What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

On 10/29/16 1:50 PM, Bill Moinihan wrote:
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

You might try a search for "led shop light" or "led troffer light".

On 10/29/2016 2:50 PM, Bill Moinihan wrote:
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?


Are they T12? If so, you can go to T8 by changing the ballast in each,
though you will also need T8 bulbs (smaller dia).

If you want to change the entire fixtures, then I suggest LEDs. Prices
are dropping. A two lamp fixture of an LED will replace the 4 lamp
fluorescent in light output. In addition, the LEDs will just about last
a lifetime.

On Sat, 29 Oct 2016 15:07:37 -0400, Meanie wrote:

In addition, the LEDs will just about last
a lifetime.

Who's lifetime?
Thats a very vague term.

Could it be the lifetime of a mosquito (a dew days), or is it just the
lifetime of the bulb itself? (which could be anywhere from 1 second to
100 years)....

On Sun, 30 Oct 2016 13:53:21 -0500, wrote:

(a dew days)

That should have said a FEW DAYS !!!!

wrote:

Who's lifetime?
Thats a very vague term.

One huge problem with LED-lifetime claims, as I understand them anyway, is
that the *electronics* doesn't last as long as the LED.

Of course, their claims are for the LED only.
The electronics fails much sooner (I'm told).

Especially in our case, where the power goes out frequently due to trees
landing on the lines at least a few times a year.

On 10/30/2016 5:00 PM, Bill Moinihan wrote:
wrote:

Who's lifetime?
Thats a very vague term.

One huge problem with LED-lifetime claims, as I understand them anyway, is
that the *electronics* doesn't last as long as the LED.

Of course, their claims are for the LED only.
The electronics fails much sooner (I'm told).

Especially in our case, where the power goes out frequently due to trees
landing on the lines at least a few times a year.


Correct. The LED bulbs will last a lifetime (longer life than a house
fly). It is the driver that needs to be of sound quality. Therefore,
when purchasing an LED, it should be routine to ensure they will replace
or refund the entire lamp if it simply stops functioning regardless of
the failure.

On Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:48:52 -0400, Meanie wrote:

Correct. The LED bulbs will last a lifetime (longer life than a house
fly). It is the driver that needs to be of sound quality. Therefore,
when purchasing an LED, it should be routine to ensure they will replace
or refund the entire lamp if it simply stops functioning regardless of
the failure.

One problem, apparently, is that LED bulbs deteriorate over time, so, claims
of lifetime should take that deterioration into account.

Looking up lifetime claims, I found this note:
"Contrary to the company¢s calculations, an LED¢s lamp¢s lifetime is
properly measured as the point at which its capacity decreases by 30
percent, according to the order. LED lamps slowly diminish in output over
time, rather than failing catastrophically."

http://www.law360.com/articles/47368...-false-ad-suit

So, LEDs fail too.
They just fail differently.

Bill Moinihan writes:

wrote:

Who's lifetime?
Thats a very vague term.

One huge problem with LED-lifetime claims, as I understand them anyway, is
that the *electronics* doesn't last as long as the LED.

Of course, their claims are for the LED only.
The electronics fails much sooner (I'm told).

Ridiculous.

Your claim that is.

Any lifetime claims are for the entire device.


--
Dan Espen

On Sun, 30 Oct 2016 18:18:18 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

Bill Moinihan writes:

wrote:

Who's lifetime?
Thats a very vague term.

One huge problem with LED-lifetime claims, as I understand them anyway, is
that the *electronics* doesn't last as long as the LED.

Of course, their claims are for the LED only.
The electronics fails much sooner (I'm told).

Ridiculous.

Your claim that is.

Any lifetime claims are for the entire device.

That's what I was thinking.....

When there is a power outage, I normally shut off all the breakers
except one, That one is just somewhere that only serves a few outlets,
and I will plug in a lamp or something that wont get harmed, to tell me
the power came back on. When they turn the power on, there can be a
surge.

However, I think lightning does more damage. Even if it dont hit the
power lines directly, it comes thru the wires. That includes the phone
lines. I have lost several modems over the years. Now, I unplug the
phone line all the time I'm not using the modem, and shut everything
down when there is lightning in the area.

