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How to install LED Strip Lighting in Florescent light fixtures?


Al F

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In our new-to-us 2006 Winnebago Journey there are a slew of florescent light fixtures.  I am going to remove the bulbs and install LED light strips in place of the bulbs.

What is the process to attach the wires to the LED strips?  Do you just solder the wires to the strips?  Or are there connectors that can be just plugged on the LED strips?  I know how to attach to the 12V so that is not a problem.

Photo of the LED strip showing the +12V connection points:

https://photos.google.com/search/_tra_/photo/AF1QipNsg6-ZfENV2yvjc98BfM9dq8zIWPe-4HNyoT5i

 

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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2 minutes ago, Al F said:

Photo of the LED strip showing the +12V connection points:

 https://photos.google.com/search/_tra_/photo/AF1QipNsg6-ZfENV2yvjc98BfM9dq8zIWPe-4HNyoT5i

 

Your link doesn't work.

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2 hours ago, Al F said:

What is the process to attach the wires to the LED strips?  Do you just solder the wires to the strips? 

For my fluorescent conversions I used 19" strips of LEDs purchased from Superbright LEDs that already had wires attached to them.  The strips were adhesive-backed and the "conversion process" took only a few minutes.  I chose to remove the ballast and unneeded wires but you don't have to.

Edited by docj

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I found that it was worth my while to replace my old Thinlite fluorescent fixtures with their LED replacements, since they were new and had two brightness settings.  These fixtures are not available from everyone, here is where I bought mine -- http://www.solarseller.com/thin_lite_led_lighting_low_voltage_dc_12_and_24_volt.htm .

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We used a reel of LED self stick strips.  We originally acquire some plug-in connectors but chose not to use them.

We soldered the connections to the strip which was pretty easy after getting the hang of it.  We put 6 strips in each housing to get more light.

Here is a page of our conversions. Led Light Conversion.

In later conversions, we did remove the ballast card to get it out of the way.

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7 hours ago, Kirk W said:

Your link doesn't work.

Please give this a try:  https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN6oy-08bhvDXIG0KalRAlh3u2pOak6gsaiy-CM-akyH_C0M2GUQKK7OpKRQW7f9Q/photo/AF1QipOthSwCRLPWnr0371wBp6X9oWpQIIGrg6ghHpIx?key=QzZIbUJ1bGVXaWFUUjZXYS1peHZyMGcyYWtqMC1R

 

The first one opened for me, but for others, maybe because I didn't have the open share set up.  I think I set up open share for the one above. 

 

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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Thanks to all who replied.  I'll go with the solder method.  I have four 20" dual light fixtures and one 12" dual light fixture.   About 10' of LED strip should do it.  SuperBrightLED's sells ~16' lengths. 

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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3 hours ago, Mark and Dale Bruss said:

We used a reel of LED self stick strips.  We originally acquire some plug-in connectors but chose not to use them.

We soldered the connections to the strip which was pretty easy after getting the hang of it.  We put 6 strips in each housing to get more light.

Here is a page of our conversions. Led Light Conversion.

In later conversions, we did remove the ballast card to get it out of the way.

Great info in the link to your LED conversion.  Thanks

 

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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5 hours ago, Bill Joyce said:

I found that it was worth my while to replace my old Thinlite fluorescent fixtures with their LED replacements, since they were new and had two brightness settings.  These fixtures are not available from everyone, here is where I bought mine -- http://www.solarseller.com/thin_lite_led_lighting_low_voltage_dc_12_and_24_volt.htm .

That is the easy way to do it, but a bit more expensive.  

Thanks for the idea.

Al & Sharon
2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 
2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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Hello. New here, but I have just done this in my 2002 Winnebago Journey DL. I used 3 rows of 6000k LED self adhesive strips in the Thinlite fixtures. Light output is excellent. I made all my connections with solid core wire from Category 5 Ethernet Cable. I put bullet connectors on to facilitate easier hookup. The thinner wire pulls less on the adhesive tape on the LEDs, making it less likely to cause a failure. I too, removed old circuit boards, connectors and such for a cleaner fixture.

I think I am going to remove the ugly discolored covers and lenses and use translucent plastic sheeting screwed to the ceiling. This will give the appearance of more ceiling height.

I have replaced all the other coach bulbs with LEDs except for the undercabinet counter top lamp. I might put a hockey puck light there. Current draw with all the LED coach lights on is less than what A SINGLE DOUBLE BULB INCADESCENT DREW ceiling light in the bathroom drew.

I had trouble with flickering in the bedroom, but replacing the dimmer with an on-off rocker switch solved that distraction.

I used: 16.4FT/5M LED Light Strip, 12V LED Tape Light, 6000K Daylight White, 300 Units SMD 2835 LEDs, Non-Waterproof LED Ribbon, Under Cabinet Lighting Strips for Home Kitchen Bar Party Xmas from Amazon.

Specifications: 
●Color: Daylight White 
●Size of LEDs: 2835 LEDs
●Length of a tape: 5m/ 16.4ft 
●Quantity of LEDs : 300
●Working Voltage: 12V DC

 I bought two rolls so that I would have spares in case of failure. I hate having different colored or different density, thus differing brightness in similar fixtures.

I hope my experience helps someone.

Edited by MartinGale
Typo and clarification that strips were only used in Thinlite.
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  • 9 months later...

I've been using a LE LED rope light. It works perfectly and looks great outdoors under the eaves of the patio overhang. We can sit in the family room and easily see the lights. It's even better sitting outdoors because the rope is long enough to reach across the entire section that faces us with enough to wrap around the sides.

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I bought 18'' direct replacement LED bulbs at WM for  $5 ea., didn't even have to remove the ballast. The have a yellow cast to them, however they look good in the living room area, very easy on the eyes. WM mus have screwed-up because when I returned for more, none there.

 

2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.  John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961

 

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