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How To Convert T12 to T8 Lighting Ballasts


How to Convert a T12 Fluorescent Light Fixture: Wiring a T12 Fluorescent Fixture for a T8 Energy Efficient Ballast, How do I convert T12 light fixtures to T8 electronic ballasts?

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Wiring Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How do I convert my T12 light fixtures to the T8 electronic ballasts?

This electrical wiring question came from: Jerry, a Property Manager from Carlinville, Illinois.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jerry.

How to Convert a T12 Fluorescent Light Fixture

fluorescent lighting fixtures

Application: Fluorescent Light Fixture Wiring.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of fluorescent lamps that have been installed.

Wiring a T12 Fluorescent Fixture for a T8 Energy Efficient Ballast

Example of Wiring a T8 Ballast

ENERGY REBATE PROGRAMS:
Check with your local electric utility company who may have an energy efficiency upgrade program that may offer incentives that may apply to your project.

More about Electrical Wiring and Light Fixtures

recessed lighting

More about How to Install Lighting For The Home

Electrical Wire for the Home

electrical-wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

How to Replace a Light Fixture Ballast
Electrician Explains How to Replace a Light Fixture Ballast

F40 and F34 Lamps and Ballast
How to Use F40 and F34 Lamps and Ballasts

 


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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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.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 Tester
This 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 Cutter
My 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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

4 Responses to “How To Convert T12 to T8 Lighting Ballasts”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Johnny,
    There are a variety of 4 foot LED lamps available to use for converting a fluorescent light fixture, and new LED products seem to be emerging all the time. Some may require special power supplies while others are now compatible with the existing ballast and sockets where you simply change out the lamps, such as the a new LED T8 lamp that was recently introduced. You may want to visit your local light fixture outlet to see the products and decide which one is right for you and your application.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  2. Johnny Beaver says:

    I have a 2 bulb 4 foot long T12 120volt fluorescent fixture and want to convert it to LED. Do I have to replace the existing sockets or can I just rewire the existing sockets? Is a new ballast required or can the LEDs operate on the 120volt system without a ballast. Does it matter what type LED bulbs I should use?
    Thanks for your help.

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    Bill,
    In order to provide accurate information I would need to know more about the exact 4-foot LED lamp that you have purchased, such as the Make and Model Number would be helpful. Many lamps are made to install without and other wiring modifications of the light fixture, but lets make sure we identify which lamp you have first.
    Dave

  4. Bill Zechman says:

    The LED replacement four-foot tube has the familiar bi-pins on each end. Where do I feed the 120 VAC after I eliminate the ballast? Do we apply 120 VAC to each pair of pins on opposite ends? Or do we connect either pin on one end, and either pin on the other end? The LED tube I purchased did not include a wiring diagram, and given the price I paid I don’t want to run the risk of damaging the device.
    Thanks for your help!