On Sun, 30 Oct 2016 18:18:18 -0400, Dan Espen wrote:

Any lifetime claims are for the entire device.

I wouldn't bank on that, but if it's true, that's as it should be.

But not every guarantee is as it should be.

Light Bulb Maker Takes $21M Hit In FTC False Ad Suit
http://www.law360.com/articles/47368...-false-ad-suit

´In advertising and marketing its LED Lamps with false and unsubstantiated
claims, LOA misrepresented the light output and *lifetime* of its LED
Lamps,¡ the judge held. ´Those misrepresentations are claims consumers rely
upon in selecting lighting products. Because LOAÿs LED Lamps did not perform
as advertised, consumers were harmed because what they purchased was
something different than advertised.¡

On 10/29/2016 2:50 PM, Bill Moinihan wrote:
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?


Inexpensive it porcelain fixture incandescent bulbs. Best is LED
lighting but a typical 4' fixture is $40 and up. Should last many years
though

On Sat, 29 Oct 2016 15:14:03 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

Best is LED lighting but a typical 4' fixture is $40 and up. Should last many years
though


BIL [EE] convinced me about LED a few weeks ago. If "you have to
climb a ladder or replace failing lights - go with LED, they cost more
but save on energy cost." In the long run. Makes sense to me.

In article , says...

What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Maybe not inexpensive, but Home Depot sells some 2 LED shop lights for
about $ 40. I put some in the basement a year or two ago to solve the
same problem.

I have not lookid into it,but have heard that you can get some LED tubes
to replace the flourescent ones. I want to say the ballast has to come
out,but not sure. You may be able to get by with just 2 tubes in each
ficture as the LEDs seem to be brighter.

Maybe less expensive,but don't think I would want to do it is to put in
a bunch of the regular light bulb sockets and put the LED bulbs in them.

On 10/29/16 11:50 AM, Bill Moinihan wrote:
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?


costco


4’ Linkable LED Shop Light with Pull Chain, 2-pack



Item #1057373
Your Price59.99$
Shipping & Handling Included*

Features:
Feit Electric 42W
4000K Soft White
3700 Lumens
50,000 Hours
2-pack

What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

That is actually a 2'x4' lay-in fluorescent fixture. There are LED retrofit kits available. I would get a retro kit that does not use the existing ballast. As far as quick, cheap, and simple, you will have to make your own determination.

John Grabowski
http://www.MrElectrician.TV

"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a
good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Everyone is touting LEDs but IME they are not ready for prime time.

About a year ago, I bought three circular LEDs for our bathrooms. Within 4
months, 2 of the 3 were flickering so badly they were unuseable. They were
replaced with incandescent using fixtures, bye-bye flicker. Now the third
is flickering and it too will be replaced.

The flourescent bulbs in my garage have been there 20 years, same for 6 out
of 10 in my shop. If it were me, I would replace the four bulb with
diffuser units you now have with two bulb strip T-8 units, (sans diffuser,
the diffuser eats up about 1/2 of the light emitted). Those units are about
$25 at a borg.

On 10/29/2016 5:30 PM, dadiOH wrote:


Everyone is touting LEDs but IME they are not ready for prime time.

About a year ago, I bought three circular LEDs for our bathrooms. Within 4
months, 2 of the 3 were flickering so badly they were unuseable. They were
replaced with incandescent using fixtures, bye-bye flicker. Now the third
is flickering and it too will be replaced.

Perhaps the circular bulbs are not ready, but the regular screw in have
been for a long time. So far I have about a dozen of them, the oldest
about 3 years. They are getting cheaper too.

On Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 5:29:27 PM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a
good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Everyone is touting LEDs but IME they are not ready for prime time.

About a year ago, I bought three circular LEDs for our bathrooms. Within 4
months, 2 of the 3 were flickering so badly they were unuseable. They were
replaced with incandescent using fixtures, bye-bye flicker. Now the third
is flickering and it too will be replaced.

