Replacing Fluorescent Lights to LED Lights

[@greybeard9396]

Of the dozen or so videos of florescent to LED conversion that I saw, you’re the first who made the “hot/live” on side, and the neutral on the other side rule absolutely clear. Thanks!

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!!!! Appreciate that feedback

[@sweetjeff]

Just wanted to say that these instructions were incredibly easy to understand, easy to follow and easy to replicate. Thanks so much for posting this!

[@fbaltierrez]

Absolutely my pleasure!!! Thanks for the feedback

[@FrankBrocato]

I always knew if I found a guy named Frank he would give me the easy,correct way to change these bulbs. Thanks for the easy to understand explanation.

[@fbaltierrez]

Lol. There we go!!!! Love it

[@MsBrobox]

I have a commercial building with over 75 fixtures that I have to change over. I have watched every change over video and this is the BEST two ballast video on KZbin. Electricians are charging $300. per light in my area, which is totally unaffordable and I will be doing it myself. My neighbor just paid $4,700 for a single store to change over...that's nuts! Thank you for the perfect video, I started yesterday. Cost per fixture, less that $10. in materials including new wire strippers.

[@rickdonahue5526]

Frank, thank you for this video! A lot of the videos I watched and websites I looked at were making this so confusing. Well my head isn't going to explode anymore after watching this video. Great job!

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that feedback 😁😁

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

Thanks Frank!! My garage has 21 of these 4 bulb / 2 ballast fixtures. All my ballasts have gone bad an I was looking at close to $2000 to replace them. Now I’m looking at less than $500.

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!!!! Glad I could help

[@hokieman33]

FRANK!!! Thank you!!! I went through 10 different videos and none were clear. Your's was top notch, perfectly clear and to the point awesome. Just changed my first one in less than 10 minutes. Only have 31 more to go!

[@fbaltierrez]

Lol. Definitely saved some cash in all the different ways there!!!! Glad I could assist

[@lilark4201]

Apprentice electrician here, i thank you for your instructions throughout the entire process. First time working with ceiling drop lights

[@fbaltierrez]

Love commercial buildings and clients. Suspended ceilings definitely mostly always makes it easier to work. Keep it going.

[@MSUmom2012]

I met an electrician at the Flora-Bama who told me how by-pass the ballast in my florescent light fixture rather than replace it. He told me to find a video to learn how to fix it. Thanks random guy ar the bar and thanks Frank for your great instructions. Now my laundry room has light!

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!!!! Let there be light

[@nicholasgiglio]

Frank, your video tutorial is excellent and right to the point. Better than many of the confusing KZbin tutorials being posted on this subject. Might I suggest though that it's always a good idea to temporarily cap the hot and neutral wires after disconnecting the tombstone wires, just in case someone inadvertently turns on the light switch. Also, viewers should know that this conversion will not work with Type A Ballast Bypass Single-End Powered LED replacement bulbs which require non-shunted tombstones to be specially wired. Thanks for posting!

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate the feedback 💯💯

[@77777el]

Frank, this is by far the best instructions, thanks for the awesome video!

[@fbaltierrez]

Absolutely. My pleasure

[@realnikonlover6207]

First - Lockout/Tagout the breaker panel, and/or black tape across the light switch in off position. I got blasted off a 14 foot ladder by 220v when a security guard turned the power back on while I was wiring in a ballast. I also use a black permanent marker to write "LINE" inside fixture by tombstones on one end (closest to line source), and "NEUTRAL" on the opposite end by other tombstones. Also use electricians tape on my wire nuts to make sure they don't vibrate lose with time. My electricians tape is primarily Black, White and Green as needed for line, neutral and ground. One last thing I do for wiring is to neatly coil it up and use a wire tie(s) to hold them bunched so you don't pinch them when reinstalling cover. I have been using these methods since 1974 when I was starting out as a electrician's laborer. Great video Frank! As others said, straight forward and to the point. 5 star dude!

[@mozzman]

Small world. That sounds like a bad day, Jim! I just rewired my garage lights today to bypass the ballasts. I had type A LED bulbs in there and then the ballasts went bad so I just decided to rewire the fixtures and use type B. I also use electrical tape on my wire nuts so I can sleep better.

[@proudsanatani23]

Thanks again, Forgot to mention that in whole youtube your video is most easy to understand for 1st time Lerner. Thanks 😊

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that

[@ajhunt239]

This is great, my apartment has both t8 and t12 this is gonna help very much getting those LEDS installed. Thanks ya Frank.

