Replacing fluorescent tubes

[john9159]

Hello
I have 6ft fluorescent light fittings in my garage but as tubes are no longer available (other than eBay), can LED tubes be used as direct replacements?
Also, I've read that dummy LED starter is required, is that correct and what specifically is this?
Thank you

 

[pete01]

Its realy easy just to replace the whole fitting,

most people with a bit of know how can do it?

 

[ericmark]

Yes, with a wire wound ballast type you can replace the starter for a special fuse, and simply fit a LED tube. The old ballast absorbs some energy, so you get around 95 lumen per watt and the tube has around half the output of the fluorescent it replaced.

Rewiring the fitting will increase the lumen per watt, from this to this so the ballast is completely removed. As to if this or complete new fitting is best, is down to if bright enough, and if you want a fitting where you can change the tube or one which needs a whole new lamp fitting when it hits end of life.

Whole new fitting in general gives more lumen per watt.