Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Is there a down side to replacing most of the incandescent lamps to the Thinline Fluorescent's? Besides cost, that is.
I'm not ready (mentally) for LED's just yet unless I could replace the incandescent bulbs with LED's in the same dual bulb fixture.
July 19, 2010 - Thanks for all the comments. It's time to put this topic to bed. I'm going to ask my wife for some money to do something; haven't decided yet.
* This post was
edited 07/19/10 03:30pm by Dick_B *
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Hi,
Cost is the largest downside.
I replaced my two most used light fixtures with florescent ones. It was easy, just that the older lights did not require the + and - to be correct, while a florescent one requires it to be correct.
So I put a 26W over the dinette table (it is a little to bright) and a 8 watt over the kitchen sink. It is great for area lighting at night, and uses minimal power. Brighter than the 1.2 amp light it replaced, even with two bulbs on (@2.4 amps).
The side benifit is the bulbs last so much longer. I did not change any other lights, and in 13 years, only needed to replace a couple of the regular light bulbs, and one of the florescent bulbs.
I recently found some LED lights at Wal Mart- reasonable, but only in 12 VAC configuration. I was thinking it would make a great $5 LED light, but found out it runs on AC power.
With the cost of converting 10 fixtures to LED, I think I would rather buy a used 120 watt solar panel for the $300, and make more power daily than I would use running the incandecent lamps.
Good Luck,
Fred.
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vermilye
Oswego, NY, USA
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Joined: 08/11/2004
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There are LEDs that are direct replacements for the incandescent lamps in standard fixtures. Among others, check LED Trailer Lights.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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No, there is no down side. upgraded RVs come with fluorescent fixtures as standard, because they are the best for nice uniform, non-glaring light.
now for a spot light for reading, others might be preferred.
bumpy
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
I would not consider Florescent's given the current state of the art for LED's. They are "plug and play" compatible with the existing fixtures. Ebay is an excellent and inexpensive way to "get your toes wet". Look for an led that is 200 or more lumens.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Go straight to LED from China on Ebay. Less than $5/12V bulb.
Might want to start with reading these five pages of posts.
* This post was
edited 07/17/10 08:23am by Ivylog *
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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david_42
Oregon
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Another source for LEDs, superbright Quite an assortment and often they will have more than one option to replace a standard bulb. I like to put a red bulb and a white one in the bathroom.
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RJsfishin
Winston Or.
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I'd be an idiot to ever change to floresant,....w/ the latest in leds out there.
But NEVER buy a $5 bulb from China if the supply voltage goes over 12.5 volts. And I'm not sure they would hold up even at 12.0 volts. I still use 2 of them, and out of 36 leds, less than 10 are burning now.
But who knows,.....I haven't kept up on the latest $5 bulbs, maybe they are better now ? But I know the $10 ones at the RV Big Tent show are fabulous !
Rich
'98 Flair, 454, Onan Microlite 4k, Intel PD 9155 w/ wizard, Sta-power 1500 watt Inv, 2 6v batts, ammeters, KingDome/sat, Two Oly Cat heaters, and towing a '05 Jeep Liberty, or sometimes towing a New Lowe fishing boat.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi RJsfinshin,
I managed to leave one of my 36 leds from China ($5.50 FOB Regina) on for a week--it is just fine.
My very first ones did burn out--but that was over 7 years ago now. Still it is worth writing the seller to find out the voltage tolerance--if they don't know it may be best to keep the dollars in your pocket.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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For me the issue with florcesnet is Radio Frequency Noise
Florcesnets are good light, can be "natural" if you buy the right bulbs and fixtures, (Incandesent is near natural)
LED's I'm not so fond of yet.
But the inverters that run the lights (The "DC Ballast" is really an inverter) can be noisy on the radio.
I do agree though, if you can find LED's you like, much better.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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