[@danp7463]

Hey papi, I bought a led light fixture and when I opened it I thought it was a joke. There is two 18” led strips secured to the inside of the housing. I supplied 120 volts to it. Wow definitely worth the money. The old fixture had a bad ballast. The new led fixture was around the same price as a new ballast.

[@fbaltierrez]

@@danp7463 💯💯

[@busted1396]

you two dating?

[@daviderickson5041]

Thanks Frank, Easy to understand video. Watched a couple of others but yours is the best!!

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that feedback

[@JoseMartinez-ws4ob]

Great video. I followed you video step-by-step, got my LEDs installed and everything is working perfectly. Thank you for sharing this information with us.

[@fbaltierrez]

Absolutely! Glad I could assist

[@sirsir007]

Wow….You really simplified this process, easy to follow. Thx 🤙🏼👊🏼

[@fbaltierrez]

You got it 💪💪

[@davewright6209]

This is the best video on KZbin for this application. Thank you for your time and doing this.

[@kronoberger]

Great job Frank - very clear. You should be training apprentices in the IBEW but thanks for training me.

[@fbaltierrez]

@@kronoberger lol. Appreciate that. Glad I could assist

[@kristensundquist9207]

Got a bunch of T12 lights to start replacing and your video is my favorite to plan my work. Thanks

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate the feedback thank you

[@johnsmith-sw7ii]

Best explanation on how to do this I've seem....Thanks!

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that

[@Pancakeprodigy]

Thanks! My room has these because it’s in the basement. I really wanted to replace the tubes to LED, and now I finally know!

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!!! Glad I could help

[@n40tom]

Man you made that look so easy. I replaced two ballast about 3 years ago and I just had another one go bad. I'm done I'm going to replace all the bulbs with LED counterparts. Thank you my friend that's a snap and I'm going to get right on it within the next week or so

[@cgttc04]

I wish you lived near me! I’d feel very safe with your work.

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that feedback. You can do it yourself not too difficult. Hopefully the Videos show you all the details

[@DJ-zw8kw]

Thank you, you made it easy to understand. Appreciate it very much.

[@fbaltierrez]

@DJ-zw8kw my pleasure. Glad I could assist

[@motrock93b]

Excellent video! Very easy to follow, and to the point. I'm going to mark each end of the fixture "L" and "N" for those replacing these bulbs in the future.

[@lindawalker812]

Great video,short sweet and to the point.

[@maryl.8281]

Thanks Frank for the visual and your not bad to look at either.😉

[@bdac2420]

Best video yet. Thanks Frank.😊 Totally understood.

[@bilbobaggins4462]

Great video! Easy to flow instructions. Subscribed!

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that feedback 🫡🫡

[@TL50-r9f]

My two ballast 4 bulb fixture is different. The left end and right end wire colors to the tombstone's are diagonal from each other. Red/blue X and yellow X opposite from each end. So it's not always all one side neutral and one side hot but the double end type B bulbs don't matter so I see you are correct.

[@antonios4926]

Thanks for the video. From Cyprus

[@NorNaji-u9i]

Beautiful beautiful 👍👍👍nice and easy

[@fbaltierrez]

Love hearing that

[@marvinrager]

You made this so easy to understand!! Thanks so much!

[@luckycanfixit8246]

Great video, im going to try this on ten units!

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!! Just make sure to turn power off

[@davidellsworth9136]

Thanks for your great teaching video!

[@CruizersMotorsports]

Holy crap! Super helpful! Thank you!

[@davehying7291]

Great video ! Quick and easy thank you very much!

[@fbaltierrez]

You got it. Appreciate that feedback

[@jaigopaul8772]

Thank you, your video was very helpful.

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that. Glad I could help 😁

[@gregplotts8795]

Excellent video. Thank you sir!

[@mackmaciel1154]

Very good information....Thanks for the video

[@ronbeamon9608]

Thank you sir. Best instructions yet.

[@fhdanhoward]

Easy to follow video. Tks! Just to ask, I notice swapping the bulbs out works fine (*seemingly). What does bypassing the ballast and direct-wiring to the LED 120 actually do?

[@fbaltierrez]

You can't use a ballast with led lights at least not these. So you have to override the ballast

[@SuperRex7]

This is awesome! Thank you!

[@fbaltierrez]

There we go!!! Appreciate the feedback

[@bernsinvancouver3856]

Nice work, Frank. Super clear instructions and good work to the videographer too. What if I wanted dimmable LED bulbs? Do they come dimmable and can you recommend a compatible dimmer?

