I've got 5, 2-bulb 4' T12 lights hanging in my small garage. They are various ages and styles.... one used to be in my kitchen until we remodeled :D I don't believe any of them are cold-weather rated, and they need to be. I've replaced a couple ballasts in the last couple years, and now 2 of the lights are dead again.

Rather than replace the T12 ballasts, I'm considering T8 ballasts instead. Any suggestions as to a good T8 bulb and ballast I should use to convert my lights? Are T8-HO's worth it?

I have been doing a lot of T12 to T8 conversions over the last year for Radio Shack and a couple other stores. Unless the store supplies the bulbs and ballasts, I just buy the ballasts at Home Depot or Lowes, unless I have to buy like 25 or 30, then it's cheaper to get them at an Electric supply house. I cant speak much of the difference, I cant really see too much. But I know the T12's wont be around much longer, they're being phased out. Might as well make the switch now. I have the T8's in my garage, and they do seem to be much better in the cold.

Living in MI you`d do good to replace them with T8 electronic ballast and lMps. The T8 is rated for 0 degree starting whereas the T12 is 50 degree. As cheap as they are I would just buy new fixtures instead replacing lamps & ballast - Don

Thanks guys. I rebuilt one already with Home Depot parts. I figured I try one and see if I liked it before doing the 2nd one. The ballast was $15 and a pair of 5000 deg bulbs was $7.

It's hard to compare to one of the older T12s.... it's definitely whiter, and makes the old lights look very yellow. I think i'll try some 3500 deg lamps next time, but maybe I grow to like the white light. The T8-32's seem brighter than the T12-40's, but it might be the color difference deceiving me. The T8's sure do start fast though.... pretty much immediate. I'll have to wait a few weeks/months for the real cold test... :thumbsup:

Chris, glad to see you're happy with the new one. The color difference you see is mainly the 5000K bulbs. If you go to the 3200 or 3500, they will be more yellow like the old ones. But they will still be better. Good luck!

I have been switching over to t-8s as my shop lights ballasts drop out.I take a 4 bulb light with 2 ballasts t-12 and converted them to a 1 ballast 4 light t-8 setup.They are brighter and use less energy.

I dont know if you have Graybar distributors in your area but if you do you will get better quality ballasts at a better price than what the box stores carry .

One thing to note: T-8 ballasts don't last nearly as long as T-12 ballasts.