Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Topic: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes... (Read 1793 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Input on 2013 changes...

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

March 06, 2017, 10:27:22 pm

Quote from: Larry Wade - January 08, 2017, 12:14:43 pm

LED replacement lights are widely available and now inexpensive. With a little research, you can do a lot better than what LD supplies. I'm not impressed with the Factory lights, preferring aftermarket LED lights...better colors and light output.

Hi Larry, I don't mean to hijack this thread, but this is something I am looking to do on my current trip, and I was hoping for a primer on what to order and perhaps on installation tips. Do you have a pointer to what you would recommend? We are looking to replace all fluorescents and incandescent inside our 2000 MB coach.

Thanks (and sorry for the hijack).

S-

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #1 – March 07, 2017, 03:18:44 am

The interior incandescent light fixtures use an 1156 bulb. Googling â€œ1156 LED whiteâ€ will provide hundreds of choices.
The two important specs to look for are the color temperature and lumen output.
Make sure to specify a â€œwhiteâ€ color, not red, 1156 bulbs are also used in car tail lights
The desirable color temperatures range from 2700K to 4000K. 2700K bulbs produce a yellow, incandescent-type light. 4000K is whiter, closer to daylight.
No recommendations on any particular brand, not having bought any of them in several years.

The overhead fluorescents have choices for conversion to LEDs.
All require some electrical work ranging from easy to more involved projects that require soldering small wires.

The simplest I have tried are the Starlights T-8 tube replacements.
They fit in the original tube holders and require disconnecing the ballast and wiring directly to the power switch and ground.
Wire nuts or taped splices can be used instead of soldering.
   Starlights T8-18 18-Inch Fluorescent Tube LED Replacement
Amazon.com: Starlights T8-18 18-Inch Fluorescent Tube LED Replacement with...

The Cabin Bright bulbs are pre-wired LED trip that stick to the fixtures reflector, after the fluorescent tubes are removed.
They also wire the same way as the Starlights.
   Cabin Bright - 15-18 Inch 12 Volt LED SINGLE Fluorescent Tube Replacement
Amazon.com: Cabin Bright - 15-18 Inch 12 Volt LED SINGLE Fluorescent Tube...

While the pre-wired replacements above are easy to wire, they are expensive.
A much cheaper way to replace the fluorescent tubes is to use LEDs on a 15â€™ strip.
You cut off the desired length in 2â€ sections and solder wire to the ends or use a snap-on connector.
Strips of different temperature LEDs can mixed to provide your desired light color.
Here is a U-Tube video showing the basics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAMPQrAu0aI

Below is a link to the last rolls of LEDs I purchased, one roll of the 2700K and one of the 3200K, for mixing.
   Flexible LED Light Strip with 300xSMD3528 and Adhesive Back, 12 Volt, Neutral White
Amazon.com: LEDMO 5630 Flexible Led Strip, Daylight 300pcs SMD 5630LEDs... are the end connectors used. Cut each one in half.
   LED Light Strip Connector Adapter Cable
SoundOriginal 8mm SMD3528 Any Angle LED Light Strip Connector Adapter Cable...

See the LD Companion for information on LEDs.
The Lazy Daze Companion: LED Lights
Searching the forumâ€™s archives will also provide lots of information on what other members have done.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #2 – March 07, 2017, 01:02:51 pm

I used Cabin Bright for almost all my replacements over two years ago. Not the cheapest but I have had no failures. At that time the pricing per strip for the fluorescent tube strip replacements made it a bit cheaper to order two or three of the same color temp as a set intended for one fixture. I put either one or two strips per fixture. I think two strips are supposed to be brighter than the original fluorescent tubes, so no need for three unless you want very bright light. On the ones I put two strips in I put a warm strip with a dimmer and a bright strip using the original on/off switch. Cabin Bright's dimmers are about $30 (Joe at Cabin Bright told me they don't even mark them up much) , but they are small enough to install in the fluorescent fixtures and have worked well.

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #3 – March 19, 2017, 07:30:46 pm

Thanks Larry and Jay for the responses to my query.

I think it may be time for me to order some of the materials.

S-

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #4 – March 28, 2018, 04:48:45 pm

We would like to change over our interior fluorescent lights to LED. Seems there is a numerical range of LED numbers that denote the quality/brightness of the LEDs, from say 2500 to 6400 or so.
Two questions: Does anyone know what number the factory installs in new models; and for those of you replacing older model fluorescents from M4 and other sources, what number have you found to be satisfactory?
We had 6000 in a Class A and it was bright and garish to us; we’re looking for a softer lighting but yet something our older eyes can read by.
Many thanks!!
Bob

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #5 – March 28, 2018, 04:55:11 pm

A color of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin falls in the range of 'warm white'. Do a search for a light color temperature chart.

