T8 fixture replacement

[naoki]

I think programmed start and instant start ballasts are better suited for our purpose than rapid start because they are more energy-efficient and it get turned on and off only once a day. I think that programmed start ballasts are more expensive than instant start ones, but they are gentler to the bulbs, right? So the one I recommended above is the programmed start one. RJ (or anyone), do you happen to know if the extra cost of programmed ballast is worth for our purpose?

[RJSquirrel]

The instant-start ballasts frequently used with fluorescent tube lamps provide full voltage and current instantly to the lamp cathodes. This creates a thermal shock to the cathodes that will degrade the cathode and may cause the lamp to fail prematurely. As a result, lamps on instant-start ballasts will only withstand about 12,000 to 15,000 on/off cycles before burning out. In contrast, program-start ballasts go through a soft-start sequence that gently starts the lamp without thermal shock. This enables lamps on program-start ballasts to withstand 50,000 to 100,000 on/off cycles before burning out.

In areas where lights are on continuously, or on during normal working hours (typical 12 hours/day), then instant-start is the best option. Instant-start ballasts are less expensive and slightly more efficient than program-start.

[DelawareJim]

Another option is to replace the bulbs with LED tubes. They are a strip of LEDs inside a 2-pin tube like a fluorescent bulb. Directions say to disconnect the ballast, so you're already halfway there. They'll cost about as much as a new fixture though.

T5, T8, T10, T12 Fluorescent LED Retrofit Kit - Household LED Lights - Low Voltage LED Lights - Other LED Lights - LEDLight

I've been looking for a while and you can get them in warm white, cool white, red/blue grow bulb, and other colour temps.

Cheers.
Jim