change fluorescent light fixtures

[ken bauer]

I am so tired of changing florescent tubes in my bathroom fixtures every 2 to 3 months. Can a 120 volt fixture replace these unreliable 12 volt fixtures. As you can tell, I am not an electrical expert just want dependable bathroom lighting.

[Spk64]

I would suggest looking into LED replacements. I swapped all mine out last fall. Brighter, faster startup and less power.
There are several options on how to convert.


I used these and have been happy.
http://www.cabinbright.com/x-factor-...-replacements/

Steve

[Mr_D]

I bought several strips of LED's off Amazon, removed the transformers and rewired the Thinlight fixtures in the '02 DSDP. With the present rig I replaced over 60 halogen lights with LED panels.

[Stuff-Happens]

. . . Owner Steve is VERY helpful; just purchased more fluorescent tube replacements this morning from him M4 Products NOT the lowest price but probably the highest quality!. . .

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by ken bauer

I am so tired of changing florescent tubes in my bathroom fixtures every 2 to 3 months. Can a 120 volt fixture replace these unreliable 12 volt fixtures. As you can tell, I am not an electrical expert just want dependable bathroom lighting.

Ken, No, you can't change to 120 volt lights/fixtures. I took out my florescent tubes and installed LED strips. They should last for years.

[ken bauer]

so 120 replacement fixtures will not work???????

[dons2346]

Are you sure you have 120 volt fixtures? Most likely not.

[Rsponsford]

Originally Posted by ken bauer

so 120 replacement fixtures will not work???????

No, they will not work.


Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[peggwn]

Ditto on M4 Products. They can give you some excellent guidance. Good luck

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Stuff-Happens

. . . Owner Steve is VERY helpful; just purchased more fluorescent tube replacements this morning from him M4 Products NOT the lowest price but probably the highest quality!. . .

X2 on M4.
I just received two more led tubes to replace another burned out ballast. As the fluorescents crap out, I replace them with LED's. They are a little pricey, as are most led's, but they are a direct replacement to the Fluorescent T8 tubes eliminating the ballast. REAL Easy install. Great product.
And unlike some other LED products, these are not polarity sensitive.

[nodine]

Originally Posted by ken bauer

so 120 replacement fixtures will not work???????

Ken,

You need to do as others have stated and convert to LED. Your comments make me think you should seek out the help of a friend or relative who has some experience with 12 volt electrical systems such as automobiles. The conversion is simple but you do need to understand polarity.

Bob

[ronjhall]

I replaced all my florescent tubes several years ago. Could not be happier.
Here is a link to how to do the upgrade.
Inexpensive Fluorescent to LED Upgrade

[jacwjames]

I converted my fluorescent lights to LED. I purchased a couple rolls off ebay.

I removed a couple lights at a time and I stripped out the guts of the old light and took the time to clean really good. Also sealed up the openings in the ceiling with tape as there seemed to be a lot of dirt that had accumulated within the cavity.

I wanted some flexibility as to how much light so I added a 2nd switch on the light. I installed 3 strips of LED, wired 2 to the original switch and 1 to the new switch. Now I have the ability to have 1, 2, or 3 strips lite at any time or all off. Provides lots of light and flexibility.

Above my kitchen sink I actually had 2 assemblies hidden under a decorative cover. I actually removed both assemblies and used a piece of plexiglass the right size and spaced 6 strips across. With the cover you can't tell the difference and it saved on some weight.

Total cost was ~$90. Have not had one LED strip fail in ~5 years.

[dmastroluca]

Here is a link to the thread for my $11 per fixture LED conversion.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/fluo...re-281323.html