Convert Circline florescent fixture to LED or CFL

[@don-cw1yz]

Great diy video .I had a ceiling fan with a light kit that had those circular fluorescent bulbs.The ballast went on the light kit .Went to Home depot ,no parts ,could not even buy a new light kit as the unit was 6 years old . I used your method and put in LED lights .What an improvement in light brightness and quality.Liked the results so much I changed another bedroom with the same setup. Easy to do with your video. Thanks for posting .

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Slonge92]

Hey, I honestly wasn't even thinking about CFL's - I just wanted to get rid of those expensive crappy Philips Circline bulbs. I have 2 fixtures that each take 2 sizes of the Circline bulbs, and the ballasts are like small bricks. Would have been $50 per fixture to replace the whole rig. While searching for information on LED conversion kits, etc. I ran across your video. Great common sense approach by you and a real good neighbor for taking the time to make the video! Thanks again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Slonge92 Thanks. I'm glad you found the video.

[@flfano]

I've been battling one of these circline florescent bulbs for several years now. I can't believe how logical and simple your solution is! The next time one bulb goes south, I'm trying this solution. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I hope it helps.

[@hill4472]

Thank you 65Ford for the valuable info. Now I have to convert a whole condo hallway to the cheaper CFL lighting and bypass all those pesky ballasts.

[@nonelost1]

I had a light fixture with one of those round Circleline bulbs in it years ago. The first one lasted seven years. But after that, they didn’t last so long for some reason. As for Cree LEDs, I bought a bunch of those 5000K daylight LEDs from Home Depot and they were junk. That’s why I buy my bulbs from Batteries and Bulbs from now on. As for CFL’s, they are not as energy efficient as LEDs and they don’t last as long either. I have had 2 FEIT 2700K LEDs in my bathroom since 2014. They are still going strong.

[@Excursion911]

THANK YOU - what A GREAT IDEA....I saw your video last night and modified as you specified the next morning. I appreciate you taking the time so share!!!!

[@saxmo90]

Going to try this now, thanks! Just wondering, is doing it this way (including leaving the ballast on) up to code? Or is it more of a hack? Just want to make sure it’s not a fire hazard or anything like that!

[@desidhamaal3913]

This video was very helpful. Thanks. I was able to convert my circline fixture to a regular bulb using this video. The only difference was in my fixture black wire connected to black main wire and white to white. The other issue I had was my base was either too narrow or the bulbs too big. I could fit only one regular bulb. I wasn't able to close the cover after putting in two bulbs. I just put in a high voltage bulb.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+desidhamaal Nice work.

[@davidpaulbryant]

I replace junk like this all the time! I am also tired of "special" bulbs and batteries. Replaced my nicads with lithium polymer for my cordless tools, and now I'll use your idea for this! I got a super deal on some utility motion lights and put the motion sensors on my "expensive" outside lights for huge savings.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That would be awesome.

[@homersimpsonii5455]

Just one question, Who in the hell would give this video a dislike?!?!? WOW just wow. Thanks for the video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

:-) Someone is always unhappy.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

sixtyfiveford Probably a manufacturer of circular fluorescents :D

[@ForgedEnigma895]

Maybe someone who thinks you shouldn't touch the common and hot wires together lol

[@antennawilde]

...or someone who thinks it's bad practice to let hot bulbs sit against the glass and panel loosely

[@chuckmckay4176]

Fantastic. I have 2 fans in my house that have either fluorescent or halogen that are dead or worn out. I was really thinking what a waste to install the same lousy bulbs in there or toss them. Already have the Hampton fluorescent fan ripped part and just need the socket and it will be good to go. The glass shround was brutal to remove. Awesome idea, thanks

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching.

[@simster1001]

Very nice video Nowadays you get can get an LED bulb instead of the light shown here. Thanks a lot for making this video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yep, a quick way to convert to LED.

