He told me that these were T8 LED tubes that didn't need a ballast and that it hooked up directly to the line voltage.
(side note: T8 & T12 bulbs are the same except T8's are smaller in diameter and use a different transformer but otherwise they are interchangeable. Since we're doing away with the transformer, it's an easy switchover.)
I went to Lowes bright & early this morning and picked up a pack of 20. Cost about $100. Very cheap comparatively speaking. The rewiring was simple. You just tie all the wires together on each end and run the hot to one end and the neutral to the other.
The bulbs are much brighter. I'm assuming they use less power but I need to check.
Highly recommend.
Anyway, I have replaced many ballasts over the years and they're a pain in the ass and the cost can add up quick. Also, you can't put a dimmer switch on 'em.
I was at one of our customers office yesterday and I saw a couple of guys on ladders replacing the lights. I asked the owner about it and he had me to speak to the guy that was installing the lights. He told me that these were T8 LED tubes that didn't need a ballast and that it hooked up directly to the line voltage.
(side note: T8 & T12 bulbs are the same except T8's are smaller in diameter and use a different transformer but otherwise they are interchangeable. Since we're doing away with the transformer, it's an easy switchover.)
I went to Lowes bright & early this morning and picked up a pack of 20. Cost about $100. Very cheap comparatively speaking. The rewiring was simple. You just tie all the wires together on each end and run the hot to one end and the neutral to the other.
The bulbs are much brighter. I'm assuming they use less power but I need to check.
Highly recommend.