CFL bulbs in self-serve bays

[packerscw]

Looking to switch all my bulbs to CFL. I heard there is away to bypass the balice when using the CFL bulbs, does any one no how to do this? and where is a good place to buy the bulbs from?

 

[I.B. Washincars]

1000bulbs.com is the place for the bulbs. I searched only mogul base bulbs so I wouldn't need to replace the socket. If your lights are wired 120V the wiring is simple. Just unhook the 120V and the neutral coming into the fixture and hook them right to the two wires on the socket, that's it. I pulled out the ballasts and capacitors to hopefully sell, but you could just leave them in there if you wanted. There have been several subjects on this over the last few months. Search my handle and also 2biz and you should find some more info.

 

[Indiana Wash]

Just FYI, for $100 per light you can switch to 48" T5 HO lights with 2 lights in each one. I did this with my lights. I had 4 250W wallpacks in each SS bay. I replaced them with 4 new fixtures. Two are always on and I put the other two on occupancy sensors. Now, I have two lights on all night which put out as much light as my 4 old fixtures put out and when someone pulls in the other two lights kick on and make it extra bright for the customer.

In addition to saving a ton on electricity, I am saving a fortune on light bulbs. The T5 bulbs use 54W per bulb or 108W per fixture. The do not get any dimmer over their life like the metal halides. New bulbs are $3.50 each.

 

[MEP001]

In addition to saving a ton on electricity, I am saving a fortune on light bulbs. The T5 bulbs use 54W per bulb or 108W per fixture. The do not get any dimmer over their life like the metal halides. New bulbs are $3.50 each.

They also last at least twice as long as metal halides.

 

[2Biz]

In addition to saving a ton on electricity, I am saving a fortune on light bulbs. The T5 bulbs use 54W per bulb or 108W per fixture. The do not get any dimmer over their life like the metal halides. New bulbs are $3.50 each.

Since I did my conversion to CFL in March/April, the cost of bulbs has gone from $15 each to over $24 each. Hopefully this new price won't last long and by the time I need replacement bulbs, the price will be back down. Otherwise I might be looking into the T5 or T8 bulbs and fixtures. $3.50 a bulb sounds inviting...

 

[washnvac]

All flourescents will continue to rise for a while. There is a shortage of rare earth materials that is causing it. Rare earth materials are a component of all flourescents.

 

[Indiana Wash]

I can't say enough how please I am with the T5 HO's. It was more work than just changing the bulbs, but it took me about an hour a fixture after I figured out how including pulling wire and changing conduit.