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Topic: Re: LED conversion of fluorescents (Read 151 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: LED conversion of fluorescents
I began a project back before last Christmas (2017) and with fits and starts, delay and interruptions I have now completed what I started out to accomplish, the total conversion of all light fixtures, florescent and incandescent to LEDs.

Part of the process was determining a supplier for the materials. Since I had long had on hand a kit of 18" 'strip lights' I started there. It wasn't long before I discovered that strip lights were NOT the way to go. One of the input connections broke, a wire of such small gauge that even I hesitated to make a repair even though I've spent years with a soldering pencil in my hands.  :(  I had to order another kit just to finish that one fixture.

Enter M4 Products! The remaining six fluorescents and ten incandescents were converted to LED with the materials purchased from this fine company. Yes, they are a bit more pricy but the convenience was worth every cent. I particularly like their 'Tube Lights'.  Check out the web-site for tons of information.

I still have an aftermarket 12" fluorescent and the four lower exterior marker lights on my to-do list but that's nearly a done deal.  ;)

M4 Products
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Re: LED conversion of fluorescents
Reply #1 –
Steve, note that although I soldered wires in my original installation, pigtailed connectors to connect to the end of the strips are available, and many have used those. More work for sure than plug-in tubes, but also more flexibility in getting the right amount of illumination for minimal power consumption. As a side benefit, after the fluorescent conversions, I used the copious amount of leftover LED strip to make several small cabinet lights that come on when opening the doors. I have these in two closets, kitchen cupboards, and outside compartments. AND enough leftover yet to make a tube to hang outside when I barbecue next to the rig after dark...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Re: LED conversion of fluorescents
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Steve, note that although I soldered wires in my original installation, pigtailed connectors to connect to the end of the strips are available, and many have used those. More work for sure than plug-in tubes, but also more flexibility in getting the right amount of illumination for minimal power consumption. As a side benefit, after the fluorescent conversions, I used the copious amount of leftover LED strip to make several small cabinet lights that come on when opening the doors. I have these in two closets, kitchen cupboards, and outside compartments. AND enough leftover yet to make a tube to hang outside when I barbecue next to the rig after dark...

On thing Steve forgot to mention was how cheap it is to use strip LEDs.
They come on 15' rolls, one roll being enough to do all the fluorescents and still have some left over.
The wiring plugs or clips, Steve mentioned. eliminate soldering, allowing more of us to use this method.
LEDs on-a-roll come in many colors, the possible uses are endless.
LED Roll | eBay
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Re: LED conversion of fluorescents
Reply #3 –
I’m looking for some outdoor lighting in the form of LED lanterns. Are there any of you that have found any lanterns that you are particularly enameled with? I’m thinking recharchargeable, high lumin, adjustable brightness and not breaking the bank. Not some throwaway $10 thing.
Dale from Downey.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.