Days are gone when fluorescent lights were thought to be the most cost-saving lights. This is the century of LED lights. The lights are more energy and cost-saving! You can always get a new set of LEDs and add them to the wall! But why would you waste money when you can save it?
Yes, we are talking about converting the fluorescent light into the LED light! All you need is a bulb that is compatible and can work with the previous fluorescent ballast! Once you get it, go through the steps for how to convert 4 ft. fluorescent light into LED light in the easiest way!
The process is easy and we assure you, you can easily understand it and can do it with enjoyment!
Step by Step Converting Fluorescent Light into LED Light
Materials You Need
Before getting into the process, you have to go through the basic materials and gears you need. First of all, as the next step mentions, get some gloves along with safety glasses. Apart from these, get the LED bulbs and the light kits.
Multimeters are necessary for this process too! Pens or markers will be used for marking the areas you need to keep in mind. Also, wire connectors and wire terminals are something you cannot forget if you are working with electricity!
We suggest you manage all the gears and requisites beforehand so that you do not need to get up from the work again and again as it will ruin the concentration of your work. No matter you are dealing with the LED recessed lights process or the LED bulb plug, the process is nearly the same!
Safety First
As we always say, you should always ensure your safety first. In the case of converting the light, you will need basic electrical knowledge. If you are a complete newbie here, you should keep one of your experienced friends closer to you.
Make sure you protect your eyes and hands before you start the process. Gloves and eyeglasses are a must. Don’t forget to clear the area and keep away children and pets.
The Power Source Checking
For checking the power source, you will need a multimeter here. While checking the power, ensure that the luminaire is within 120v-277v. In this case, you also need to keep in mind that the luminaire completely depends on the location you are living.
First, you have to go through the light fixture power. Turn this power off and then you can move forward. Now, it is time to check the power supply that is added to the fluorescent fixture ballast. All you need to do is disconnect it the way you did before! In some fixtures, the ballast and starter can be removed. If you see such options available in your fixture, go through them and remove them first.
Install Non-Shunted Lamp Holders
Once you are done with the power source, you have to directly get your hands on the fluorescent lighting fixtures. Take the shunted lamp holder in this position. All you got to do is get them out of the fluorescent lighting fixtures.
Now, you have to replace these holders. As you are going to settle for the LED lights, we recommend you get a non-shunted option. Place the non-shunted one there in this position.
Before going into the process, keep in mind that if you go through this process, chances are you might damage the fixture or the bulbs. So, when you get the shunted lamp holders, certify that you are getting a little more than you need. You know, JUST IN CASE!
Lighting Fixture Wiring
To wire the lighting fixture, your first job is to check the live and of the fixture. Now, search for a permanent marker so that you can mark this area and find it afterward. You have to put a mark on the live end of your fixture for identification.
Take the lamp holders and get them to the other end of the fixture. Do not wire them up. Hold one of the leads that you have marked on the live end first. And then, start adding to the positive lead. All you need to do in this process is wiring! Now that the positive lead is already attached, you have to add the negative lead. Take it to the open lead.
The open lead is located on the live end part of the lamp holder. Here also, you just have to add it up! In this case, you will need some minutes so that you can concentrate on securing the connections. Wire nuts will be complementary here. Add them up and ensure if the wires are properly secured. Now, go through the power and connect it to the luminaire. Once you have done it, you must certify if the wiring is perfect or not. So, testing is necessary!
Adding the LED Lamps
When the wiring process is done and you have ensured the process ready works, you are ready to add the LED lamps. But for this, you have to install it carefully. Check the live end of the fixture first and then go through the L-marked part of the LED lamps. All you need to do is verify that these two parts are connected properly. Now, you are free to install the LED lamp!
Now, get your hands inside the fixture. Here, you have to add a cautionary replacement sticker of lighting inside the lighting fixture. This is a key to everybody who will ever work with the electricity of your house. With this easy addition or trick, they will understand that it was a fluorescent bulb and later it was turned into LED bulbs by rewiring it.
The Test
So, you are almost done with the installation of your fluorescent light into the LED light. Now, it is time to through the power source again. As you have turned it off before, you have to check the smart light switch and turn it on in this step so that you can check how the LED lights are working now!
After switching it on, you will see LED lighting working! However, if in this test process, the light doesn’t switch on or you confront any issues, go to a professional. Don’t take risks regarding electricity.
Wrap Up
There are several methods of converting fluorescent light into the LED light. However, we have picked up the method that will fit you the best. Even if you are new here, you will still have the courage to do it! Go through the process and save a lot of money! Don’t forget to write to us about what new home development blogs do you want!
I’m James. The author of Electricalaffairs.com. It’s been my passion to deal with power tools and gears. This website is mainly to talk about electrical wirings, lighting, various power source tools and accessories. I want to explore tackles and help people to grow their basic knowledge about electrical things. I would also like to help people to pick the right power tool for their daily needs.