[@Kirby7601]

Now upgrade to led to save even more. Great job bud

[@wtam69]

It's a pain to recycle those circleline. You can't just throw them out here in NY and no one takes them. You have to take them to a special recycle center on specific dates. CFLs are accepted for recycle at the big box stores so that's another reason to use LEDs or the CFL bulbs.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yeah, same here. I just tossed in it the garbage.

[@allthings2allmen]

Ok, so this vid's 8 yrs old but I was looking for a way to ask you if you could do a video fixing an old Flowtron/Stinger bug zapper. I got one that I'm sure will work but I need some pointers, you're a go to fella for all this kinda stuff, I first saw you this past spring whenI was looking up tire bead breaking and changing. I enjoy your videos your work and get a kick outta Ginger! You have great ideas!that inspire! I am subbed!😀😉💯💢💯👌👍👊💪

[@wheelstandr]

I was hoping this was a how to install LED T9's into a ballast fixture. We love the fixture and want to change the bulbs to the only thing available now; LED's. Let me know if you have another video I missed.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Just do the same thing but put in basic LED light bulbs.

[@joelsassone1182]

Useful video dude, thank you. I hate those weird circular bulbs. These days I really prefer LEDs for the white light, and also I have never had an LED bulb burn out randomly like CFLs do sometimes. Anyway, I may just replace my office light with one that has a dimmer and a fan at some point, but it's nice to have this procedure you showed as an option.

[@sixtyfiveford]

LEDs are getting better and better every year. I think they are worth the few dollars they are now but definitely not the 20-30 they were a couple years ago. They still lack the ability to spread even light but the instant brightness(compared to cfl) is great.

[@joelsassone1182]

Anything's better than those stupid circular bulbs, anyway! I also hate the ones you have to snap in for your bathroom lights with the ventilators. So hard to get out. I had to use a screwdriver to pry them.

[@joelsassone1182]

Yeah, LEDs are getting better and better for sure. The first ones looked kinda weird.

[@joelsassone1182]

And much cheaper for sure.

[@smutpow]

Wow, them circular tubes are freakingly expensive where you at. I just bought a replacement that's similar size to the one you got rid of for like $1.50 and the bigger sized unit that's probably the same brightness as the 2 CFL (combined) you used was like $3.

[@eyeballs306]

Wow thank u! My home built in 2012 has these stupid circline bulbs! Replacing them now.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Great fix .. We had those circle bulbs in the house here and I got rid of them for the same reason .. They cost to much to replace !!

[@sixtyfiveford]

It's an annoyance for sure. It think this is the last fixture with this bulb in the house.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

sixtyfiveford Thats good !!

[@mikedavis1110]

Great video on the process, but I would think one should cap off the wires with electrical tape and wind them together for safety reasons and why not mount the light bulbs to base of the inside unit? I would think leaning on the unit would create a hot spot with the bulb and glass fixture.

[@Rickmakes]

I would recommend some Cree LED bulbs. They are rated for enclosed fixtures and are only around $10 a bulb for a 60w equivalent.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yeah, but to get the same amount of light I would have to put 3-4 of these in the fixture. Grated they would use a tiny bit less electricity (maybe 50cents to a dollar less a year) it would take quit a while to recoup the cost of the bulb. They're new so it's expected they cost what they do. They have already dropped significantly but I would expect them to reach the 2-3bucks in the near future.

[@Rickmakes]

I recently replaced all of my CFLs with LED. The downside of CFL is that they go dim over time. I bought my LEDs at Home Depot when the Philips bulbs were $4.97 (11w 2700k 830 lumens). They are now around $8. The thing is, the Philips bulbs aren't rated for fully enclosed fixtures so they don't work for everyone. I have 1 Cree bulb in an enclosed fixture. Hopefully I will get a few decades out of these. I didn't toss my CFLs. I gave them to a buddy to use in his rental homes.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yeah, the CFLs degrade to roughly 75% of their original output at the end of their life. I did notice the Home Depot carrying Double Life CFLs for the same price as the regular CFLs but I don't know how they compare. I did get a local rebate and picked up a Home Depot LED fixture for Free. It was advertised as a 60watt equivalent but seamed dim until I pulled off the diffuser. Then it seamed comparable to a 60 watt incandescent but you can't look at it without seeing spots.

