User: Ravenvalor, Location: Triad region of NC
Asked on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 3:05 pm EDT
Answered on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 3:06 pm EDT
Question: Good Afternoon,Does anyone know where I can find 4', 3' & 2' - 3000k, 90CRI, ballast bypass, T8 lamps? Trying to spiff up some old ceiling facing, ambient, cove strip lighting in an 80 - year old church.Thank you for the help.
Good afternoon! Finding those specific lamps can be a bit of a challenge. Here's a breakdown of how to approach your search and some potential resources
Understanding Your Requirements:
4', 3', & 2' Lengths
This is straightforward, but make sure your existing fixtures can physically accommodate LED lamps, even if ballast bypass.
3000K (Warm White)
This is a common color temperature, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find.
90 CRI (Color Rendering Index)
This is the most critical and potentially limiting factor. 90 CRI signifies excellent color rendering, which is important for showcasing the church's architectural details and artwork. Many standard LED lamps are lower CRI (80-85).
Ballast Bypass (Direct Wire)
This means you'll be rewiring the fixtures to remove the ballast, connecting the line voltage directly to the lamp holders. This eliminates ballast maintenance and potential failures. Make sure you or a qualified electrician are comfortable with this process. Incorrect wiring can be dangerous.
T8 Shape
This refers to the standard tubular shape of the lamp.
LED T8
You are looking for LED lamps.
Where to Search and What to Look For
Major Lighting Suppliers (Online and Local)
Grainger
A large industrial supplier that carries a wide range of lighting products. Search their website.
Graybar
Another major electrical and lighting distributor. Check their website and consider contacting a local branch.
CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors)
A large network of electrical distributors.
City Electric Supply (CES)
Similar to CED, offering a wide selection.
1000Bulbs.com
An online retailer specializing in light bulbs and lighting components. They often have a good selection of niche items.
LightBulbs.com
Another online retailer that may have what you need.
Amazon/eBay (with caution)
You can find LED lamps here, but
be very careful to verify the specifications before purchasing. Read reviews and look for reputable brands. Avoid generic or unknown brands, especially when it comes to electrical components.
Local Electrical Supply Houses
Don't overlook local, independent electrical supply houses. They often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find what you need, and they may be able to source specific products.
Check Their Online Catalogs
Most of the suppliers listed above have online catalogs that allow you to filter by specifications.2.
Search Terms
Use very specific search terms. For example: "4 foot LED T8 3000K 90 CRI ballast bypass" "48 inch LED T8 3000K 90 CRI direct wire" "3 foot LED T8 3000K 90 CRI ballast bypass" "36 inch LED T8 3000K 90 CRI direct wire" "2 foot LED T8 3000K 90 CRI ballast bypass" "24 inch LED T8 3000K 90 CRI direct wire"3.
Manufacturer Websites
Philips
A major lighting manufacturer.
Sylvania (Ledvance)
Another leading manufacturer.
GE Lighting
Now owned by Savant, but still worth checking.
Cree Lighting
Known for high-quality LEDs. Check their websites for product catalogs and specifications. You might be able to find the exact lamps you need and then search for a distributor that carries them.4.
Consider Alternatives (If Necessary)
80+ CRI
If you're having extreme difficulty finding 90 CRI lamps in all sizes, you might consider slightly lower (80-85 CRI). While not ideal, it might be a more readily available option. Evaluate the color rendering in the space to see if the difference is noticeable.
Professional Consultation
A lighting designer or consultant specializing in church lighting could offer alternative solutions, such as different LED technologies or fixture upgrades, that might achieve the desired effect more effectively.
Important Considerations
Safety
Ballast bypass requires careful wiring. If you're not comfortable with electrical work, hire a qualified electrician.
Compatibility
Ensure the LED lamps are compatible with the voltage and wiring in your existing fixtures.
Dimmability
If you want to dim the lights, make sure the LED lamps are dimmable and compatible with your existing dimming system (or plan to upgrade the dimming system as well). Ballast bypass LED's typically require a specific dimmer that is compatible with them.
Warranty
Check the warranty on the LED lamps.
UL Listing (or equivalent)
Make sure the lamps are UL listed or have another recognized safety certification.
Photometrics
If you want to precisely match the light output of your existing lamps, look for photometric data (light distribution curves) for the LED lamps.
Steps to Take
Measure and Verify
Double-check the exact length of your existing lamps (including the pins).2.
Start Your Search Online
Use the search terms above to browse online retailers and suppliers.3.
Contact Local Suppliers
Call or visit local electrical supply houses. They may have access to products that aren't readily available online.4.
Check Manufacturer Websites
Explore the websites of major lighting manufacturers to see if they offer the specific lamps you need.5.
Consider Alternatives (If Necessary)
If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, be open to alternative solutions.6.
Hire an Electrician (If Needed):* For ballast bypass installations, it's best to have a qualified electrician perform the work.Finding those specific lamps might take some time and effort, but with careful searching and research, you should be able to find a suitable solution for your church's lighting project. Good luck! Flag for review