Ballast bypass but lights very dim

Submitted by PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER t3_117tyfz in DIY

I’ve had issues with this fluorescent light. It would start dim and we’d have to fiddle with the switch several times before it would catch and light the room. So I figured I might as well switch to LEDs. I bought some LED plug and plays and put them in. They would not light and were very dim. So I bypassed the ballast. Still dim. I checked the voltage from the hot to the ground and it’s 120, as it should be. Replaced the tombstones and cleaned up all the connections. Still the same issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

https://imgur.com/a/Hoo7rNt

Edit: I’ve tested two sets of bulbs. When the first set didn’t work, I pulled some working ones from the garage fixture. Same issue.

UPDATE: The lights are now working with hybrid bulbs (type A and B). As many suggested, I went to the store and got direct wire bulbs, but grabbed a pair of hybrids just to have on hand in case I ever have to replace either type in the future. I interestingly, the direct wire did not work, but the hybrids did. Go figure.

https://imgur.com/a/nnExIIw

Bulbs on the left working. Bulbs on the right not

https://imgur.com/a/fmkKCtc

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Comments

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Brilliant-Average654 t1_j9dr231 wrote

What kind of switch do you have?

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9drax7 wrote

Wall flip up/down switch when you walk in the door. Probably been there for 40 years

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Brilliant-Average654 t1_j9e0ltu wrote

Ok, first - “we’d have to fiddle with the switch before it would catch” tells me that the switch is at the end of its life. MA single pole switch has 2 positions, open and closed (they should not be held in any other position, or it can cause damage.

Ballast also don’t last forever.

If I have a fluorescent light that isn’t working, I take these steps.

  1. Power off, swap the lamps (fluorescent tubes) with a pair that I know for a fact work and inspect the tombstones.

If the lamps still don’t come on…this is telling me it’s more than likely the ballast that needs to be replaced.

  1. Power off, remove the lamps, open the guts to expose the ballast, confirm it’s the correct ballast by reading the label (the label will show the line voltage and lamps that it’s compatible with). Disconnect the feed from the ballast, power on and test for voltage. The voltage should be around 110-120v.

(Do not work on live electricity unless you are a trained individual and have the proper PPE)

After confirming I have the correct voltage, working lamps and undamaged tombstone’s, I will replace the ballast.I’m

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Brilliant-Average654 t1_j9e1af7 wrote

In the future, just get a new built it led fixture. They’re affordable and way less hassle.

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Brilliant-Average654 t1_j9e14hm wrote

LED replacements.

Ballast compatible LED tubes will not work with magnetic ballast, and they can damage the electronics.

Ballast bypass LED tubes can be damaged if you do not remove the ballast, definitely by a magnetic ballast, less likely with electronic ballast but it can still happen. The ballast must be removed for these to function properly.

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9ewp4w wrote

Thank you for all of your help. I’ve already removed the ballast, so I will be going to purchase some direct wire led tubes today. I’ll update when I try them

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Cletu_Bojangles t1_j9dxkl3 wrote

Need some clarification here to help as I have installed many ballast compatible and bypass LED tubes. You say that you got plug and plays and they were very dim. So you then bypassed the ballast, did you then change to LED bypass or still using the ballast compatible bulbs? I only ask because they are not one in the same. The ballast compatible "plug and play" led tubes are only for use with a ballast and if you ballast is bad that could have been the issue not the bulbs. On the flip side ballast bypass bulbs require to to direct wire the fixture and remove the ballast and will not work if it is still in there. Just need that clarification to help you a little more.

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9ewsya wrote

Hi! I’m still using the plug and plays. Apparently that is the issue. I’m going to go pick up some direct wire and try them. Thanks for your help. I’ll update later when I install the new bulbs

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ProblimaticSolutions t1_j9e5y6p wrote

Sounds like it could be that the ballast was going bad. Plug and play LED replacements still need a good ballast to work and will not work by bypassing, you need the direct wire type for that.

So your options are to replace the ballast and keep the plug and play LEDs or get new LEDs designed for ballast bypass.

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9ewkr5 wrote

Thank you. I’ll be going to buy some direct wire LEDs later today. Appreciate your help

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chesucat t1_j9eoq9j wrote

I have to fiddle with the lights switch in the garage to get the overhead fluorescent lights to finally come on.

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Riegel_Haribo t1_j9dxnei wrote

Sounds like you are putting retrofit bulbs (not direct wire) in a fixture with a failing or magnetic ballast, or trying to connect them to AC directly. Don't do that.

And what the hell is the little LED thing hanging by the wires?

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9dyhrp wrote

The ballast has been removed. I’m trying to connect them to AC directly. Would retrofits not run on AC?

The thing hanging from the wires is the wire connector.

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Cletu_Bojangles t1_j9e02he wrote

No retrofits will not. A ballast depending on application put out 300-1000volts

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9ewx7p wrote

Thank you. I’ll grab some direct wire bulbs and try them. Appreciate your help

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Riegel_Haribo t1_j9e18j0 wrote

There are specific bulbs for universal (runs in fat T12 magnetic OR T8 electronic ballast), and for electronic only. The voltage for florescent bulbs is many times higher than wall power, and also includes a starter circuit.

Direct-wire bulbs will specifically state that they are not for use in existing fixtures. They can be more efficient without ballast, but need re-wiring according to the directions included.

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PM_ME_YOUR_FDD_OFFER OP t1_j9ewzxr wrote

Excellent. I’m going to buy some direct wire and see if they work. Thanks for your help

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Haiku_Time_Again t1_j9f0u55 wrote

I removed my ballasts and put hybrids in, they work amazingly (can use on electric ballast or direct wire, not magnetic).

Direct power led tubes will be fine since you cut the ballasts out already.

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Casey666 t1_j9dzpx4 wrote

I don’t understand the wiring. Are there two hots going to each tombstone?

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APartyForAnts t1_j9e7dj8 wrote

Seems like it, and it's perfectly ok if the bulbs are designed with that wiring config in mind

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