The flourescent bulbs in my garage have been there 20 years, same for 6 out
of 10 in my shop. If it were me, I would replace the four bulb with
diffuser units you now have with two bulb strip T-8 units, (sans diffuser,
the diffuser eats up about 1/2 of the light emitted). Those units are about
$25 at a borg.

sams club sells 2 brite fluroscent equivalents for 34 bucks.

i am going to replace nearl all my fluroscent shop lights.....

the fixtures are over 30 years old, new lamps dont last...

the LEDs look awesome. save your receipt, and return if they dont work well

bob haller wrote:
On Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 5:29:27 PM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a
good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Everyone is touting LEDs but IME they are not ready for prime time.

About a year ago, I bought three circular LEDs for our bathrooms. Within 4
months, 2 of the 3 were flickering so badly they were unuseable. They were
replaced with incandescent using fixtures, bye-bye flicker. Now the third
is flickering and it too will be replaced.

The flourescent bulbs in my garage have been there 20 years, same for 6 out
of 10 in my shop. If it were me, I would replace the four bulb with
diffuser units you now have with two bulb strip T-8 units, (sans diffuser,
the diffuser eats up about 1/2 of the light emitted). Those units are about
$25 at a borg.

sams club sells 2 brite fluroscent equivalents for 34 bucks.

i am going to replace nearl all my fluroscent shop lights.....

the fixtures are over 30 years old, new lamps dont last...

the LEDs look awesome. save your receipt, and return if they dont work well

I just replaced my shoplight that sits over my work bench with a 4 foot
LED from Home Depot. About $39. Very happy with the result even if the
price is high.

On 10/29/2016 5:30 PM, dadiOH wrote:
"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a
good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Everyone is touting LEDs but IME they are not ready for prime time.

About a year ago, I bought three circular LEDs for our bathrooms. Within 4
months, 2 of the 3 were flickering so badly they were unuseable. They were
replaced with incandescent using fixtures, bye-bye flicker. Now the third
is flickering and it too will be replaced.

The flourescent bulbs in my garage have been there 20 years, same for 6 out
of 10 in my shop. If it were me, I would replace the four bulb with
diffuser units you now have with two bulb strip T-8 units, (sans diffuser,
the diffuser eats up about 1/2 of the light emitted). Those units are about
$25 at a borg.




Just as with any other product, there are many variables to consider and
in the case of LEDs, manufacture is key. There are cheap LEDs and there
are quality LEDs. You may have purchased cheap China brand LEDs with
cheap drivers.

IMO, thus far, I think Cree products are top notch and one can't go
wrong when purchasing one of them.

On Sat, 29 Oct 2016 18:50:14 -0000 (UTC), Bill Moinihan
wrote:

What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

In a word, they suck.

So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a good
but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

Watch: How It's Made LED Tubes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-DztJtSFa8

Hi Bill,

What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent
lights? https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg
There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4
flourescent bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making
humming sounds. In a word, they suck.
So, instead of replacing the bulbs for the rest of my life, is there a
good but inexpensive quick and simple replacement strategy?

There's an old saying... You get what you pay for. If you want lighting
that is going to perform well and last, you will need to spend a little
more.

Decent fluorescent fixtures with T8 Bulbs and electronic ballast will cost
about $50 each (not including bulbs). But they come on instantly (even in
cold weather), don't have any flicker, and don't make any noise. One
example are these fixtures at Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-...2-Light-White-
Ballast-Ceiling-Flushmount-LB-2-32-MVOLT-MVIS/202591813


Earlier this year I upgraded the lights in my garage/shop using the
fixtures above. I have a web page and video showing the steps and methods I
used:

http://www.watsondiy.com/20160201-shoplights.htm

I had hoped to use LED lights, but LED shop lights cost twice as much and
put out less light (fewer lumens). Since I only use my garage lights
occasionally, the lower power usage wouldn't really make much difference in
the long run. So I stayed with the fluorescent fixtures.

My original T8 lights were almost 15 years old, but were still working
great. So I was able to keep those and just add more fixtures to keep costs
down.