Steve

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #6 – March 28, 2018, 05:08:24 pm

I am aware of that designation of warm white for that numerical range, but is that really adequate for comfortable reading, Steve?
Thanks!!!

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #7 – March 28, 2018, 05:14:25 pm

"...what number have you found to be satisfactory?"

I have just recently completed a total conversion to LED. Need any spare bulbs?

All of my new LED lights are "Natural White - 4500K" and I couldn't be more pleased. They provide much more light than the old ones and they don't have that warm shade of the incandescent, nor the cold blue appearance of the "Cool" types.

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #8 – March 28, 2018, 05:30:28 pm

The 4400-4500K is pretty much is what the M4 site recommends for “aging eyes”. I’m glad to know you are satisfied with that. When Jirah installed the 6000K in our class A (WAY too bright!!!) fluorescent fixtures they used light strips. You mention bulbs. For different fixtures?

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #9 – March 28, 2018, 05:36:38 pm

LED color or temperature is an individual thing, some like a warm color, in the 2700-3000K range, others like a cooler color, 4000-6000K.
I suggest buying a bulb or two in the various colors and see what your preference is.
Today's new LDs come with very cool colors, much bluer than my preference.
I prefer a warm color in the lounge area and a little cooler, whiter light, for the kitchen.
You can also mix colors, having more than one color in an area, using the one the suits you at the time.

Larry

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #10 – March 28, 2018, 05:46:30 pm

People in their 60s generally need at least three times more light for reading or doing 'tasks' than those in their 20s.

Few, if any, statistics on light requirements are available for those in their 70s and 80s; that may mean that the only recourse for some of us is to sit on an airport runway when attempting a task requiring 'adequate ambient light'.

YMMV.

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #11 – March 28, 2018, 05:48:36 pm

Again the mention of bulbs. We have Lazy Daze installed LED spots with bulbs in our 2007 (color unknown) but are looking to convert the overhead fluorescents. Am I correct in saying that will require LED strips? Is a 4400K pretty consistent in color with bulbs and strips? Is there a conversion fixture that replaces fluorescent with LED bulbs?

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #12 – March 28, 2018, 05:48:59 pm

Quote from: mysrlb - March 28, 2018, 05:08:24 pm

I am aware of that designation of warm white for that numerical range, but is that really adequate for comfortable reading, Steve?
Thanks!!!

It is what we use at home, so we are very used to it and prefer it. It most resembles incandescent bulb color. However, the cooler (bluer) colors typically put out a few more lumens for the same current consumption. We have a pair of bulbs for reading that are about 4k Kelvin, and the light is nice for reading, but the general illumination they provide in the rig I find unpleasant aesthetically. Our other similar pair of reading lights are warm white, and they are just fine for reading too, while being more pleasant overall.

Steve

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #13 – March 28, 2018, 05:54:18 pm

"... they used light strips. You mention bulbs. For different fixtures?"

My conversion project had a long evolution... did I mention procrastination? At the beginning I bought a set of 'light strips' from Cabin Bright. By the time I got things moving I had done a lot more research. That's when I discovered M4 Products and their Tube Lights.

Since I had one set of 'light strips' I decided to use them. Unfortunately while working with them one of the connection wires broke free from the strip. Rather than trying to solder that delicate connection I ordered another set from Cabin Bright.

So, I now have one fixture that utilizes light strips and seven other fixtures that have M4's Tube Lights in Natural White. Can I see a difference between the two types? Not really, but then I don't know what color temp the strip lights are!

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #14 – March 28, 2018, 06:18:57 pm

Quote from: mysrlb - March 28, 2018, 04:48:45 pm

We would like to change over our interior fluorescent lights to LED. Seems there is a numerical range of LED numbers that denote the quality/brightness of the LEDs, from say 2500 to 6400 or so.
Two questions: Does anyone know what number the factory installs in new models; and for those of you replacing older model fluorescents from M4 and other sources, what number have you found to be satisfactory?
We had 6000 in a Class A and it was bright and garish to us; we’re looking for a softer lighting but yet something our older eyes can read by.
Many thanks!!
Bob

Bob, what year and model LD do you have?

Chris

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #15 – March 28, 2018, 06:30:40 pm

2007 Mid Bath, Rear Bedroom/Living Room. Just drove her home!!!!

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #16 – March 28, 2018, 06:33:07 pm

So am I hearing that the fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with LED bulbs? Any modifications needed other than eliminating the ballast?

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #17 – March 28, 2018, 07:32:38 pm

Quote from: mysrlb - March 28, 2018, 06:33:07 pm

So am I hearing that the fluorescent bulbs can be replaced with LED bulbs? Any modifications needed other than eliminating the ballast?

Yes, that's it, just bypass the ballast .
The disconnected ballast can be removed or left in place.

