T8 Conversion or T12 Electronic Ballast - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

NolaTigaBait · 06-03-2009, 04:55 PM

I'm bidding a job at a warehouse that has T12 magnetic ballasts. Each fixture has (2) 2 light ballasts in it. Should I upgrade to one T8 4 light ballast and rewire, or should i just install a 2 light T12 electronic ballast?...Obviously it would be easier time-wise to just install the T12 electronic, but what is the benefits of upgrading to the T8 over the T12?...it is light output?

Peter D · 06-03-2009, 05:00 PM

T8 will gain you energy savings, better lumen maintenance and better light output in the long run. However, T8 ballasts are not reliable and will add to the maintenance cost of the building. This will be bad for you during the warranty period, but good for you if you will be the once to change the ballasts later on down the road.

I would sell the T8 upgrade over the T12 electronic upgrade, because I'm sure an electronic T12 ballast is no better than a T8 electronic ballast in terms of reliability.

NolaTigaBait · 06-03-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter D

T8 will gain you energy savings, better lumen maintenance and better light output in the long run. However, T8 ballasts are not reliable and will add to the maintenance cost of the building. This will be bad for you during the warranty period, but good for you if you will be the once to change the ballasts later on down the road.

I would sell the T8 upgrade over the T12 electronic upgrade, because I'm sure an electronic T12 ballast is no better than a T8 electronic ballast in terms of reliability.

thanks peter...i'm leaning towards upgrading to the t12 electronic(just b/c the customer is a cheap sob).
Just curious, how do you bill these upgrades?...by the fixture or hour?

Toronto Sparky · 06-03-2009, 05:42 PM

I would say by fixture .. but better allow for access.. I've changed ballasts in fixtures that took 20 minutes to get at..
Easy access can be done in 5 minutes