Upgrade fluorescent to T8?
 

I have a T12 ballast going bad. Is there any reason not to install a T8 ballast instead?

Fwiw, I just had a bad ballast in 48" T8 fixture, it was cheaper to buy a slightly lesser fixture than a new ballast. Have you looked into a new fixture instead?

it is easy, but not a simple plug and play

T12 bulbs are on the way out and T8s are more energy efficient and produce more light. The sockets are the same, so I would do the conversion. Wiring is a bit different, but still simple, follow the schematic on the new ballast and you should be fine.

Rutager

Why not some sort of LED fixture? Less trouble, better light, and less energy use.

LOT MORE UP FRONT COSTS SmileWavy

Look the specs(amps, hertz, watts, etc.) listed on each ballast. They need to be the same or you get overheated ballasts which cause the light to blink off until ballast cools. Incorrect ballasts can also cause light not to turn on at all. Been awhile but I'm thinking you can't interchange.

But it all works out in the end. SmileWavy!