How to Convert T12 to T8 Ballasts

Despite their bad reputation, fluorescent bulbs are now the lighting of choice for the home and office.

When most people think of fluorescent lighting, they imagine office buildings with humming lights that give skin a sickly green color. The culprit of these associations is the T12 ballast, which has been in use, basically unchanged, since World War II. The modern upgrade, the T8 ballast, eliminates the telltale hum while allowing for more efficient bulbs with superior color rendition and reducing costs while providing more pleasant light.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters
• T8 ballast
• T8 bulb

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity running to the light fixture to avoid electrical shock.

2. Remove the protective plastic cover on the light fixture.

3. Remove the existing T12 fluorescent bulbs. Discard them in accordance with state and federal regulations.

4. Locate the T12 ballast, which is the large black box with wires running from it.

5. Clip the wires as close to the ballast as possible.

6. Remove the screws from the ballast while holding it up to avoid dropping it on your head.

7. Screw the new T8 ballast into the same place as the old T12 ballast.

8. Connect the existing wires to the new ballast. Refer to the included instructions for exact steps.

9. Install the new T8 bulbs. Because these bulbs use the same connectors as T12 bulbs, you do not need to change your connection plates.

10. Replace the plastic protective cover on the light fixture.

References

• Merchant Circle: T12 to T8 Retrofits
• T8Bulbs.net