[@DAS-Videos]

sixtyfiveford I am going to do this, I have two fixtures with the circle bulbs. The grocery store had a sale on LED's, 2 dollars a bulb. 10.5 watts equivalent to 60w, 180 degree. So they will drop in price very soon all over. The led's from the grocery store are brighter than a 60w incandescent bulb in my experience. I never thought of changing the circle lights. They are also annoying because they take a second or two before they even come on. I will change them like you did. Thanks!

[@sixtyfiveford]

$2 for an LED is a great deal.

[@tonidaniels9905]

With the cost of LED A19s having decreased significantly (usually less than $9 each) it makes perfect sense to use LEDs instead. They'll provide a much longer maintenance-free life....chances are they'll not need to be replaced for 30+ years and fixture wattage will decrease to only about 19W (....two 9.5W LED A19s per fixture). Awesome energy savings!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Toni Daniels Yes, but the life of LEDs is hypothetical. The LEDs themselves have a long life but the capacitors and other circuitry required to run them(built in) have relatively short life spans. There is a lot of discussion on the deceiving claims by LED bulb manufactures. While small wattage bulbs (60 watt equivalent) may be under $10 now, normal wattage bulb equivalent;75watt and 100watt are still $15-30each. A typical 100watt LED has a life span of 13.7 years or 15000hours and cost $20-$30 using 19watts A double life 100watt CFL has a life span of 18.2 years or 20000hours and cost $0.50-$1.50 using 23watts Over the life of the LED bulb(15000hrs) you'd save $6.00($0.10kw) in electricity but pay for that with $20-30 higher initial costs and the CLF would still last 33% longer. Even if you bought a standard CFL that has a 10000hr life span you'd loose money on an LED bulb.LED's are great for directional light like a spot light or can light, but suffer immensely in lighting a room.

[@noonecares8403]

I've got 4 of those circuline boob lights identical to yours in my living room ( I don't have stickers on mine like yours lol ) anyways, it seems that the bulbs would go out every 2 years and I had a ballast fail in 1. ( It stayed out for a long time due to the ballast ) anyways, what I did is order a LED retrofit bulb from a site called 1000bulbs.com and it plugs in just like the old bulb but, you cut the wires off at the ballast and wire it directly into the mains power. No more ballasts and no more CFL crap. The LED is twice as bright and so far I have 3 of them done and only have one more that's CFL and when it burns out, I will do the same thing. I started converting them in 2019 and I've had no issues. As a matter of fact, I've noticed that my electricity bill is significantly cheaper each month. They have already more than paid for themselves.

[@dtaPacman]

Thanks for the vid. Very informative. What were the two wires you touched to trigger breaker if needed? Also does still still apply when the fluro uses a starter?

[@sixtyfiveford]

You don't want to trigger the breaker this way. You want to flip the breaker manually, this is just a back up to make sure you in fact have the correct breaker flipped and you don't electrocute yourself.

[@dtaPacman]

@@sixtyfiveford awesome thanks for the reply.

[@EdOfTheNorth]

Thanks for the video Moe. Always fresh.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@peripenelope]

Thanks for this! I can do this; I even have the exact same light fixture. One question - the light bulb sockets that I found at Lowe's look just like yours but they say Temporary Use Only. Is there a different version I should look for?

[@johnbaldock6353]

Wish we were allowed to use those wire screws in England. another great video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

john Baldock They got a black eye a long time ago over there. They were made out of ceramic(Scruit/ Screw its) and mainly acted as an insulator. They could fall off or crack and expose the wires. The ones in North America are plastic with a threaded metal insert that locks the wire in place and makes a better electrical connection with the wires. Thanks for watching.

[@dondutra3086]

You've answered my issue of what to do with that sorry 35W florescent bulb in the kitchen without spending the money for a new fixture and for that I thank you. Is there any reason not to clip the wires from the ballast rather than let them sit/hang/dangle? Also, is there any way to set the bulb fixture so the bulbs are not laying against the glass?

