T10 Flourescent conversion to LED

**KK20** · 18-04-2018, 17:55

Has anyone done this? Is it worth it?

Before I change 40 units I thought I will ask here.
I am told that energy savings is considerable.
It is cooler.
Each tube lasts longer.

Will appreciate feedback.

**Greekboi95** · 18-04-2018, 18:37

It is definitely worth it and will last you longer guaranteed. The only mission is to disconnect the ballast and starter to convert the fitting to 220v.

Have a look as well at purification fixtures. They are complete with the fitting and LED's built in which is also a way to go.

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**Greekboi95** · 18-04-2018, 18:43

Here is an example of the purification fixture. PM me if you need more info on the tubes or the fixtures.

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**KK20** · 18-04-2018, 18:44

Originally Posted by Greekboi95

It is definitely worth it and will last you longer guaranteed. The only mission is to disconnect the ballast and starter to convert the fitting to 220v.

Have a look as well at purification fixtures. They are complete with the fitting and LED's built in which is also a way to go.

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Much more expensive though x40 will be a strain strain right now.

pm inbound

**pre 64** · 18-04-2018, 19:00

KK...I am not trying to answer your question as a lighting expert but only as an electrical contractor who has been around the block a couple of times.

LED technology is improving at a tremendous rate and savings in energy in a lighting envirement can be tremendous if used in the correct application. But,even with new technology becoming available on a monthly basis the common old flourescent tube is still a very efficient overall light source.
Your T10 designation only refers to the size of the lamp in diameter and not the output in watts which would make it easier to determine actual savings when changing to a low output LED light in tube form.
The only way to determine the light level of your existing installation would be to take certain info to a lighting specialist who will,on a computer program,work out where you are now. For example,you say you have 40 units that need retrofitting.What is their use and are you happy with the result? Any light supplier should be able to do this for you.

A typical warehouse used for general storage requires less light than that used in an office envirement,which has a set minimum required by law as to a certain minimum lumen level at desk height.

Info that you will need to supply is usage,area size,height of lights,ceiling colour and whether or not the current flourescents are fitted with diffusers or not.

The potential is there. Maybe if you have a smaller area with say 4 units then do them and see if you are happy with the results.

**pre 64** · 18-04-2018, 19:07

Greekboi...Ja,KK would probarbly need a contracter to bypass starters and or ballast to operate the LED's straight off 220v but the lampholders should be the same.

Difficult to give advice without knowing what the existing fittings are.They may be anything from suspended 5ft double tube open channel fittings in a warehouse to recessed 3 tube 4ft fittings in an office envirement.

**Greekboi95** · 18-04-2018, 19:14

Originally Posted by pre 64

Greekboi...Ja,KK would probarbly need a contracter to bypass starters and or ballast to operate the LED's straight off 220v but the lampholders should be the same.

Difficult to give advice without knowing what the existing fittings are.They may be anything from suspended 5ft double tube open channel fittings in a warehouse to recessed 3 tube 4ft fittings in an office envirement.

Hi pre64, you are correct indeed, I'm also not any expert or anything but what would a contractor roughly charge for a job like that, just to do the conversions?

True, the OP will have to address that to give more input.

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**pre 64** · 18-04-2018, 19:23

Hi Greekboi...Difficult to give a price. If it is a straight retrofit with a simple by-pass of control gear and lamp swop you could maybe work on an hours labour per 10 units.

Obviusly complications normally manifest themselves,such as...existing fittings are old 6 or 8ft fittings so the whole thing must be changed,you may only be able to work in certain areas after hours ...some lights may need to be added or the layout changed for most efficient options.

Anyway...I think i am too far from KK to be of much help.

**Maroelas** · 18-04-2018, 19:38

KK, I have started replacing my fluorescents with Brightstar Led tubes. Get them at Chamberlain'. They are R120 per globe. Comes with a little replacement unit for the starter. No re-wiring required. Cheaper than the Osram Substitube which was R200 per unit (but haven't found them in ages).

**KK20** · 18-04-2018, 19:43

pre 64
I did not mention it in the OP but an assessment will be done to adjust lighting in the various sectors ( some need more some far less).
They 55w.