LED Tube Question

[Skillet]

Ok, need a person with more understanding than I to answer this:
Of these 2 web pages which bulb do I really want? I understand a ballast isn't needed btw. M4 says it comes with a driver for "longer life". Is the EverSale one just plug in and go?
http://www.m4products.com/t5-tube-cw-co ... d_search=0
http://www.eversale.com/catalog2_1/prod ... 0vdc-p-299

I have T5 and T8 bulbs in mine.

[Blue~Go]

I'm not sure I totally understand the Eversale one, as the instruction sheet says it's for converting a 110 fixture (but to low voltage). Maybe it's fine, but I just don't know.

I think out of those two I'd go with the other one. I converted my fixtures to similar bulbs but from Marine Beam, and they have some sort of provision (a chipset in their case) to offset what can apparently be an issue from voltage fluctuations you typically get with "12 volt" systems. I think that's what the additional piece the first bulbs have is for (?).

One note is that the first bulb is 6000k (light temperature). That is going to be "really white" in a cold or bluish way. I have bulbs that are around 3000k, and that's more warm, like an incandescent light. The 4000k or so will be brighter white, but not as cold/bluish as the 6000k I just wasn't sure if you knew this - maybe you like the 6000k.

I almost hesitated to reply, as I've done a grand total of three conversions, so take that into account. BTW, I wrote that up here, starting about the fourth post:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5&hilit=led+marine+beam

[Skillet]

I'll listen to what you have to say. You've done it 3 more times than I have! I might send an email to EverSale to ask what that bulb's all about.
I thought about getting a warmer bulb but didn't know if the cover on the fixture would reduce the light even further. That's why I was looking at something brighter or bluer. If it doesn't make a difference I'll get the warmer bulb.

[Blue~Go]

The 12" bulbs I got put out 325 lumens each, and are rated at 2950k (warm white). I really like the warmer color, but they also make a 4100k bulb, and a 6150k bulb that is 560 lumens (presume the 4100k is in the middle, lumens-wise).

For comparison, Thin-Lite lists the original 12" flourescent fixture as putting out 800 lumens (which I believe means 400 lumens per bulb).

Anyway, I adapted the Thin Lite fixture over the kitchen sink so it would accept the new tubes (removed ballast, etc.) and then found that with two bulbs in it was REALLY REALLY BRIGHT. Even too bright, to my mind. This worked out well as the bulbs were not cheap, and I was able to take the second bulb and convert the hallway light to run another single bulb (which is also 12" long on my rig). Bonus! I could still run them with two bulbs just by putting a second one in, no wiring change.

Side bonus is that with only the one LED tube, the 12" fixtures use .35 amps instead of .7 with two tubes

I've had them in close to a year, and still like the one, 2950k bulb in those locations. Those are the two Thin Lite fixtures I use most, so not sure if or when I will do any of the others. I have my sights set on the stove hood bulb and the bathroom light next.

[Skillet]

I believe you mentioned that you used only 1 bulb per fixture in older post and that's a great $ savings. Before I go all out I'll order half and just do 1 each as well and see if I like it. I think you just saved me some dollars!

[Skillet]

Blue: You still happy with your lights? I'm starting to look at the bulb replacement now and wanted to see if you would do anything different. Or if anyone else has replaced their fluorescents with LED's and would like to add to the discussion before I spend a some money.

[Blue~Go]

I am happy with them still (and still only using one tube per fixture). I can't remember if I mentioned it up-thread, but after I had had mine for awhile they made this little high pitched hum. Most people I asked to listen to it couldn't hear it, but I could, and I also was able to measure it. I contacted Marine Beam and they sent me replacements. Same great light quality and NO hum!

I would consider other alternatives though - I mean not that I'm not happy, but I mean there are alternatives. Cheap LED strips combined in a fixture, other replacement tubes, completely different fixtures, etc.

I did try one set of LED strips (eBay ones a friend had) and I didn't like the light quality as much. They were much less expensive though, and it's a matter of taste.

[caconcourse]

Blue: You still happy with your lights? I'm starting to look at the bulb replacement now and wanted to see if you would do anything different. Or if anyone else has replaced their fluorescents with LED's and would like to add to the discussion before I spend a some money.

I replaced my main fluorescents with LED strips, and it was really cheap and easy. Here is what I bought:

16 foot reel of LEDs:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSF ... ge_o05_s00

Jumper cables:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJB ... ailpages00

I used my crimper to connect the jumper cables to the 12V light cables in the fixture. You just cut the strips, add jumper, and stick the strip to the fixture (self-adhesive). Then cut the ballast wires and connect the jumper wires directly to the 12V. There are several you-tube videos showing how to di it. Total cost about $20. I did the two ceiling fixtures I use the most, but I have enough parts to do them all later if I want to.

One more picture of the completed assembly coming.

Clay

[caconcourse]

One more picture of the completed assembly.

Clay

[HoosierB]

Clay,
I'm going to attempt this mod for my Thin-Lite ceiling lights and ordered the LED strip lights and connectors from Amazon per your post. After some consideration, I decided to try this "cheap route" to see if it will work for me. If not, will spend $$$ for the LED tubes. Could you provide more detail and possibly better pics or diagram of the "wire modifications and connections"? Thanks!