Fluorescent TO LED Tube Conversion

[Marc14857]

I am trying to convert these (see attached pics) to LED tubes. I have 5 of these fixtures on my H 44 and each fixture uses two (F8T5CW) fluorescent tubes. I know I have to rewire to bypass the ballast to use LEDs but it appears that these units were assembled with pop rivets that I guess I will have to drill out. Before I get started I wanted to know if anyone has successfully done the conversion using these fixtures.

PLEASE IGNORE THE SMALL INCADESCENT BULB IN THE PICTURE AS I DID NOT REALIZE THAT I PUT IT THERE WHEN I TOOK THE PICTURE.

Thanks
Marc

 

[Terry Cox]

Fluorescent Bulbs

Rather than replace the fixtures check out the bulbs from Marine Beam.

http://store.marinebeam.com/led-fluorescents-1/

 

[woodster]

I am trying to convert these (see attached pics) to LED tubes. I have 5 of these fixtures on my H 44 and each fixture uses two (F8T5CW) fluorescent tubes. I know I have to rewire to bypass the ballast to use LEDs but it appears that these units were assembled with pop rivets that I guess I will have to drill out. Before I get started I wanted to know if anyone has successfully done the conversion using these fixtures.

PLEASE IGNORE THE SMALL INCADESCENT BULB IN THE PICTURE AS I DID NOT REALIZE THAT I PUT IT THERE WHEN I TOOK THE PICTURE.

Thanks
Marc

there is a video on this conversion on the marinebeam site that will explain it to you ...just google Marinebeam and open up their site you will find what you are looking for i am sure

....oh and don't make this into rocket science it is really very simple ...just think of the old light fixture as a box you are putting the new stuff in and taking out the old stuff.... just work slow and easy and you will be fine ...the more of this you do the more you will develop that velvet touch with a firm grip kind of control ...good luck and hunting

 

[uncledom]

I have done this already on my H41. Drill out the rivets, disconnect the ballast and remove it. (Weight saving). Rewire the sockets directly to incoming power wires and pop rivet them back in. It's about 10 minutes of work per fixture after you have all your tools in place and have the fixtures in hand. It's about an additional two minutes per fixture to remove and reinstall. You can use a screw gun to take them out but I always suggest to reinstall by hand. Good luck.

 

[Ed Caldwell]

I had almost the same fixture but with one red and one white fluorescent tube and a double throw switch. I replaced with two red LED tubes and added a diode in one circuit so as to have either a lower or higher intensity red light.

If both your lights come on at the same time currently you would have to change the switch to do this.