[@sixtyfiveford]

There are a few styles of light socket holders you can buy and mount in the fixture to hold the bulb.

[@glenwhite4565]

very clearly described! thanks I learned tons tonight.

[@GrandsonofKong]

I've done a similar fixes..won't work on the super low profile circle fixtures unless you use candelabra type bulbs or similar.....but you are right I won't buy fixtures that take "unique" florescent tube type anymore. Fixture is not so expensive at first and then you need new bulbs..YIKES. Same issue with the small pin type Halogen Bulbs...a million varieties and they are all very pricey

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yeah, slim ones would require smaller bulbs for sure. I have some landscape lights with those little halogen 2 pin lights.

[@tblbaby]

great hack, udaman ... I bought 100s of those when they were $5, but got em for $1 each. I was feelin all smart until you enlightened me on the new price. Shoulda bought silver or ammo

[@sixtyfiveford]

I remember stocking up on boxes of CFLs for $5 a bulb.

[@tblbaby]

Just wait until they make everyone buy something else again and stop making CFLs, then we'll be RICH!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Fingers crossed!!!

[@RickKennedyFilms]

I gave those new green bulbs a try and in my opinion they dont last that long for what you pay for em, I went back to the Old School ones :) never used those round ones...

[@sixtyfiveford]

I agree.

[@dcooper48]

About time somebody thought of this. Recently had come to the conclusion I was going to have to buy new fixtures to replace the florescent ones I have come to hate. Somebody mentioned not being up to code, should I take mine a lamp shop to have converted?

[@sixtyfiveford]

+dcooper48 There will always be those people who can't handle modified things that weren't bought that way from the store. The fixtures used all meet codes for residential lighting.

[@MrBizkit1003]

thanks,took two bulbs back before figuring out it was ballast.gonna swap it out also thanks

[@ErikN1982]

Help, i have 1 white and black wire, and 1 brown wire, and there is no ground wire, but there's no ground wire on the new light fixture either. The 2 wires that came off the old light fixture were some kind of knitted fabric instead of rubber and were both the same color of brown.

[@Kater4u]

Do you know how to make that screw that comes out of the center longer? The current screw doesn't extend beyond the bulb so I can't figure out how to cover the circline bulbs, there's nothing to attach to it!

[@zx8401ztv]

Much much better, some of those "special" types can be stupidly expensive. We dont use wire nuts in the uk for stuff like that, they seem a simpler way to do the job than connector blocks with screws to tighten down.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's interesting. I assumed the screw-its/wire-nuts were common practice everywhere.

[@zx8401ztv]

sixtyfiveford We use the connector block for light fittings, the brass tube with two screws type, i think ive seen in some cheap celing fan/light combo's that have crimp on internal wiring connectors that look like your screw types. is your mains supply 240v?

[@sixtyfiveford]

240v 60hz comes into all homes but it is split to 120v 60hz for all lights and outlets. Only the Oven/Range, Water Heater and Electric Clothes Dryer runs off 240v. Does everything work off 240v in the UK?

[@zx8401ztv]

sixtyfiveford Yes its 240v 50hz for all things, may sound dangerious but it doesnt cause any problem as long as its insulated like all appliences are. I know some out door tools can work on 110v but thats normally through one of those bright yellow portable transformers.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The higher voltage should allow you to run thinner wires as the appliances will use less amperes. An average house outlet in America is 120Volts 14 gauge(1.63mm) copper wire with 15amp breaker(1800watts). While a high output outlet for a Kitchen is at 120Volts 12gauge(2.05mm) copper wire with a 20amp breaker(2400watts). I would assume your outlets would have thinner wire around 16 gauge(1.3mm) and 10-5 amps?

[@Philtho]

Man, every spring these f things go out for 10 years now. Tomorrow I'm going to do this. Whoever thought up these circular bulbs has a special place in hell waiting for them.

