Converting Traditional Fluorescent Fixtures using Double-Ended LED Bulbs
Suggested tools:
A stable step ladder (generally 6-8 feet tall for lower ceilings, taller for high ceilings)
A wire cutter and a wire stripper
A headlamp for light
Possibly – a nut driver (about ¼ inch size) and screw drivers
Consider – safety glasses and tight fitting work gloves
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Be sure electrical power is off
Step 2: Open the fixture and carefully remove the old bulbs by rotating (if stubborn, they can shatter – be careful and consider wearing gloves). Set aside for recycling.
Step 2: Remove the center metal cover (generally by pinching it), revealing the wires and ballast
Step 3: Cut the wires as they enter and leave the ballast. Remove the ballast for recycling (often requires a ¼ inch nut)
Step 5: Strip about ¾ inches of insulation from all the cut wire ends
Step 6: Twist all the stripped ends of the wires from one end of the lamp together with either the stripped black or white wire. Secure tightly with a wire nut. Test to make sure all wire ends are held securely by pulling on the wires.
Step 7: Twist all the stripped ends of the wires from the other end of the lamp together with the remaining (black or white) wire. Secure tightly with a wire nut and check to be sure all are secure.
Step 8. Replace the center metal cover
Step 9: Install one or more LED bulbs by inserting pins vertically and then rotating
Step 10: Replace the light cover (ideally, we will clean these too)
Initial Wiring Configuration Final Wiring Configuration
A stable step ladder (generally 6-8 feet tall for lower ceilings, taller for high ceilings)
A wire cutter and a wire stripper
A headlamp for light
Possibly – a nut driver (about ¼ inch size) and screw drivers
Consider – safety glasses and tight fitting work gloves
Step-by-step:
Step 1: Be sure electrical power is off
Step 2: Open the fixture and carefully remove the old bulbs by rotating (if stubborn, they can shatter – be careful and consider wearing gloves). Set aside for recycling.
Step 2: Remove the center metal cover (generally by pinching it), revealing the wires and ballast
Step 3: Cut the wires as they enter and leave the ballast. Remove the ballast for recycling (often requires a ¼ inch nut)
Step 5: Strip about ¾ inches of insulation from all the cut wire ends
Step 6: Twist all the stripped ends of the wires from one end of the lamp together with either the stripped black or white wire. Secure tightly with a wire nut. Test to make sure all wire ends are held securely by pulling on the wires.
Step 7: Twist all the stripped ends of the wires from the other end of the lamp together with the remaining (black or white) wire. Secure tightly with a wire nut and check to be sure all are secure.
Step 8. Replace the center metal cover
Step 9: Install one or more LED bulbs by inserting pins vertically and then rotating
Step 10: Replace the light cover (ideally, we will clean these too)
Initial Wiring Configuration Final Wiring Configuration
|
|