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com

HerHusband wrote:

I had hoped to use LED lights, but LED shop lights cost twice as much and
put out less light (fewer lumens). Since I only use my garage lights
occasionally, the lower power usage wouldn't really make much difference in
the long run. So I stayed with the fluorescent fixtures.

This is my dilemma, exactly.

I love all the ideas, which all end up though, at:
a. Keep the old system (cheapest in the short term)
b. Switch to LEDs (expensive in the short term)

Long term, I don't think anyone argues LEDs aren't better.
I'm in a cash crunch though, with lights going out, one by one.

On Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 12:30:15 PM UTC-5, Bill Moinihan wrote:

Long term, I don't think anyone argues LEDs aren't better.
I'm in a cash crunch though, with lights going out, one by one.


I think you answered your question of what to do.

On Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:30:12 -0000 (UTC), Bill Moinihan
wrote:

HerHusband wrote:

I had hoped to use LED lights, but LED shop lights cost twice as much and
put out less light (fewer lumens). Since I only use my garage lights
occasionally, the lower power usage wouldn't really make much difference in
the long run. So I stayed with the fluorescent fixtures.

This is my dilemma, exactly.

I love all the ideas, which all end up though, at:
a. Keep the old system (cheapest in the short term)
b. Switch to LEDs (expensive in the short term)

Long term, I don't think anyone argues LEDs aren't better.
I'm in a cash crunch though, with lights going out, one by one.

Just replace them one at a time with LED fixtures. Replace the worst one
first!!! Eventually they will pay for themselves in saving on the
electric bill and not having to buy more bulbs.

It's just like my yard light, (farm light on a pole). I had a 175W
mercury vapor bulb. Every 1 ro 2 years, I spent $15 for a bulb, often
had to replace the sensor too (another $12). Last year the ballast
apparently died, (New bulb and sensor did not fix it). I spent the $120
to buy a LED fixture. It paid for itself in several months. My electric
bill dropped from $15 to $25 a month (depending on length of daylight).
Better yet, it's brighter, and dont flicker like those MV lights tend to
do. I figure that I've paid for the fixture and saved another $50 to $70
on my electric bill by now.

wrote:

Just replace them one at a time with LED fixtures. Replace the worst one
first!!! Eventually they will pay for themselves in saving on the
electric bill and not having to buy more bulbs.

It's just like my yard light, (farm light on a pole). I had a 175W
mercury vapor bulb. Every 1 ro 2 years, I spent $15 for a bulb, often
had to replace the sensor too (another $12). Last year the ballast
apparently died, (New bulb and sensor did not fix it). I spent the $120
to buy a LED fixture. It paid for itself in several months. My electric
bill dropped from $15 to $25 a month (depending on length of daylight).
Better yet, it's brighter, and dont flicker like those MV lights tend to
do. I figure that I've paid for the fixture and saved another $50 to $70
on my electric bill by now.

I think I'm stuck with replacing the noisy bulbs.
But I don't think my electric bill is the real problem because the lights
aren't on all that long. Just when I'm working in the garage (or when the
kids leave them on all night).

Bill,

I think I'm stuck with replacing the noisy bulbs.
But I don't think my electric bill is the real problem because the lights
aren't on all that long. Just when I'm working in the garage (or when the
kids leave them on all night).

The noise and flicker are probably caused by a failing ballast.

If the fixtures are in good condition (no metal rust and the plastic cover
still in good shape), you could simply replace the bulbs and install new
electronic ballasts. If your existing fixtures use the old T12 bulbs, you
might see if you could convert them to T8 bulbs. You can probably find
everything you need at the local home center, or shop online.

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com

wrote:

Just replace them one at a time with LED fixtures. Replace the worst one
first!!! Eventually they will pay for themselves in saving on the
electric bill and not having to buy more bulbs.

I bought these yesterday, from Costco, on sale.
https://s21.postimg.org/qei7hifs7/1_..._at_costco.jpg

The price was $7 per tube:
https://s21.postimg.org/8pqgpw413/2_..._at_costco.jpg

All is done, except for the last most problematic lamp, which has a buzzing
ballast out of the two ballasts (and the other one is only lighting one
lane).

