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Topic: Another LED Light Conversion (Read 1360 times) previous topic - next topic

Another LED Light Conversion

Here are some pics of the LED conversion for some of our fluorescent lights.  We only converted the two we use the most... one over the kitchen counter and the other over the dinette.  We had them done in Quartzsite by Len Bunts (rvspspecialthings.com).  The cost was $50 per fixture, including the installation of the LEDs.  I suspect he only does the conversion for free at shows.  It would be an easy do-it-yourself install....just solder two wires to each array as shown.  The 30 LED arrays come with wires attached, so one could just butt connect them to longer wires.  Polarity is not an issue, so either can be connected to either pos or neg.  Len seems like a very honest guy (in contrast to some of the sales people at the RV show in Quartzsite!).  The lights are the warm white, but are at least as bright as the original fluorescent tube lights.  The color is a bit warmer too.  We like them.  Tip for removing the fluorescent lens.... carefully pull down from the center of the end.  Trying to push in from the side can result in a broken lens!

Re: Another LED Light Conversion

Reply #1 –
Neat conversion... do you have any source for the array? I did a quick search and nothing comes up that looks anything like those.

Craig

Re: Another LED Light Conversion

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
Neat conversion... do you have any source for the array? I did a quick search and nothing comes up that looks anything like those.
Craig, the Quartzsite vendor has a website (he's out of Tempe, AZ), so you can order here:  http://www.rvspecialthings.com/LEDlights.html

Also, here's a source for the Thin-lite diffuser lens: 22 Thinlite Replacement Lens - Diffusers  I just ordered a replacement for the broken lens George mentioned.  I've ordered from this vendor before (when we had a cracked lens in the Airstream).  Our particular model (two-tube fixture over the sink in our 2003 U295 3610) is the 736 series - the diffuser was $10 and the shipping $8.25.  FYI, the model number is printed on a sticker on the back side of the fixture.

I use the dinette both for my laptop and for knitting, and I can attest to the fact that the warm white array produced a very good light for close work.  And it is most definitely not the "sterile" light produced by a cool white fixture.

Re: Another LED Light Conversion

Reply #3 –
I have what appear to be the same LED array installed in my porch light fixture.  I bought them on eBay a couple of years ago, but don't remember the price.  Although the two square light panels under the lens look different, I am very satisfied with the light and the longevity (so far, but longer-lived than the fluorescent ballasts)
 

Re: Another LED Light Conversion

Reply #4 –
I've just replaced the U-shaped ceiling bulb with a T8 (18") fluorescent with a T8 LED replacement{6.7W & 500 lumens}. The ballast is no longer needed. My goal is primarily to get brighter, but the low energy and high longevity of the LED is a bonus. It seems the switch has made little improvement, so I plan to add another LED like the first. (another $43.99) WE'll see what results we get. There is probably enough room for 4 of the replacement LED tubes.They're shaped just like a T8.    to be continued------Dick Lokar