[Shop-talk] flourescent to led changeover

[David Scheidt]

8’ fluorescent fixtures are probably worth remapping with led tubes, replacing lamp holders as required, and bypassing the ballast, as they are probably better fixtures than what you would replace with. If the layout was generally okay that is what I would recommend.  

Plug connected led shop lights are universally garbage, unless you’re paying for real commercial fixtures. The market is entirely price driven, for people unwilling to do something better, and they are built as cheaply as possible, and often a little bit cheaper than that, to the detriment of their lifespan. There’s certainly a place for that, as a light over a work bench that gets used 10 times a year isn’t worth spending money on, nor are rentals worth improving by the tenant.  The good thing is they’re easy to replace…


> On Oct 19, 2026, at 12:26, john niolon <jniolon at att.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi all
>  
> My 30 year old 8' t-12 (single pin) garage fixtures are slowly dying...(4 total double tube)
> the old t-12s are hard to find and expensive (16-20 bucks a tube)
>  
> Want to change to led... lots of options  - 8' led tubes are expensive too ...
>  
> I was gifted a box of 20 4' bi-pin bulbs that work with a ballast...(heat sink)
>  
> option 1
> if I use these I'd have to change all the tombstones to bi-pin and figure out the
> shunted vs non shunted type...  AND find the 8' to 4' fixture conversion kits (adding the middle tombstones
>  
> option 2
> 8' type a led single pin tubes (about the same price as 8' fluorescent) and use a ballast
> not great reviews when shipped...
>  
> option 3
>  
> replace all the crap with the internet specials  linkable stick lights and hope they work
>  
> comments on options ????
>  
> questions... when using the ballast type plug and plays... aren't I using more electricity using the ballast
> and heating it up... is there any savings here ???
>  
>  
> please educate the old dummy on best (least expensive) options
>  
>  
>  
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