[@diegoc920]

Always disconnect your power first (even when not energized) it's safe and creates a good habit. I know you mention that you're bypassing the ballast but tell people to buy "direct wire" lamps! Always use "quick disconnects" it is actually code! and just a safe practice. Color of the wire DOES matter! it might not matter to electricity itself but it matters if you really want to be courteous to the next person that works on the light fixture. (it is also code in a lot of states to color identify your conductors)

[@fbaltierrez]

Great tips sir!!! Definitely appreciate it.

[@n40tom]

You're right that is the safest way but what I do even if I'm alone in the house after I turn the switch off I put a piece of painters tape over the switch just in case.

[@M_Ladd]

Great job! Thank you very much!

[@fbaltierrez]

My pleasure

[@patricklonergan151]

Best video I've found that shows how simple the retrofit to LED. The LED bulbs are they called a dual- powdered bulb?

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate it. 💪

[@Tlahuicole1497]

¿Se puede dejar las balastras conectadas? Y simplemente colocar las lámparas led

[@robertgoogl3459]

Great Video Frank! So a little help though, I got mine all wired up but was struggling getting the wire nuts on and a good connection in my 4 bulb fixtures. I had to use big red ones to even get the 6 wires plus the power lead on and after getting it working, now 2 hours later it's not... and I suspect those connections. You said something about "brown" wire nuts, can you elaborate please. I figure I'm gonna have to get back on the ladder and re-strip the old ballast wires longer and I feel I need better, maybe even longer wire nuts.

[@ewilson378]

Thanks Frank. This is very clear and helpful. Now your instructions are 2-years old and I'm not sure if just replacing the old lights with LED ones was an option back them, I may be looking to follow your method BECAUSE I simply replaced the old fluorescent lights with new "plug and play" LED ones. However, the issue I'm having is that now I have an insufferable buzzing coming out of the fixtures and my question is, is that normal, and if not, is there a way I can correct this? some of the answers when searching for a solution speak to a dimmer as the cause, but I don't have a dimmer, just a simple 3 switch panel for 3 lights in the room. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

[@fbaltierrez]

I haven't had any buzzing, maybe the light bulbs would come to mind first Because if you override the ballast there should be no buzzing. So check the bulbs. Hopefully that helps

[@vickiestrong1029]

Found your video the easiest to understand, but have a question. Will this method work for direct wire led bulbs? We have the exact same fixture but just bought the "plain" led t8 bulbs instead of bulb with the switch or the one marked L and N2.

[@fbaltierrez]

@vickiestrong1029 possible those could work. Not sure if the wiring is different on those would have to look at the instructions. But definitely the ones labeled L and N are easy to install

[@vickiestrong1029]

@@fbaltierrez thank you so much for your quick response. I continued searching and found on the double ended bulbs like we have, you just take all 6 wires (2 blue 2 red 2 yellow) from one end of fixture and connect to your load line. Take the other 6 wires on other side of fixture and connect all to incoming neutral wire. Also found where I can buy the retro fit stickers to go in fixture once the conversion has been done.

[@douglasoberlin9262]

I didn't see anything that marked which side of the fixture had been wired as line/hot with the other identified as neutral. Seems like this would be good for others replacing tubes later.

[@fbaltierrez]

You can do either side as I have seen. As long as you install the bulbs correctly according to its wiring diagram

[@MrUsaer]

That sticker instructs you to place the sticker on the power side of the fixture... not on the neutral side or in the middle.

[@michaelgriffin2295]

Just use marker and write next to tombstones L or N.

[@Somemjf]

Great video, looks easy enough.. 😂 so if I wire the same way and decide I need more light can I pop in 2 more LED lights? So one fixture would have 4 led strips? To save money for my office going to do two LED strips but some rooms might need more light then others.

[@lakermark2006]

Very nice, thank you for sharing

[@Digilux126]

Frank you're the Best! can I hire you to replace mines?

[@n40tom]

I wanted to come back and add this. Remember one side hot and one side not. If you are changing T12 high output bulbs the line side meaning the hot side will be the red / blue wires coming off of the ballast and the neutral side will be the yellow wires coming off of the Tombstone ends where the bulb goes into. I hope I explained that correctly. I just changed one a couple minutes ago

[@dansanger5340]

The ballast is being bypassed, so that becomes irrelevant.

[@n40tom]

@@dansanger5340 What becomes irrelevant ???

[@daveborchard2019]

Is the starting time for the LED replacements for fluorescent tubes faster? When turning on fluorescent tube lights, it takes several seconds for the lights to turn on. Maybe you should also label which side is hot and which side is neutral, so the next person that changes the LED tubes will know how to install the replacement LED bulbs.

[@sizquirtt]

You can buy fluoro lights that turn on instantly

[@ezimm81]

Good to know was looking for something like this in my basement. Question is do they stop working after a few months like the old style bulbs do?