So, now, my only decision is to repair or replace the one bad fixture.
https://s13.postimg.org/kekhhvot3/04...0_ballasts.jpg

I bought these yesterday, from Costco, on sale.
https://s21.postimg.org/qei7hifs7/1_..._at_costco.jpg

According to your package photo, the light output of your bulb is 1700
lumens.

A standard T8 fluorescent bulb provides about 2800 lumens.

So, you may notice a bit less light from your fixture after installing the
LED replacements.

All is done, except for the last most problematic lamp, which has a
buzzing ballast out of the two ballasts (and the other one is only
lighting one lane).

LED bulbs usually don't need a ballast at all. You might read through the
bulb instructions to see if you can do away with the ballast.

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com

I love all the ideas, which all end up though, at:
a. Keep the old system (cheapest in the short term)
b. Switch to LEDs (expensive in the short term)

Long term, I don't think anyone argues LEDs aren't better.
I'm in a cash crunch though, with lights going out, one by one.

The 4' twin tube fluorescent uses 64 watts and pumps out 5700 lumens of
light, for $49.

The 4' LED version uses 50 watts and only puts out 4000 lumens, for $109.

That's more than twice the cost, 1700 lumens less light output, and only
saves 14 watts of energy.

If you only have a few lights on a couple hours each night, it would take a
long time to pay off the extra cost of the LED lights. Save your money and
go with the fluorescents.

However, when you start talking about 10 fixtures running all night long,
the power savings could be significant.

Of course, there may be other factors to consider. When I installed new
lights in my garden shed, I opted for more expensive LED lights, primarily
because they were very low profile. So there is less chance of me hitting
the lights as I'm swinging a rake, shovel, or board around in the shed.
I'm lucky if I turn those lights on two hours a month, and rarely at all in
the winter months. So power savings wasn't a factor in that decision.

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com

On Mon, 31 Oct 2016 03:52:47 -0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

The 4' twin tube fluorescent uses 64 watts and pumps out 5700 lumens of
light, for $49.

The 4' LED version uses 50 watts and only puts out 4000 lumens, for $109.

Are you sure about that wattage?
My LED yard light only uses 18W. Replaced a 175W mercury vapor bulb.
I dont know the lumens, but the LED is brighter.
I'm sure they go on sale at times too..... Plus where are they $109? I'm
sure I've seen them at Menards for much less....

The 4' twin tube fluorescent uses 64 watts and pumps out 5700 lumens of
light, for $49.

The 4' LED version uses 50 watts and only puts out 4000 lumens, for $109.

Are you sure about that wattage?
My LED yard light only uses 18W. Replaced a 175W mercury vapor bulb.
I dont know the lumens, but the LED is brighter.
I'm sure they go on sale at times too..... Plus where are they $109? I'm
sure I've seen them at Menards for much less....

I got the specs and prices from Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-...ED-Wraparound-
Ceiling-Flushmount-LBL-4/203839057

It's rated as a "64 watt equivalent", but users stated it used 50 watts.

The same light is available at Amazon for $128, and the specs say 50 watts
also:

https://www.amazon.com/Lithonia-Lighting-LBL4-LP835-
Commercial/dp/B00F94HG54

I chose that light to compare with the nearly identical fluorescent lights
I used in my garage:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-...2-Light-White-
Ballast-Ceiling-Flushmount-LB-2-32-MVOLT-MVIS/202591813

I'm sure you could shop around and find better prices, but you have to
compare the lumen output and color temperature. Cheaper fixtures generally
put out less light, or have different color temperatures (that may or may
not be to your liking).

Anthony Watson
www.watsondiy.com
www.mountainsoftware.com

Bill Moinihan wrote:

What is an inexpensive replacement for these garage flourescent lights?
https://s13.postimg.org/7jivra81j/garage_lights.jpg

There are four of these sets of lights, each of which holds 4 flourescent
bulbs, which keep flickering, burning out, and making humming sounds.

What do you think, honestly, of this idea?

