If you currently are using standard fluorescent lights you may be thinking about going to LED. You could buy all new light fixtures and go through all the trouble of tearing out the old and installing the new. However, it may be much easier to do a “retro fit”. In fact, you can buy everything you need to change your fluorescent T-8 system to a new system with LED lampholders, and it may be easier than you think.
Start by Killing Power
The first step involves killing power to the circuit. It is not a good idea to simply turn off the light switch. Although this will work, it is too easy to accidentally turn the switch on and you could be dealing with a serious shock hazard. Instead, turn off the circuit breaker and leave a note on the box stating you are working on the lights.
Safety First
You should be wearing safety glasses or goggles when you do this job. If a light bulb were to break you could end up with glass in your eyes and this can turn into a major problem.
Take Out the Old Bulbs
Be careful removing the old bulbs and twist them until they loosen. Make sure to properly dispose of the bulbs and they may be considered hazardous materials in your city, so you may need to take them to an authorized disposal place.
Take Out the Ballast
Your old system required a ballast to step up the voltage but this will not be needed in your new system. First remove the ballast cover and take out the ballast. Next disconnect the ballast wires and wire past the ballast unit.
Check the Sockets
Depending on the kind of retrofit you do, you may need to replace the sockets with new LED lampholders. For example, new LED tubes with internal drivers must have un-shunted sockets and chances are your old sockets are shunted. Check across the pin connectors for continuity or resistance. If there is resistance, the socket is shunted. If the shunt is external it is not hard to rewire. However, many sockets have internal shunts and it is easier to replace the sockets with un-shunted ones.
After replacing the sockets and rewiring, install the new bulbs and turn on the power. Essentially, you are running house current to the new LED lampholders because there is no need for a driver or ballast. If you think this job is too much for you, do not attempt it and contact a qualified electrician.
When you need new LED lampholders, go to H. H. Fluorescents. They carry all kinds of parts and materials for your fluorescent lighting needs.