[@fbaltierrez]

This one we did. One year later and these are still running well

[@MsBrobox]

It has got to be an improvement over 20 year old light fixtures that a constantly broke

[@robertotr]

On the video you did put power and neutral at different sides, but the instructions for the lights on your Amazon link says the power and neutral goes on the same side, in a non-shunted lamp holder. What is the correct way? Are the lamps on the link the verry same you was installing? It can be either way? Thanks.

[@fbaltierrez]

I used the bulbs that have the line on one side and the neutral on the other. I keep using these because they are pretty starivhtforward and easy to install. Hope that helps

[@robertotr]

@@fbaltierrez Perfect. I'm using those ones too. Very easy.

[@matthewrodriguez225]

Great video

[@ml414skidoo]

Thanks for the video!

[@sparkyclown5161]

Thx for the video. What LED bulbs are you using. At “the red store” they have conversion , type b , universal? What bulbs work for this type of ballast elimination? Thx in advance

[@fbaltierrez]

Good afternoon. I linked some in description it's my Amazon Affiliate link. But those are the ones I used

[@lindsey.stricklin]

To go from fluorescent to LED, this work has to be done? I was told the new LED bulbs would work just installing them, but my light fixture isn't working.

[@ALtheelectrician]

Some genius put two different bulbs in a friend of mine house so I wasn't sure which one to get in the led replacement. I got two T12 replacements. Worked perfectly when I left. She calls me the next day saying they blew out. What sayest thou?

[@GeorgePearson-dg8ts]

I have 3 fixtures like the ones in you video, except there are 4 wires coming into it. Black, white, red, and green , i know the green is ground. I have 2 switches that control the fixture. what do i need to do differently ? also does shunted and non shunted tombstone's matter ?

[@TheMejoeme]

Great video !!!! Course why you only put two bulbs back in and not four bulbs in

[@fbaltierrez]

That's what the customer wanted. Appreciate the feedback 💪👍

[@MsBrobox]

2 5000k Daylight are as bright as 4 40w old florescent bulbs..

[@lewismayes9527]

On that 4 lamps fixture is a single ended connection.

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes. Hot on one side neutral on the other

[@BanTran-l7d]

Where is I can buy the door frame for that light?

[@fbaltierrez]

Tough question, usually if that goes bad might as well replace the entire fixture

[@BanTran-l7d]

Thank you! Too much work to do 0:50 for me! I just need inside fixture frame Lens. More easy for me to replace open frame door. 😅

[@gracesleu563]

Hi, quick question, did you have to change out the tombstones to non-shunted ones? My fluorescent lights look almost exactly like the ones that you switched out. However, I know that when I take one of the light bulbs out (one of the end ones) then the other end one doesn't work. Does that mean that it has shunted tombstones? And if so, would I have to switch out the tombstones for me to make this conversion? Thanks in advance for your help!

[@way2golf496]

Great video. subscribed! Is this configuration for double ended bulbs and non-shunted tombstones?

[@proudsanatani23]

Thank you so much my friend.

[@jelanihamlet9282]

I’m from Trinidad and I am an electrician but not licensed and I do a lot of these conversions and most requires the line and neutral to be on the same side due to the type of led bulbs. I also put a band of type around the connectors just encase because sometimes they fall off so the type acts like a safety for that.

[@SolderofJESUSCRISTO]

Question: How about when you have 2 hot wires black and red, then neutral white? Thank you!

[@rightisright55]

Hello Frank, because you connected all the wires can you install led lamps in the two unused tombstones?

[@SuenosDePaz7]

good video

[@fbaltierrez]

Appreciate that

[@tuckerolsen2829]

Do the LED bulbs last a lot longer then the fluorescent it seems like I’m always replacing the bulbs in my garage

[@fbaltierrez]

Definitely an upgrade in light output, efficiency and durability

[@mananpatel7073]

Hi, if I have multiple light fixtures on the same switch, Can I just convert one of the light fixture from fluorescent to LED light bulbs? Or do I have to convert all of them?

[@fbaltierrez]

Have to do them all individually 1 by 1

[@mananpatel7073]

@@fbaltierrez Yes, But If I convert 3 of them this week and the other 3 next week. Will all 6 work or only the 3 converted once will work until I convert all of them?

[@fbaltierrez]

@mananpatel7073 yes I would say yes

[@dennisstrand2090]

Great video to do a test light fixture

[@kevinschwandt7920]

I know this is a year old but I have to say,being a 25 yr certified electrician seeing someone NOT check for voltage even after you turn the switch off is a rookie mistake,always check with at least a hot stick,even better a meter.Making a video to show those who don't know all the steps are going to make a mistake.

