Has anyone used LED light tubes?

[myxpykalix]

I saw some LED tube lights on ebay that look like and hook up to regular flourescent fixtures and wondered if anyone had ever used them before?

Are they bright enough to use as a light source or just as accent lighting? They sell for over $25. each on ebay:
T8 G13 60CM 8W 120 SMD LED Light Tube Fluorescent White

[michael_schwartz]

Wondering what the answer to this question is myself.

The math I did certainly didn't justify switching from 2x96 watt, to 4x32 watt fluorescent fixtures.

The idea of the LED tubes are kind of cool, but I doubt they are economical at the present time, or we would see definitely an isle full of them at home depot

[steve_g]

I had an 18” fluorescent work light mounted on my Y axis, when it burned out I replaced it with a LED model. I had great expectations for the new technology, but was disappointed with its light output. When I checked the Lumens of each it was clear why I was disappointed.

The 4’ T-8 replacements I found on-line have a lumen output of 1600 compared to T-8 fluorescent tubes I found ranging from 1800-3000+. However the LEDs will be the same for their 50,000 hour lifetime, while the fluorescent ones will decrease by about 50% over their 20,000 hours.

Normally not a problem where I am in Texas, today (like me) the fluorescent tubes don’t want to start in the cold! This isn’t an issue for the LEDs.

Let us know your thoughts if you try them!

Steve

[myxpykalix]

I think the initial cost vs long term cost of replacements isn't great, just good, but i was concerned about the light output. As Steve eloquently put it (lumens+ usage hours) makes sense. I could only think of "bright lights vs. accent lights"

What i got from that was the LED's last long, use less power but are not as bright, which was exactly the info i was looking for but couldn't express it quite as good. Thanks Steve!

[steve_g]

Just to be perfectly clear… LEDs can be just a bright, you have to compare lumens to lumens.

Steve

[jerry_stanek]

We have used then on some trade show displays but weren't that impressed. If you do make sure you read the wiring instructions as some you have to totally rewire the fixture.