[@Philtho]

Made a trip out to the hardware store. Bought dual bulb mounts and some brackets that looked like they might help (And they did!) for a grand total of $15. Now both my circular hell lights are angelic normal lights that are running 1/4 of the wattage for the same/more light than previously. This was SO easy to do. Thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@juliew7461]

I hear you saying to put black to white and on the other side white to black, but it appears that you are putting black to black and white to white. In the comments, someone mentions that they needed white to white and black to black. Which is it? Will it pass code?

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Julie W black to black and white to white.

[@joreynolds5883]

Thank you for the great video, I should beable to repair my front proch light without replacing the whole fixture......

[@wtbm123]

Cool video. Funny you mention led . I have a few videos coming very soon, prob this week. on Led house replacement bulbs.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Neat.

[@59chevt]

great vid, you make everything easy.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.. -Moe

[@jamespalmer5407]

Is there any harm in not hooking up the green wire? My light works fine without it

[@sixtyfiveford]

It's a safety wire for the unlikely event the black power wire was connected or accidentally touches the metal frame. Most lights don't use it.

[@bestamerica]

' what to do with the old one circline light... keep or throw

[@grilledchickenwrap]

what do you call those double bulb adapter with wires ? I am trying to buy that. Thanks.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+grilledchickenwrap Twin socket adapter amzn.to/1K8TJMY

[@hammerfall6666]

+sixtyfiveford if i dont want to use my old circle housing/cover, what do i need to buy to avoid the new bulb hanging without its cover? sorry for my bad english

[@hunterhalo2]

Wicked good video. Thanks a ton for making it.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks Man.

[@Slayin101]

Does this video apply to Philips Hue bulbs as well?

[@sixtyfiveford]

You can put any screw in light bulb in there.

[@johngloudeman3789]

Thanks. I'll give it a whirl. I have three dual circular flourescents and they are expensive to replace.

[@sixtyfiveford]

John Gloudeman It's made life a little nicer not to worry about those circline bulbs.

[@leeyonyap4464]

bro I have the same color of wire how can i know where is the open wire

[@xoltron_5]

For how long do those circle bulbs last for?

[@sixtyfiveford]

3-5years seems to be the average

[@SachiWI]

Phillips LED bulbs 60 watt equivalent is 10 bucks puts out about 880 lumens uses 9 watts - 75 watt equivalent 20 bucks pumps out 1100 lumens uses 15 watts AND lasts 25,000 hours and they give off a warm white that mimic incandescent instant on and you can dim them with a standard dimming switch - I am saving about 35 dollars every 90 days in the room that I switched to all LED. That's my cost savings - yes I spent about 50 bucks on LED bulbs but I will make up that difference in 6 months with the cost of replacing bulbs every 3 months and the electricity savings AND it's still a nice warm light

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's a great savings. From incandescent to LED makes a lot of financial sense but the math doesn't make sense yet to switch from CFL to LED. Maybe in a year or so when it gets more popular. LED is amazing for directional light like in a flashlight or even a home can light, but I think they overrate their ability to evenly light a room.

[@SachiWI]

Also, a few things you need to take into account when picking out your LED bulb. The color of light the bulb emits - if you want warm white you need a 2700k you must also take into consideration how the bulb will dissipate the heat - even though the general consensus is that LED bulbs are cool or cold yes they are but not totally. Whenever you covert from AC to DC that creates heat and in order to do that you must be sure the bulb can dissipate the heat. electronupdate here on KZbin does a great review and tear down of all the LED Bulbs so you know exactly what you are getting. I once emailed him asking what he thought of Walmarts LED bulb next thing I knew is he went out and bought one and tore it down. There is also "Flicker" you need to be concerned with because some people are sensitive to flicker of the bulb if it's not smoothed out properly. I took all those things into consideration and picked Phillips I also waited until the price came down substantially which it has. I presume within a year it will be cut in half again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Great info. I watched a few LED bulb tear downs a year or so ago but I'm sure a fair amount has changed since then.