Larry

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #18 – March 28, 2018, 07:39:47 pm

Congrats, mysrlb Whooo Hooo! 👍🐯🎉

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #19 – March 28, 2018, 07:59:13 pm

Thanks, Tiger!!! Our second LD, our first was a ‘97 26’ Island Bed, after 5 years bought a diesel pusher, now going back to our roots and happy to be doing so.
And a huge thank you to all who have been so generous with your knowledge!!! Such a tremendous help!!!
Happy Trails to all!!!!
Bob

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #20 – March 28, 2018, 08:07:51 pm

"Any modifications needed other than eliminating the ballast?"

The various kits come with explicit instructions. All that is required is to re-wire the fixture so that one end is wired + and the opposite end neg. Pop in the LED tube, which may be polarity sensitive, and you're good to go!

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #21 – March 28, 2018, 08:13:26 pm

Congrats, I had a 1991 SP-36 Bluebird Wanderlodge for 10 years and found it way too complex, maintenance took too much time and money, for the little we used it, we enjoyed it, glad it’s gone.

What kind of diesel pusher did you have? What did you miss not having a LD?

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #22 – March 29, 2018, 02:53:23 am

I converted the main two florescent fixtures in the ceiling with Nighthawk LED strips. At 6000K they are too blue and garish. I plan to install a switch in each fixture to turn off one of the two strips, most of the time. Full brightness would only be used to do spill cleanup or some such task needing really bright lighting. My other 5 florescent fixtures are 4500K M4. (T8-120-3528-18 NW [Natural White] @4500K) bulbs. The bulb is only half white emitting LED's, the back half is aluminum heat sink. It can be turned in the socket so the LED's point down. With the diffuser plastic in place they are nearly indistinguishable from the florescent bulbs. Those bulbs in the 'cool white' are a good match for the 4500K. When re-wiring the fixture, the LED 'bulbs' are polarity insensitive. They will work either way.+12v on one end and ground on the other. Not cheap at about $55 per pair, but they work really well. HTHelps RonB

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #23 – March 29, 2018, 06:28:38 pm

Quote from: mysrlb - March 28, 2018, 05:08:24 pm

I am aware of that designation of warm white for that numerical range, but is that really adequate for comfortable reading,

Degrees Kelvin describes the warmth or coolness of the light. 2700-3000K will be similar to incandescent or halogen lighting. higher than 5000 will be more like fluorescent/cool white.

Lumens describes how bright the light is. More lumens = brighter. More lumens also usually means more wattage.

CRI is color rendering index - how "true" colors will appear. Higher is truer.

Personally, we always went with 2700-3000k, 1 watt or higher CREE (the manufacturer of the LED itself, not the whole bulb - kind of like Intel makes processors that are used in many PC brands), 120+ lumens, high CRI (90 or higher) LEDs in a puck light.

Re: Replacing Fluorescent tubes with LED tubes...

Reply #24 – March 30, 2018, 03:40:44 pm

Speaking of LED conversion. I have removed all (but the kitchen) florescent lights from my LD. Does anybody need spare tubes or ballasts. Just pay for a box and shipping and they are yours.

Bob

Log in

Lazy Daze Owners' Group

March 06, 2017, 10:27:22 pm

Reply #1 – March 07, 2017, 03:18:44 am

Reply #2 – March 07, 2017, 01:02:51 pm

Reply #3 – March 19, 2017, 07:30:46 pm

Reply #4 – March 28, 2018, 04:48:45 pm

Reply #5 – March 28, 2018, 04:55:11 pm

Reply #6 – March 28, 2018, 05:08:24 pm

Reply #7 – March 28, 2018, 05:14:25 pm

Reply #8 – March 28, 2018, 05:30:28 pm

Reply #9 – March 28, 2018, 05:36:38 pm

Reply #10 – March 28, 2018, 05:46:30 pm

Reply #11 – March 28, 2018, 05:48:36 pm

Reply #12 – March 28, 2018, 05:48:59 pm

Reply #13 – March 28, 2018, 05:54:18 pm

Reply #14 – March 28, 2018, 06:18:57 pm

Reply #15 – March 28, 2018, 06:30:40 pm

Reply #16 – March 28, 2018, 06:33:07 pm

Reply #17 – March 28, 2018, 07:32:38 pm

Reply #18 – March 28, 2018, 07:39:47 pm

Reply #19 – March 28, 2018, 07:59:13 pm

Reply #20 – March 28, 2018, 08:07:51 pm

Reply #21 – March 28, 2018, 08:13:26 pm

Reply #22 – March 29, 2018, 02:53:23 am

Reply #23 – March 29, 2018, 06:28:38 pm

Reply #24 – March 30, 2018, 03:40:44 pm

Affiliate Notice