BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Mark Beavin on December 16, 2019, 03:12:35 PM

Title: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Mark Beavin on December 16, 2019, 03:12:35 PM
Do the plug and play led florescent bulb really save that much energy since the ballast is still in play? Or is it better to buy LED strips and by pass the ballasts? Inquiring minds want to know!!
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Jerry Emert on December 16, 2019, 03:35:16 PM
I bought some that required me to take the ballast out and rewire the switch.  I returned them and put in the strips.  Very easy install.  Hardest part was drilling out the rivets in the metal mount.  Great improvement in lighting.  Going to finish all of the lights this winter.
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Rayan Poothamby on December 16, 2019, 08:25:40 PM
Hi Jerry,
 I have this on my list to do as well. Would you mind sharing exactly what strips you bought and how you got everything to work. A step by step for dummies. Thanks in advance
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Jerry Emert on December 16, 2019, 11:40:16 PM
I bought these:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rextin-Bright-Counter-cabinet-decoration/dp/B00NFB48R2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rextin+10pcs+Super+Bright+Rigid+Hard+Strip+White+7020+Bar+Light+12v+25CM+18LEDs+for+Counter+Cabinet+Decoration&qid=1576538288&s=hi&sr=1-1

Basically just remove the old light fixture, easy to figure out.  Remove the light sockets and the ballast.  The ballast is hidden under the metal plate in the fixture.  Then wire the LED strips in series with the switch on the end of the fixture.  LED is polarity sensitive so if it doesn't work the first time just switch the leads.  I tried to sacrifice one strip to see what would happen if I wired it backwards and nothing happened. Can't guarantee same for you but 12 VDC is very forgiving and safe unless you touch the hot to ground (neg.)  If you do you will blow a fuse.  Last step pull the glue cover strips off the LEDs and stick to top of fixture. I'll work on something a little more detailed if you need it I'll email it to you.  Let me know. Easy project with a little electrical understanding.  Good luck.
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Rayan Poothamby on December 17, 2019, 06:08:40 PM
Jerry,
 If you don't mind that will be great.
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Rayan Poothamby on December 17, 2019, 09:02:40 PM
Jerry found these instructions. Looks straight forward.
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Jerry Emert on December 17, 2019, 09:18:42 PM
Quote from: Rayan Poothamby on December 17, 2019, 09:02:40 PM
Jerry found these instructions. Looks straight forward.
Sent you a PM.  Call me if you need help.  I'm in Florida.  Have fun.
Jerry
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Mike Shumack on December 18, 2019, 02:58:57 PM
Quote from: Jerry Emert on December 16, 2019, 11:40:16 PM
I bought these:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rextin-Bright-Counter-cabinet-decoration/dp/B00NFB48R2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rextin+10pcs+Super+Bright+Rigid+Hard+Strip+White+7020+Bar+Light+12v+25CM+18LEDs+for+Counter+Cabinet+Decoration&qid=1576538288&s=hi&sr=1-1

Jerry, how long are those LED strips?
Do you use a couple strips per light fixture - or one strip per fixture?
Title: Re: LED plug and play floecent bulbs
Post by: Jerry Emert on December 18, 2019, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: Mike Shumack on December 18, 2019, 02:58:57 PM
Quote from: Jerry Emert on December 16, 2019, 11:40:16 PM
I bought these:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rextin-Bright-Counter-cabinet-decoration/dp/B00NFB48R2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rextin+10pcs+Super+Bright+Rigid+Hard+Strip+White+7020+Bar+Light+12v+25CM+18LEDs+for+Counter+Cabinet+Decoration&qid=1576538288&s=hi&sr=1-1

Jerry, how long are those LED strips?
Do you use a couple strips per light fixture - or one strip per fixture?

Mike, 19.5 inches long.  I used two.  Plenty of bright light!  I put two in one of the bedroom fixtures and my wife complained about it being too bright.  The other one, in the bedroom, will only get one strip.