[@TC-qx3sb]

Hey, can I do the switch over in a stand up floor lamp

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes, I've done one and it is the same process.

[@TC-qx3sb]

thanks!!

[@hgh1723]

Can I convert it from the bathroom though?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes.

[@sabujpattanayek8799]

it's not just circline, but some people use ridiculous dual circline bulbs which aren't available at lowes or home depot (cheapest for near daylight is $15 on amazon, search for "chuanshi")

[@sarcasmo57]

Cool, could even go LED.

[@sixtyfiveford]

For Sure

[@retrorestore]

Nice conversion,

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@san379]

i dont think that will pass electrical code.. you can buy a replacement socket at rona..or buy a replacement fixture .. that passes code

[@kokok3479]

Honest question. What makes it not pass electrical code?

[@xoltron_5]

Can you still buy those Fluorescent fixtures anymore?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes.

[@xoltron_5]

Are they hard to get? The circle Fluorescent fixture.

[@sixtyfiveford]

All home improvement stores have them. I just saw them 2 days ago at the Home Depot.

[@xoltron_5]

Is Home Depot found only in USA or in other country’s like Ireland?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Just the USA. It may be a possibility that Ireland has decided to not import them? Have you tried online?

[@JamesHarperUS]

Great video! Thanks!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@puddytat62]

I guess there are no LED bulbs that would connect directly into that 4 hole connector. I have a two circle light with a motion sensor that turns on the light but these bulbs are just too pricey .. LED the way to go.. I guess I will need to connect after the motion sensor which should not be too difficult to do.

[@grahampcharles]

michael b There are leds for retrofit that will use that 4-pin connector. but then you dont get to bypass the ballast, which i think must be inefficient for a lamp that doesnt need ballast.

[@puddytat62]

Thanks for idea. I took out the ballast and circline connections and put in two A19 sockets which mounted very easily. But in my case I kept the motion sensor in the loop . This new setup should last for eons . Glad you put this video together to inspire me to replace the two circline bulbs and ballast.

[@kokok3479]

I have my ballast gave up on me. Checked ebay, dang thi g costs $80! Why would builders install these kinds of lighting system in any home where a regular person cannot just change lightbulbs when they bust? I have three of these in my house. 2 still work. The one thats busted will be changed to reg bulbs. Thanks, Bud.

[@Guywithcrazyideas]

Now, about that purple wall.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Can't fix that.

[@FixAllFixer62]

sixtyfiveford note recommend insulation rubber grommet were wires come

[@tblbaby]

sixtyfiveford I had a whole purparoom, I fixed that :) but no one was arguing

[@jjjohn5914]

Pigtail lamp holders are for temporary use...this install is a fire hazard...buy a ul listed fixture or led conversion kit.

[@hectorhernandez9892]

Damn man thanks....!

[@rocyahsoul]

You need an air filter, maybe 1 for each room in your house. Dehumidifier helps too, eliminate the moisture the chemtrail fungus needs to grow.

[@mikereyes3845]

Ill install tomorrow

[@wolfintn]

Good idea!

[@jamess8175]

Did anyone realise there were so many orbs flying about throughout the whole video, starting from 00:06? That is a clear indication of supernatural activity.

[@KM-hq4gc]

Thanks!!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Hey Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@jjd99d]

Great mod

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@jgotti4129]

you actually cannot do that. the fixture has a listing. that stupid set up is not listed for that purpose. he must work for crash and burn electric.

[@00cool11]

Tipicamente americano

[@jelie2k]

I'm So doing this. I hate these stupid circleline bulbs.

[@sixtyfiveford]

jelie2k It's been nice not to worry about them.

[@Timetotinker]

very cool..........tony

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks..

[@michelleherbert6847]

V

[@klam77]

Nasty T9 ! $10 a pop. and they pop REGULAR!

[@jamiehandley]

cowboy

[@xoltron_5]

China made circline bulbs.

[@calferath]

Why would you put a CFL bulb in there after removing ballast? Point is to use LED once you remove the ballast. Anything florescent is garbage