[noquacks]

People,

Have a fixture holding 4x4' T12 bulbs, want to put in new ballasts, and there are 2 there now. Are these typically same as for 2 bulbs, but just tied together?

Meaning, should I just buy 2 ballasts each made for a 2 bulb fixture? Hope I explained it well.

Thanks

 

[dmxtothemax]

Unless you are happy to
Reconfigure the internal wiring ?
Then I would replace
Same with same !

 

[joed]

Unless you have a need to only turn on two of four tubes at one time then there is no advantage of installing two ballasts.

No matter which ballast you buy, the wring drawing will be on the ballast. Wire it according to the drawing not according to the old ballast.
Now would also be a good time to convert the ballasts to T8.

 

[Jim Port]

T 12 tubes are going away. You can probably buy a new T8 fixture for the cost of the ballast.

 

[MrElectricianTV]

People,

Have a fixture holding 4x4' T12 bulbs, want to put in new ballasts, and there are 2 there now. Are these typically same as for 2 bulbs, but just tied together?

Meaning, should I just buy 2 ballasts each made for a 2 bulb fixture? Hope I explained it well.

Thanks

T12 bulbs are going away. Install one four lamp T8 ballast. Follow the wiring diagram on the ballast.

 

[noquacks]

Thanks. They are the fixtures that are recessed in a drop ceiling, kinda flush with drop ceiling. You know, the omes that are same size as a 2x4 acoustic ceiling tile? Do they sell same for T8?

But I will consider the switch to T8. Good tip.

 

[Oso954]

When following the wiring diagram, pay attention to whether it requires shunted lamp holders. If required, you can easily shunt them, but failure to do so will cost you some bulb life.

If your T12 fixtures are simple low cost fixtures, I am not sure re-ballasting and rewiring is worth the time/effort. Fixture replacement is easier and is sometimes less expensive.

 

[ER2]

Thanks. They are the fixtures that are recessed in a drop ceiling, kinda flush with drop ceiling. You know, the omes that are same size as a 2x4 acoustic ceiling tile? Do they sell same for T8?

But I will consider the switch to T8. Good tip.

Jim Port is right, you should just buy a new drop in T8 fixture.

 

[Arrow3030]

Yes they sell 2x4 drop in T8's. You shouldn't be considering anything less than T8 IMO. T12's, while still available, are not being manufactured anymore if my source is correct.

 

[Oso954]

T12's, while still available, are not being manufactured anymore if my source is correct.

Most T12s have been illegal to mfg in the US or import into the US, since July 2012. However, there are exceptions for special purpose bulbs. So some T12s bulbs will continue being mfg or imported.

 

[Jim Port]

The T8 uses less energy and puts out more light.

 

[al_smelter]

You can buy a T-8 ballast for 10 bucks. So two would cost $20. I know of no 2'x4' four lamp troffer that can be bought for twenty dollars. I would re-ballast the fixture. Follow the wiring diagram on the new ballast.

Edit: I'm sorry, my math was wrong. You can get a four lamp ballast even cheaper than two 2 lampers:

https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/t8-ballast-4-lamp-instant-start-normal-ballast-factor/

 

[noquacks]

Thnaks, people. So, just to be clear, I should rip out the entire 2x4 fixture, and screw in a new 2x4 fixture for T8's, right? Dump the entire fixture currently there?

 

[jbfan]

Thnaks, people. So, just to be clear, I should rip out the entire 2x4 fixture, and screw in a new 2x4 fixture for T8's, right? Dump the entire fixture currently there?

I wouldn't.
I'd just install a t-8 ballast and lamps

 

[joed]

I agree; new ballast.