Replacement T9 fluorescent tube not working - ballast replacement or go for LED?

DRP

Hi, I Bought a direct replacement for a failed T9 40cm ring tube in my bathroom mirror/light/demister/IR switch, but it has the same issue as the original tube  (flickering dimly). 

I’ve read online that this may mean the ballast has gone (it’s an EB-56), but these things are seemingly in short supply and I can’t find a stockist.

Another option might be an LED equivalent. Does anyone know how easy it is to find the appropriate LED and is it DIYable?

many thanks

fenwick458

it will be the electronic ballast thats faulty. 
I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

ThisIsWeird

How much physical space is there inside that fitting, drp, including depth? And what room is it used in?

Almost certainly there will be complete LED light units that'll go in there - and the first (central) box is the incoming mains - tho' it may need shifting sideways unless you fit two small lights.)

GDB2222

ThisIsWeird said:

How much physical space is there inside that fitting, drp, including depth? And what room is it used in?

Almost certainly there will be complete LED light units that'll go in there - and the first (central) box is the incoming mains - tho' it may need shifting sideways unless you fit two small lights.)

I like the idea of fitting an ordinary LED light inside, although that may not provide as diffuse a light as the fluorescent tube. I would go for an led that’s half the wattage of the tube.

GDB2222

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Circular_LED_Panel/index.html#Circular_LED_Panel

These Led panels are only 15mm thick, so pretty much bound to fit inside the existing case. 

We have several in our house, and they have been reliable. 

grumbler

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

GDB2222

grumbler said:

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

Not quite a direct replacement if the ballast is shot, but apart from that it may be the easiest.

Ectophile

grumbler said:

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

I have yet to see any LED tapes that wouldn't go BANG spectacularly if you wired them direct to the mains.  You can buy LED lamps with their own power supply built in, but that wouldn't be anywhere near as thin, or allow even lighting.

Edit: Apparently such tapes do exist.  And may even be safe inside an enclosure.

grumbler

Ectophile said:

grumbler said:

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

I have yet to see any LED tapes that wouldn't go BANG spectacularly if you wired them direct to the mains.  You can buy LED lamps with their own power supply built in, but that wouldn't be anywhere near as thin, or allow even lighting.

I don't understand your point. Why does it have to be thin?

fenwick458 suggested a kit - an LED tape with a power supply. If the transformer is too big for this fitting, theoretically it can be in the loft.

I suggested a mains voltage bulb with a built-in power supply.

fenwick458

grumbler said:

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

the kit consists of a roll of tape and a driver. 
all thats required is to remove the fluorescent ballast, and fit the led driver in it's place. then stick the tape around the back of the mirror and plug into the driver, I don't think any of that is hassle, it's a 5 minute job

Risteard

fenwick458 said:

grumbler said:

fenwick458 said:

I'd just get rid of the fluorescent stuff and fit an LED tape kit inside. something like this for example.

Why 'kit' and all this trouble when direct LED replacements are available that don't need any ballast?

the kit consists of a roll of tape and a driver. 
all thats required is to remove the fluorescent ballast, and fit the led driver in it's place. then stick the tape around the back of the mirror and plug into the driver, I don't think any of that is hassle, it's a 5 minute job

I'd suggest you time yourself doing it. I can guarantee that you won't be done in five minutes.