Upgrade fluorescent to T8?

[Aggie93]

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

[Neilk]

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?

[carambola]

it is easy, but not a simple plug and play

[rwest]

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

[porsche4life]

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

[nota]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

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

LOT MORE UP FRONT COSTS

[manbridge 74]

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.

[porsche4life]

Quote de porsche4life

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

LOT MORE UP FRONT COSTS

But it all works out in the end. !