Fluorescent Lamp Question October 15, 2019, 06:15:18 pm I would like to remove one lamp in my two-lamp fixture over my couch and dinette. I believe these two-lamp fixtures use a series ballast rather than parallel ballast, thus when one removes one bulb, the other does not work. Is there a way to make one lamp light? I don't want to switch to LEDs.Chris
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #1 – October 15, 2019, 06:42:04 pm Chris, go ahead and take the plunge. Buy the LED tubes in the color you like and eliminate the ballast. I might be wrong but I don't think you can make the ballast run one tube. They come in a ton of colors these days, I happen to prefer the 28 to 3200 K range, most like something up in the 5000 rangeJon
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #2 – October 15, 2019, 09:52:33 pm Quote from: JonS - October 15, 2019, 06:42:04 pmChris, go ahead and take the plunge. Buy the LED tubes in the color you like and eliminate the ballast. I might be wrong but I don't think you can make the ballast run one tube. They come in a ton of colors these days, I happen to prefer the 28 to 3200 K range, most like something up in the 5000 rangeAre you trying to reduce the amount of light? Or reduce the power consumed? For the same amount of light, LEDs will use less than half the power. So, you could replace the two fluorescent tubes with one LED, if you really want less light, and add the 2nd LED later if you change your mind. Or leave the fluorescent fixture alone, and put in an LED strip fixture.
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #3 – October 15, 2019, 10:49:02 pm "I don't want to switch to LEDs."ChrisWhy would you not want to go the LED route. You'd save battery power and maintain or increase your light output. Forget the 'light strips' and go with LED tubes. In so doing you will eliminate (by-pass) the ballast and reconnect a couple of wires to new locations. It's so simple that I accomplished conversion of all my interior lights and some of the exteriors as well.
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #4 – October 15, 2019, 11:17:23 pm Quote from: JonS - October 15, 2019, 06:42:04 pm I might be wrong but I don't think you can make the ballast run one tube. That's right, the ballast is designed to drive two tubes.If you do not want to convert to LEDs, and was to reduce the amount of light, wrap one tube in aluminum foil and see if that works.LED tubes are easy to install and, IMO, the tubes are more dependable than stick-on strip LEDs. I have had several LED strips fail, with either the strip peels off or develops flickering in part of a strip.Of course, the tubes are much more expensive compared to a 16' roll of LEDs, they do require the ability to solder small wires and a bit of preparation.Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft LED Strip Light, Super Bright, 300 LEDs SMD 5050,...LED Replacement for 18" T8 Tube LightsLarry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #5 – October 15, 2019, 11:30:25 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - October 15, 2019, 10:49:02 pm"I don't want to switch to LEDs."ChrisWhy would you not want to go the LED route. You'd save battery power and maintain or increase your light output. Forget the 'light strips' and go with LED tubes. In so doing you will eliminate (by-pass) the ballast and reconnect a couple of wires to new locations. It's so simple that I accomplished conversion of all my interior lights and some of the exteriors as well. I should have said I don't want to switch to LEDs right now, simply because I'm not getting out that much but plan to later at which time I will consider LEDs. Just didn't want to spend the $ but wanted to cut down on the brightness of the twin lamp fixtures cheaply. I'll probably pop for a single LED replacement lamp in each fixture and leave it at that for now. I did replace the bulb lights, Steve, at your recommendation. LEDs are certainly the way to go.Chris 1 Likes
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #6 – October 16, 2019, 02:15:36 am "I have had several LED strips fail"I've done a number of LED strip conversions, and yes, in a few cases the strips started to come unstuck after a while. They get hot and the adhesive loses its grip. I have to agree that LED tubes are a more expensive but probably more reliable solution.
Re: Fluorescent Lamp Question Reply #7 – October 16, 2019, 07:36:07 am These are the Light tubes I used, we prefer the warmer color closer to the original florescent.(4-Pack) Fulight 12-30V DC ¤ LED F15T8 Tube Light (Rotatable) -18"(17-3/4"...Jon As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Topic: Fluorescent Lamp Question (Read 204 times)
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Topic: Fluorescent Lamp Question (Read 204 times)
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