Seems like a remember a post from a while back that addressed replacing the interior ceiling florescent lights with LEDs. I'm not finding anything using the search (I'm sure this is operator error) Has anyone done this project? Would really appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dave Abel dave_abel74@yahoo.com
'00 U320 36'
I have ordered one of these to see how they work. They can be cut in length.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230542715688&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230542715688&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)
Tom,
Looks really good. Can't wait to hear your report. 100,000 hour life. Incredible. I bet they are much cheaper in 100' rolls.
The first place I want to try is in the patio light over the entry door. My second ballast just burned out in two years, and I don't want to replace a third one next year.
Hi Tom,
Yes, I ordered one too; we'll see how they look. Thanks for the information.
Jim Frerichs 2002 U320
Howdy Tom,
Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to order one and give it a try.
Dave Abel
Dave,
My 1st post so bear with me...
I have replaced ALL my florescent tubes with LED tubes of identical dimension.
These tubes have 3 rows of LEDS giving 180 degree light spread. I've replaced all bulbs and wall fixtures with latest bulb consisting of 5 rows of three LEDS each.
So simple, throw the ballast away, you simply connect the two wires together, the positive and negative wires.
If you need any additional bulbs or bulb holder sockets, they can be found in hardware stores.
I can send photos (when I figure out how) of the installations.
Remember, I can have ten lights burning using no more current than one standard light.
Or to put it another way...standard light 10% of the current makes light, 90% makes heat.
LED, 90% makes light, 10% makes heat.
Any questions, please ask.
Gordy, please tells us the source of these bulbs and approximate costs.
Gordy,
I just gave your Karma a boost for a really informative first post. I look forward to seeing photos.
Gordy, can you provide a link to your LED supplier?
George, my Karma is running slow too.
Tom,
I am intrigued at your idea to use these LEDs for a porch light. I look forward to reading about your results.
And, I just kicked up your Karma a notch. Now, let's see some photos and description when you complete this project.
LEDs:
First post I miss spoke...
"if you need bulbs or bulb holder sockets" this SHOULD read
If you need bulb holder sockets, you can get them at hardware stores.
My source for the bulbs was the Chinese guy in the LED booth at
the Arizona Market Place in Yuma, AZ.
At first, I bought a few LED strips and they were quite expensive.
When I found out the advantages of LEDs, I went back and bought a few of the florescent replacement bulbs, they also were expensive.
After I decided to do my entire coach, the price was virtually cut in half, per bulb.
I can't give exact price at this time, but all bulbs in coach and bays came to less than $900.
I would have to go back and find all of our receipts for the exact cost.
still working on the photography part.....
Price, Wattage, Candlepower.
I am curious about the effect on the eyes. I used to have all the office coolwhite fluorescent bulbs replaced with daylight fluorescent bulbs. Colors were brighter, more natural and people tended to have fewer headaches from this more natural light, especially when having to do a lot of work where they would normally encounter eyestrain.
LEDs last longer but are they easier on the eyes? Or just a fad? Or just a way to remove one problem that keeps repeating itself?
The warm white LEDs are going to have a color temperature (and color rendering index) close to halogen and incandescent, so that should be better than some fluorescents (the bulbs in the eBay listing mentioned are warm white).
A side benefit will be for any A/V equipment IR "eyes". Some fluorescent ballasts can output noise in the same frequency range as the IR receiver is designed to respond, interfering with remote control signals. We see that here in the S&B with our dimmable CF recessed can lights - can't operate the TV until the CFs are fully warmed up (about a minute or so).
Michelle
Unless one boondocks a LOT or is a dedicated "GREENIE", the cost and effort, of going to "All LED" will probably NOT come out too good in your "Cost/Benefit" analysis.
If you DO boondock a lot, the price becomes immaterial, as long as you can afford it. Boondockers usually live off solar panels and batteries and having lights on in the evening (especially in winter) drawing only ten percent of normal wattage, is a GREAT benefit.
If you are always plugged into the grid then, you probably won't notice much change.
Instead of using our "installed" CRT TV set, we now use our notebook computers for TV/Video viewing.
I am currently waiting in vain for somebody to put an 8KW propane fuel cell out on the market so I can have immediate, quiet, power for electrics, and hot water as a by product. Someday, maybe.
I just hate other peoples generators..............
Regards,
Howdy Gordy,
Thanks for the very informative post. I'm very interested in what LED tubes you used for the replacements. Did your fixtures use 24" or 18" tubes?? All my light fixtures use 18" tubes. I can find 24" LED replacement tubes , but having trouble locating 18". Any information you dig up, would be greatly appreciated.
Dave Abel