Howdy all you frugal DIY'ers! Apologies if this topic has been covered, I was unable to find answers when searching the forum.
I've been searching for a clear answer on swapping my old 4' fluorescent T8 light bulbs with LEDs. This post on the forum gave some solid info:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/do-it-yourself-forum!/t8-led-light-tubes-not-working-what-is-wrong/msg1585189/#msg1585189Can any electricians or data driven folks weigh in on just how much extra power the ballast would be burning if I used something like the Phillips InstantFit tubes
http://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/products/product-highlights/instantfit without removing ballasts? Since we're in the MMM forum, I'm hoping to find someone that may have measured the electricity consumption after retrofitting some old fluorescent light fixtures. Always looking to lower that utility bill! It's obvious that switching to LED's will have a substantial ROI, just wondering if anyone has solid data on the benefit of buying the appropriate LED bulbs and taking the time to re-wire and remove ballasts. I only have 3 fixtures (six bulbs) in my new place to deal with, so in case the ballasts die later on and require removal I might as well just tackle this project now.
Video for removing the ballasts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRZdN5KtG8kThe fixtures I'm working with have the following specs, found on the manufacturer's website:
http://www.axislighting.com/cmsAdmin/uploads/TBW.SPEC.pdfBallast : Electronic IS, Electronic Rapid Start, Dimming (0-10V, Line, EcoSystem, DALI), BI-level dimming
Voltage : 120V, 277V, 347V, UNV
Also looking for a clear answer on whether I'll need dual or single ended LED tubes, and whether I can determine if the tombstones are shunted or non-shunted without taking the light fixture apart.
Thanks in advance for any insight, hoping this can help many future Mustachians to slash their utility bills!