Mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs will soon all be replaced by LED and other alternatives.
The options for replacing fluorescent with LED lighting are increasing rapidly, with bulbs now available in a variety of light color temperatures, illumination levels and shape and size configurations. LED arrays can simply be screwed in in place of threaded compact fluorescents or incandescent bulbs; they also come in tubes for use directly in ceiling fixtures or by rewiring to eliminate ballast units. Front end cost is probably the greatest barrier to wide implementation of LED replacement, but considering their bulb life expectancy of 10 years or more, LEDs make an excellent choice. Many municipalities are tightening bans on the use of mercury-containing fluorescents in public and even commercial buildings, and there are currently no better options than LED replacements.
Instructions
1. Select LED replacement bulbs close in color temperature to those existing. Fluorescents range from warm white (the same color as household incandescent bulbs) around 2,700K to daylight bulbs of 5,000 to 6,500K. Most office fluorescent tubes are around 4,100K. LEDs come in many temperatures along this range. Ironically, the higher the color temperature, the cooler looking the light. Shop at a lighting store or online for the best selection and pricing.
2. Match the amount of illumination output of existing bulbs as closely as possible. LEDs used to be much dimmer than their counterparts, but the technology is changing rapidly, and LED arrays to replace fluorescent tubes rival their counterparts.
3. Match the thread base when replacing compact fluorescent lights with LEDs, and make sure the array will fit inside the fixture. Threaded LED come in flood and spotlight configurations for use in fixtures such as track lights and recessed ceiling fixtures as well as in forms for simple table lamps.
4. Remove the ballast units and starters from fluorescent fixtures that are being converted completely to LED use and that will use bulb arrays that do not require the ballasts. Use the same fixtures and end receptacles, but rewire to provide direct power to the bulbs following the instructions shipped with them.
5. Retrofit fluorescent fixtures with LED tubes that use the existing wiring and ballasts as a power source if desired. This type of bulb is fully compatible with the fluorescent tubes in the fixture and allows for switching to LED as the fluorescents burn out. Not all the bulbs have to be replaced at once, so front end costs are not as steep as in situations where you might need to replace the entire array at once.
6. Dispose of the fluorescent bulbs carefully and according to environmental guidelines for your area, as they contain mercury. Many municipalities have abatement programs to keep mercury out of landfills.
Tags: fluorescent tubes, ballast units, bulb arrays, ceiling fixtures, color temperature, fluorescent bulbs
