How To Convert T8 Fluorescent Lights to LED ● Explained in Simple Terms

Getting rid of the ballast and the T8 fluorescent bulbs that burn out and retrofitting and converting to LED was the best thing I have done. It was easy and the LED light is fantastic! Before doing this project, switching over and converting to LED was confusing because I didn't know what was actually happening when you retrofit from T8 fluorescent to LED lights. I watched a bunch of videos but none of them described what was actually happening with the circuits. They just cut a bunch of wires without explaining clearly. I made this video on how to convert and retrofitting to T8 LED's in the hopes that others could understand what and why and how. Converting and retrofitting to LED lights is not that hard to do yourself once you understand what is happening.

GOOD NEWS TO TELL YOU !!
The technology has changed since making this video! I refreshed the links below.....The LED bulbs I have listed below can be installed anyway you prefer. They're called "hybrid"LED. They can be plug and play.....just remove your old florescent and install them...... or..... you can remove the ballast to save even more power and wire it with the tombstones (listed below). They are great!
It's been a few years now and I definitely prefer the 5000K over the 4000K. It's just a great work light to use in a work shop. Hope that helps making your decision!

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[chrisrepp]

I just retrofitted the fluorescent fixtures in my garage, but I used GE T8 type B LED tubes, which made it even easier than what was done in this video. With the type B tubes there is no need for the non-shunted lamp holders. You just clip the wires from the ballast, remove the ballast, reconnect the wires directly to the power, and you're done. Oh, one more optional step: add an inline fuse between the hot wire coming in and the live wire end of the fixture to protect someone who might put a fluorescent tube in in the future. (The type B bulbs come with warning labels that the fixture is no longer safe for fluorescent tubes, but not everybody reads labels.)

[dennish]

You can also get Dual or Double-ended tubes. No messing with the Tombstones (Lamp holders) Just cut out the Ballast and wire hot to one side, neutral to the other. Doesn't matter which side although I prefer to keep the original hot and neutral wires the same. You can install a dual ended tube safely in any direction. If you accidentally install a fluorescent tube in the rewired dual ended fixture nothing will happen. In a single end fixture it will short out.

[barneycoffman]

I liked the way you laid out just the bulbs, connectors, and the wire. Made it clearer for me. Thanks

[mikeandirenehealy]

I recognize the work of a natural teacher who knows how to use the tools of the teaching trade. Your video has evidence of careful planning, clear presentation, good use of audio-visuals with no fumbling or bad camera work. My ballast-removal project was easier because of your clarity about plug/play vs retrofit, and clear visuals about the wiring. Thanks.

[kerrymaggart]

OUTSTANDING explanation! Love how you laid out the bulbs and explained the circuitry. Thanks for a great job. Best I've seen explaining the process.

[marcseen]

I converted my 5ft Kitchen Fluorescent to LED 10 years ago! It was easy, and the LED Tube is still working as good as the day it was installed!

[michaelniemann]

Thank you for being succinct. I searched several too-drawn-out videos for the information I needed and couldn't get it. You were quick and to the point - without wasting my time. Thank You!

[madtrexman]

This is EXACTLY what I was searching for! You explained it and the camera work was excellent! I have a ballast going out in one of the units in the kitchen drop ceiling and want to do this. Thank you for the video!

[spocksvulcanbrain]

One thing to be aware. I used the replacement bulbs from Costco which still requires the ballast. Like you, I find the light superior to the florescents. However I also have a motion detector on mine so that when I enter the garage via the house door or via car, the lights turn on for me. Works great EXCEPT.... when off, one light from each fixture (of two like yours) stays partially lite. The one bulb never completely turns off. It's about the brightest of a nightlight so I use it as such. Let's me see what's in the garage so I don't trip or not see something before I enter far enough for the motion detector to kick on. I contacted the manufacturer and was told this is how the bulbs work if there's a motion detector on the circuit. They turn off completely if just a regular switch. Just more info for anyone deciding on replace bulb only vs remove ballast options. But I agree - definitely do replace with LED. I was replacing bulbs about every 8 to 12 months. Now it's been years and I haven't had to replace or fix anything.

[desimora]

Just working on some fluorescent lights over the kitchen area and you showed me a great idea to solve my conundrum since the repalcement ballasts for the old flourescent light fixtures in place are not longer easy to find almost anywhere. So, I am cosidering replacing them with something else as they are starting to burn out after many years of service.

[MegaPoxie]

Watched another guy fitting one and I have to say you explained and demonstrated it extremely well to someone with limited wiring knowledge! Thankyou sir!

[d.j.radioroyspinner]

Hi Chris, I've been looking for bulbs that would replace my old 40w 2 bulb florescent light that I have in a downstairs office that's used as indirect lighting. As a former electrician (now retired) I have done replacements of LED for old florescent lighting for some time now, but in the past they've always been way too expensive and for the average home owner those prices were out of sight, so TY for this video, Also I'd like to bring up one point that was over looked for the average DIY'er and that's to make sure the power to the light is turned off! If you are comfortable just shutting off a light switch - place tape over the switch, I also put a small key tag that says "DO NOT TURN ON!" Again TY for this great video. Cheers!

[libaaxalee]

Man appreciate your help, was able to order single ended leds and non shunted sockets and was able to replace easily didn't take that long. Can't believe that electrician asked me $800 for labor just unbelievable. Thank you

[craigstephens]

Thanks Chris. This video inspired me to go the retrofit route with single-ended bulbs. The wiring you used was the simplest I've seen during my research. Finished three lamp conversions yesterday in the garage and am extremely pleased with the results.

[Yellowjacket]

I followed you easy directions just as you said, and it was so easy!! I have now completed 6 fixtures with 4 more to go! I have also shared your information with my boss, and he thinks I am smart!! haha thanks!

[GMans-World]

I've looked at a few of these type of vids and your video is by far the most easiest, straight forward way to explain the process... thanks mate

[timb]

Excellent video!
One thing you missed is that the "Lumens" rating of each bulb is what determines its brightness, NOT the color rating (e.g. 4, 100K). You can have two different bulbs, each 4, 100K for example, but with different Lumens ratings (different brightness). If one bulb is rated at 2, 500 Lumens it will provide more light than a bulb that is rated at 2, 200 Lumens for example. The 4, 100K is the "color" or tone of the light. It has nothing to do with the amount of light generated from the bulb.
Also, it's not clear if you use T12 size lamp holders at the ends, or a different size?

[deany]

Finally converted my fluorescent tubes to LED today. Great video gave me the confidence to attempt it and referred to it a couple times while wiring the tombstones to be doubly sure.. Only snag was that I made the pigtail too short. No biggie. Plus I learned some Canadian lingo. Thanks man!!!!

[wiggieellenberger]

At last - a great video!
I looked at numerous videos on "How to be get very confused when converting T8 Fluorescent Lights to LED", before thankfully finding this one that shows how easy it actually is!
Thank you Chris, and your understanding of the art of explaining!
.

[perceive]

Just changed over my 800 Sq/ft garage ( machine shop) to led 5000k with out the ballast, got a steal on 20 new fixtures for 85 dollars! I installed 16 fixtures/ two tubes for each fixture. There are no dark areas in the shop now and that's not an under statement! Like your video shows very easy to install and made a big impact on the power bill. Should have done this years ago 😎