Converting a Fluorescent Light to Energy Efficient LED
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How to Convert a Fluorescent Light Fixture from a Ballast with T12 Lamps or T8 Lamps to Energy Efficient Lighting, Light Color Options, Procedure to Convert the Light Fixture Ballast and Lamps. |
Upgrading to a Energy Saving Light Fixture
Electrical Question: My workplace has light fixtures that are presently have four 4 foot T12’s with 2 magnetic ballasts.
- How do I properly convert a fluorescent light fixture with magnetic ballasts to single electronic ballast for four T8 lamps?
- We had some of these done this way by a vendor several years ago and haven’t experienced any problems using the existing T12 bulb sockets to be used with the new T8 lamps.
This electrical wiring question came from: Glenn, a Handyman in Illinois.
Additional Comments: Great Resource.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Glenn.
Converting to Energy Efficient Lighting
Preparations
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
- Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder, flashlight, and Voltage Tester.
- Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the light fixture(s).
- Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
- Notice: The replacement Lamps should be UL Approved.
- Materials: Replacement of Solid State Electronic Ballast, Replacement Lamps as specified on the ballast label, twist on wire splice connectors. Best to upgrade to LED Lamps. (see below).
How to Convert a Fluorescent Light Fixture from a Ballast with T12 Lamps or T8 Lamps to Energy Efficient Lighting
Converting a Fluorescent Light Fixture to be Energy Efficient will only require New Lamps:
- LED Lamps – Great Light and Best Savings
Select LED Lamps that will replace your existing T12 or T8 Lamps. In most cases the ballast will not be needed, just make the appropriate wiring connections as provided with the installation sheet. Make sure the lamps are compatible with the size of the light fixture and light switch. - Electronic Ballast – 2nd Generation
Electronic Ballasts replaced your 1st Generation Legacy magnetic ballast which had to be compatible with the size and quantity of the lamps of the original light fixture. - Replacement Lamps
The new electronic ballast will be required to operate the same number of lamps at the same voltage, for example: four 4 foot lamps at 120 volts. Purchase the specified number of lamps, for example four T8 lamps, and make sure the new replacement lamps are compatible with the new electronic ballast - Lamp Sockets
Lamp sockets will not need to be replaced when converting a light fixture from T12 lamps to T8 lamps because the pins have the same configuration. - LED and Fluorescent Light Color Options
You may select from a few lighting color options for your application or environment, however here are the most common color of fluorescent lights:- 4000 Kelvin – Cool White – Neutral Color
- 2800 Kelvin – Warm White – Warm Color
Once you have the replacement ballast and lamps here is the procedure to convert the light fixture:
Procedure to Convert the Light Fixture Ballast and Lamps
- Identify and turn OFF the lighting circuit.
- Remove the old T12 Lamps and the fixture cover to gain access to the old ballast.
- Note the wiring to the ballast and the Wiring Diagram that is on the label of the ballast. The line voltage is typically a black and white wire, the remaining wires connect to the lamp sockets.
- Cut the wires fairly close to the ballast.
- Remove the old Magnetic Ballast.
- Install the New Energy Efficient Electronic Ballast.
- Notice and follow the Wiring Diagram on the label of the new ballast to make the appropriate wire connections using good wire stripping methods and wire connectors.
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation off each wire and joining the wire connections with small orange wire nuts.
- The existing light sockets will be used.
- Replace the fixture cover.
- Install the new T8 Energy Efficient Lamps.
- Restore the power to the circuit.
Flip the switch and Enjoy Great Lighting from the existing light fixture while Saving Energy!
See More about Home Lighting
- Home Lighting Projects
- Home Lighting Articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
- Lighting Electrical Codes
- Home Energy Savings
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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I have a homeowner with several new lighting fixtures on the outside of their house. They are using standard screw-in incandescent light bulbs. We need to change to high efficiency lighting but do not want to change the fixtures. This is a building code and their getting inspected. Is there a way to change the light bulb sockets to now use LED bulbs? Or is there anything that can be put into the existing sockets that will accommodate LED’s and pass code?
Hi Kevin,
There are several LED light bulbs that are compatible with the standard sockets, including the A-Base light socket. These LED lamps should be acceptable to meet the building code for high efficiency lighting. Make sure the LED replacement lamp you choose is rated for outdoor use. Keep in mind that there are also LED retrofit kits available for recessed lighting as well.
I hope this helps,
Dave