Costco has supposedly "universal" LED replacement tubes:
https://s21.postimg.org/qei7hifs7/1_..._at_costco.jpg

The price is currently $7.70 per tube:
https://s21.postimg.org/8pqgpw413/2_..._at_costco.jpg

So I bought 16 of these reputedly "universal" LED tubes:
https://s21.postimg.org/7oq80rn1j/3_...es_at_home.jpg

At home I compared them by size to the original tubes:
https://s21.postimg.org/khec0oynb/4_...es_at_home.jpg

Where I can't find any T2 or T4 or T8 designation at all:
https://s21.postimg.org/4x6ya5oiv/5_...es_at_home.jpg

All four of the 4-tube boxes hum and flicker and have bad bulbs:
https://s21.postimg.org/ne1d0z4h3/6_...es_at_home.jpg

Opening them up, I find only about half still working:
https://s21.postimg.org/9lrjj333b/7_...es_at_home.jpg

I can't find the ballast nor the T2,T4,T8 designation inside.
All it says on the metal is "USE RAPID START LAMPS":
https://s21.postimg.org/jlhul8oyv/8_...es_at_home.jpg

Where's the ballast?
Will these bulbs work in these lights?
What type of lights do I have anyway (T2?, T4?, T8?)

"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
Bill Moinihan wrote:

Where's the ballast?
Will these bulbs work in these lights?
What type of lights do I have anyway (T2?, T4?, T8?)

Probably in the top of the case.

Not if the ballast is bad

Measure them. The "T" = 1/8; eg, T-12 = 12/8 = 1 1/2" diameter.

dadiOH wrote:

Probably in the top of the case.

Not if the ballast is bad

Measure them. The "T" = 1/8; eg, T-12 = 12/8 = 1 1/2" diameter.

Thanks for the T measurements.
After noting that the 16 bulbs were all 40 watts, and that the ballasts all
said T12, they're the 12/8ths of an inch type, although they sure don't seem
to be an inch and a half in diameter. They're about an inch, but they're
definitely T12 lamps, so, that 12/8ths has to be taken with a grain of salt.

Likewise, the LED replacements are not a half inch either, but they're
certainly smaller than the bigger fluorescents, so, I now know that I
definitely have T8 LEDs replacing T12 fluorescents.

In each fixture there are apparently two ballasts:
https://s13.postimg.org/kekhhvot3/04...0_ballasts.jpg

Both ballasts were of the same type, with a sticker on each saying
Universal Therm-o-matic rapid start ballast
For two F40W T12/RS lamps, high power factor
Cat No 446-LR-TC-P, 120V, 60Hertz, 0.8Amp line
Universal Mfg. Corp, Paterson NJ, Made in USA
Class P Automatic resetting thermal protected
https://s11.postimg.org/orqbysecj/02...s_40_W_T12.jpg

One ballast is humming badly, so I have identified that one bad ballast.
However, the other ballast must also be bad though, because only one lane
lights up well in that humming fixture, so, that entire fixture is bad it
seems.

I think I have these options:
1. Replace the two ballasts with T8 ballasts and put the T8 LED bulbs in.
2. Remove just the one humming ballast & see if the other lights 2 bulbs.
2. Replace the entire fixture

Recommendations on how to proceed on the one bad fixture is asked.

"Bill Moinihan" wrote in message
...
dadiOH wrote:

Probably in the top of the case.

Not if the ballast is bad

Measure them. The "T" = 1/8; eg, T-12 = 12/8 = 1 1/2" diameter.

Thanks for the T measurements.
After noting that the 16 bulbs were all 40 watts, and that the ballasts
all
said T12, they're the 12/8ths of an inch type, although they sure don't
seem
to be an inch and a half in diameter. They're about an inch, but they're
definitely T12 lamps, so, that 12/8ths has to be taken with a grain of
salt.

If they are one inch in diameter they are T-8, not T-12

dadiOH wrote:

If they are one inch in diameter they are T-8, not T-12

The LED T8 bulbs were almost exactly 1 inch based on measuring with a ruler.

The T12 fluorescent bulbs were definitely NOT 1-1/2 inches, but they were
1-3/8ths inches, which, I guess, is either a T11 or close enough to be a T12
(since they say they are 40 watts).