[@cd7071]

Hi Frank, I’ve already replaced my Mom’s fixture with leds based on your video (thank you for explaining it so well) but I forgot to check to make sure the line and neutral label on the bulbs were on the correct side. The lights work perfectly however and I am just wandering if I should go back and double check the sides? What exactly happens if you have the bulb turned around incorrectly? Will it damage them over time? Thanks again!

[@fbaltierrez]

I definitely would double check. What can happen not sure but I would not take the chance.

[@MrUsaer]

IF you put the power side of the bulb on the wrong side, the light will not go on. I do not think it affects the bulb in any way. At least it did not damage mine when I inadvertently installed it on wrong end and flipped the light switch on. I just corrected it and it worked fine. So if your light is working, that means you have it installed on the correct end.

[@garysimmons5520]

Good video

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

Nice1..Frank & thank u

[@timlist4173]

So what type bulb? Type A or B or whatever.

[@gutyolivas8250]

Geat thaks for sharing

[@fbaltierrez]

You got it!!!!

[@davidoliver3136]

Great easy to follow video! But I am a little bit confused. The link to amazon for the bulbs say they are single ended power and require non-shunted tombstones. I wasn’t sure if maybe the bulbs are different now or if they will work ok the way you demonstrated. Again, thanks for the video.

[@nicolecostanza7203]

Does this process work for Sunco's T8 18w LED Type B tube lights? The install directions specifically say non shunted tombstones are needed for the dead end? By adding the 14 gauge wire, aren't u creating a shunt??? Thank you

[@nousername5673]

Is it easier to just replace them with edge-lit panels?

[@fbaltierrez]

Yes and no. Way more pricey that route

[@jakeblack212]

1 of my Tombstones is broke any video of how to replace that>?

[@fbaltierrez]

No, but that is pretty straightforward you but those at lowes or home depot. And just change the wires to the new one.

[@jakeschuberth5725]

Thanks Frank !!!!!!

[@BK-pj6nx]

Nice Job! My only concern is that LED lights throw off an electrical interference with different types of radio signals. I was thinking of replacing my overhead 4 footers with LED, I'm doing a lot of audio repair in my shop and if that's true, that would be a problem. We can't use our kitchen radio with our new LED cabinet lights are on.

[@sizquirtt]

That’s proof old stuff is sometimes better than the new! LED’s do that so bad that I have switched back to incandescent which fixed everything

[@cheesehead6710]

Do I have to turn off the breaker or just the switch?

[@fbaltierrez]

You can do both, to be extra safe

[@DavidCheng-jo7bh]

We can customize all kinds of led panel lights

[@jimmoss9584]

Good Job Frank! Do they make LED tubes that can be dimmed? That would be at the switch.

[@dalemihocik4732]

Will these bulbs cause issues with wifi or garage door signals? I've seen manufactures of bulbs on the market claiming that there's don't, which makes me think that some or all do. Can you set the record straight for me, please.

[@fbaltierrez]

Good question, dang I wish I had an answer for you. I have never installed them in places where I would be able to verify that. Sorry

[@forestmorris2996]

You installed 2 LED bulbs. With the way you wired it, are you able to add a3rd and 4th bulb if you need it? Thanks! Good video!

[@fbaltierrez]

Absolutely can be done

[@forestmorris2996]

@@fbaltierrez Would I need to add additional wiring, or did you wire it so you could use 4 bulbs?

[@forestmorris2996]

The reason I ask is because I need to convert my 4 bulb fluorescent fixture to LED

[@forestmorris2996]

My fixture connections (Tombstones) are shunted. Will this matter? And, do I wire it the same way you wired yours?

[@fbaltierrez]

@@forestmorris2996 you can buy new ones, relatively inexpensive.

[@justin-tv3pc]

which nuts hold 7 14ga solid wires?

[@fbaltierrez]

@@justin-tv3pc I use brown wire nuts

[@fdr2275]

I have a few questions: 1. I have 2 black wires and 2 white wires coming out of the main power source. Should I twist the 2 black together and the 2 white together before I twist them to the color wires on both sides? 2. The LED bulk that I bought from Home Depot doesn't have the labels N1, N2 or L on the ends. How can I tell which end is the power and which end is the neutral? 3. Does it matter what kind of wire you use for that white wire extension? 4. Should I turn off the power from the circuit breaker before starting work? Thanks.

[@MsBrobox]

That is because there a 2 switches that can be used for that light. I am connection mine with both wires together just like they were before.

[@misterwebb1472]

​@@MsBrobox Actually it's the 1st to 2nd to last light in the line

[@Zeke-bt1iy]

thanks for the video