OT: LED T-8 @ T-12 replacements

jermfab · Feb 6, 2021

I’m well aware that this far from a new subject here. That said, here’s what I’m installing now:

And:

I’m not a shill for anyone, but I bought these from Lowe’s; $50 for the contractor pack of (8) 8’ tubes and $100 for (20) 4’ tubes. I’m both cheap and stubborn, so as I’m climbing a ladder... A LOT, I’m pulling the ballasts as I go. The 8’ tubes claim to work off either direct 110-277V or T-8/T-12 electric ballast. I can’t speak to that. As most of the ballasts I’ve removed were already leaking, my results would’ve probably *varied*. The GE 4’ tubes only take 110V. The 8’ tubes are cool. They ship in halves with a molded connector and magnet to support the middle, otherwise they work just like a standard fluorescent tube. Same with the 4’ tubes.
I’m using 6500K for everything in the shop. They do trend towards the blue end of the spectrum, I’m aware that some eyes find them too harsh, mine don’t. That said, I do think I’ll go a little warmer in the office fixtures.

Anyhoo, lights out:

Lights on:

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

Scruffy887 · Feb 6, 2021

Not drinking enough beer to steady yourself on those ladders?
The LEDs start out bright enough to sterilize you, but in a week or so you will not be blinded so much.
You need proper work shoes too. Rear SUV has a flat tire, unit heater at far left has a switch hanging from EMT and supported by "air currents"? Mop handle across floor where you can trip in the dark, possibly spilling that gasoline container next to it. When the fuel spills the power cord going around it will unplug with a spark. You are cutting up 2x4s. Got a building permit? Building to code prob require metal studs.

Jim McIntyre · Feb 6, 2021

jermfab said:
...but I bought these from Lowe’s; $50 for the contractor pack of (8) 8’ tubes...

Hmm. They're popping up as $50 for a 2-pack now...

jermfab · Feb 7, 2021

I’ve gone into two different Lowe’s in person and gotten the 8-pack for $50, but I noticed the same on the website. I’m guessing it’s just the wrong picture on the website?!? Maybe I just got lucky, since apparently I’m doing EVERYTHING else wrong...

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

Bill D · Feb 7, 2021

Looks good to me. On the four foot tubes is it powered from both ends or do you have to make sure the tombstone has two separate wires?
Bill D

jermfab · Feb 7, 2021

If you look harder I bet you can find Waldo.

Scruffy887 said:
You need proper work shoes too.

I wear the right shoes for the job... sneakers are fine when that job is climbing a ladder and the heaviest thing likely to drop on my toes is a wire-nut.

And yes, there’s plenty of other things to clean up before I put out my shingle. There’s another trash can loaded with pizza boxes... I had to ply my friends with something for help moving in. I’m saving the beer cans for the trailer behind the fire station next door, I haven’t gotten over there to drop them off and make my introduction yet.

The gas can is empty, the mop bucket hasn’t found it’s “forever place” and if the heater wiring offends you, I definitely won’t take pictures of any of the other electrical issues I have ahead of me. I got the keys to this place on New Years, and it’s not my day-job. There’s a lot of work to do. Best place to start, once I got everything INSIDE the building was to get enough light to SEE all of the work.

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

jermfab · Feb 7, 2021

Bill D said:
Looks good to me. On the four foot tubes is it powered from both ends or do you have to make sure the tombstone has two separate wires?
Bill D

With the 4’ tubes you have to wire both ends. Load to one side, neutral to the other. I know that 12V LEDs are polarity sensitive, and these tubes are marked “L” on one end and “N” on the other. I’ve been keeping track, but I really don’t see how 110V tubes could really care which side gets the electrons.

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

Ralph_P · Feb 7, 2021

On Lowe's web site the only Fiet 8' LED tubes I find for $50. is for one tube only.

rons · Feb 7, 2021

I got my ChiComm 8' tubes at Home Cheapo. They didn't come with those center supports and I thought I might need them eventually or the tubes would sag.
It's been about a year and no need to get those supports.

Scruffy887 · Feb 7, 2021

jermfab said:
If you look harder I bet you can find Waldo.

I wear the right shoes for the job... sneakers are fine when that job is climbing a ladder and the heaviest thing likely to drop on my toes is a wire-nut.

And yes, there’s plenty of other things to clean up before I put out my shingle. There’s another trash can loaded with pizza boxes... I had to ply my friends with something for help moving in. I’m saving the beer cans for the trailer behind the fire station next door, I haven’t gotten over there to drop them off and make my introduction yet.

The gas can is empty, the mop bucket hasn’t found it’s “forever place” and if the heater wiring offends you, I definitely won’t take pictures of any of the other electrical issues I have ahead of me. I got the keys to this place on New Years, and it’s not my day-job. There’s a lot of work to do. Best place to start, once I got everything INSIDE the building was to get enough light to SEE all of the work.

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

It's all good. I always check the background when taking work place shots. I have a major flat surface infection in my shop. 6000 sq ft and maybe can find a 2 sq ft work surface to assemble something. The welding tables are the first thing I walk past when coming in. Whatever is in my hands gets put there. Good thing I work alone there.

BT Fabrication · Feb 8, 2021

must be like me, set something down to grab another thing, and spend 30 minutes looking for the first thing you had.

Mtndew · Feb 8, 2021

At first glance I thought those were empty cans of Schlitz.
But they appear to be High Life. :cheers:

jermfab · Feb 8, 2021

They are. It’s the champagne of beers... I’m not sure if Miller is the farthest beer plant upstream... or down, from the Milwaukee municipal water treatment facility. An easy paddle one way or the other from the Schlitz and Milwaukee’s best plants. It’s all about the water[emoji1787]

Union made is the part that keeps me coming back:

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

jermfab · Feb 8, 2021

And as far as the cost of these particular 8’ bulbs, I noticed the same discrepancy on the Lowe’s website, $50 for just one set of tubes... I’ve gone into two separate Lowe’s on three occasions and gotten (8) @8’ tubes as pictured, for $50. Maybe I’ll get lucky and get $50 back for the one set that isn’t working. I imagine it’s a system error. In any case, they’re a good enough deal at the price I’ve paid so far, $50 for 8... $50 for one bulb in a two-bulb fixture is beyond foolish.

At that price they had better do more than just provide good light for a long time.

Be safe and stay healthy

Jeremy

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OT: LED T-8 @ T-12 replacements

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