Fluorescent shop lights were standard in most workshops, but LED tubes have recently become a viable replacement. In fact, some new LED tubes work in fixtures designed for fluorescents.
The upfront cost of LEDs is much higher than fluorescent bulbs, however, they have several benefits. Most importantly, they’re much more energy efficient than fluorescents, so you’ll easily recoup the upfront cost. They also last much longer, which means less hassle. With LEDs, you won’t have to waste time going to the hardware store when you should be working on a project.
Select An LED With The Right Wattage And Length
The LED bulb that you buy needs to be able to handle the wattage of your fixture. Some more advanced (and therefore more expensive) LED bulbs have built-in variable wattage.
Cheaper bulbs need to be able to handle the current in the place they’re going. The conversion should be on the packaging, but check thisconversion tableto be sure.
你还需要选择合适大小的灯泡。在购买之前一定要检查灯具的电流,以确保新的LED灯泡可以安装。Take a sketch or picture of the bulbendto make sure that you purchase a compatible replacement.
Choose An LED With The Right Luminescence
Early LEDs emitted a bluish light that was too bright for some people. As LEDs have become more sophisticated, they have begun to be sold with a variety of luminescences. You can now find LEDs that emit light onany part ofthe spectrum.
Pick An LED That’s Ballast Compatible
Fluorescent fixtures have a component, called a ballast, that restricts and balances the flow of current into the bulb, preventing overheating.
由于led不需要那么多的能量,它们不需要镇流器。旧的(更便宜的)led不能在有镇流器的灯具中工作。为了使灯泡工作,你必须拆除灯具上的镇流器。更新、更昂贵的LED灯泡被称为即插即用灯泡,它内置了镇流器旁路单元,可以在任何灯具上使用。
We’ve surveyed LED tubes from major manufacturers, and listed our favorites, but we haven’t listed options for every type or size of fixture. You might have to search on Amazon yourself to find the right fit.
Products
Hyperikon T8 LED Light Tube, 4ft, 18W (40W equivalent)
Remove ballast
Estimated cost: $15-20 for one
TheHyperikon T8 LED Light Tube, 4ft, 18W (40W equivalent) is a best-seller for a reason. It’s available in five luminescences, and will last for at least 45,000 hours. You will have to remove the ballast in an old fixture, but the Hyperikon is worth the time.
Torchstar 4 Pack Hybrid T8 4ft 18W (40W Equiv.) LED Shop Light Tube
Plug and play
Estimated cost: $35-45 for four ($8.75-$11.25 each)
TheseTorchstar Hybrid T8 4ft 18W (40W Equiv.) LED Shop Light Tubesare a great option for someone who doesn’t want to remove a ballast from an old fixture. Just buy them and plug them in. We love that Torchstar sells these units in two luminescences: daylight (5,000k) or cool white (4,000k.)
innoLED Plug-N-Play 4ft 18 Watt T8 LED Tube
Plug and play
Estimated cost: $15-25 for one
TheinnoLED Plug-N-Play 4ft 18 Watt T8 LED Tubeis another plug and play unit. They have a 50,000 hour (approx. five years) lifespan and emit a cool white (5,000k) light.
Brillihood T8 T12 8FT LED Tube Light
Remove ballast
Estimated cost: $200-250 for ten ($20-$25 each)
Each of theBrillihood T8 T12 8FT LED Tube Light灯泡的寿命为5万小时。要安装这些部件,你需要拆下镇流器。
SHINE HAI T8 LED Shop Light Tube
Remove ballast
Estimated cost: $250-300 for 12 ($21-$25 each)
TheSHINE HAI T8 LED Shop Light Tubeis a simple and straightforward indoor-only LED. It gives off 5,000k light, and is a strong option at a low price point.