Fluorescent light recommendations?

[austinado16]

Been thinking that with the ceiling repairs I'm doing, I should install fluorescent fixtures instead of the original dual bulb incandescents.

Looked on ebay to get some idea of style and cost and found there are dual tube versions in either 16watts or 30watts output.  Nothing appears to have a switch that will turn on just one tube, and then turn on both tubes.....maybe that's not an option in this size/style of light?

Anyway, can someone give me advice on buying?  Should I go with 30watt fixtures?  I'll buy 2 fixtures and the camper is 11'-6" long inside.  Any styles or brands that are better than others?

[Recumbentman]

I got this one from JC Whitney  very happy with it. Do a search on there web site for other styles.
Good Luck

[AustinBoston]

I got this one from JC Whitney  very happy with it. Do a search on there web site for other styles.
Good Luck

Did you get the 8-watt (single tube) or 16 watt (two tube) version?  The only JC Whitney review was not that glowing (pun intended) of the 8-watt version.

Austin

[Recumbentman]

Did you get the 8-watt (single tube) or 16 watt (two tube) version?  The only JC Whitney review was not that glowing (pun intended) of the 8-watt version.

Austin

I purchased the two tube version, since you can turn one or both on as needed.

[zamboni]

I have been looking into LED lights, since there are a lot of lights in our hybrid -- and they are a major drain on the battery (1.4 A each bulb!)

I found some that appear as though they have about the same amount of light output as the double bulbs (2.8A), but only use 0.25A:
http://autolumination.com/bike.htm
(see the 18th group down, 13 LED)



If anybody knows of LED "bulb" packs that can plug into the sockets our campers already have, I'm all for it!

[austinado16]

Thanks for the info and JC Whitney link.

I like the idea of being able to turn on just one tube, but maybe I wouldn't need that feature?  I should probably step up and buy 26watter, or one of the 30's like what's on ebay.  I'll do a bit more searching around.

One more question.  Do you like the look and "feel" of the fluorescent light output?  

I really like LED stuff.  In fact, just picked up a 32 LED "Mag" light type of flashlight (although it's not a real Maglite).  It's the brightest flashlight I've ever owned, including my Nicad powered Surefire.

Yes, they do make LED "bulbs" to replace the standard 1157 or 1156 bulbs in automotive lights.  You'll probably find a seller on ebay with them, and a huge website too.

[chasd60]

I got these

http://www.kmtparts.com/catalog.asp?prodid=517703&showprevnext=1
 
I see they are out of stock for now though.
They use about  400-500mA each.

[zamboni]

They use about  400-500mA each.

I am baffled on how they make that math work.

Voltage = 12

Wattage = 13.

Thus, current= 1.08A, since P=IV, Watts (P=power) = Current (I=amps) x Voltage (v).

However, their website says it is 0.52A.

That means that watts = 12v x 0.52A = 6.24W

But, it is a 13W bulb.

Hmmmm......

[AustinBoston]

I am baffled on how they make that math work.

Voltage = 12

Wattage = 13.

Thus, current= 1.08A, since P=IV, Watts (P=power) = Current (I=amps) x Voltage (v).

However, their website says it is 0.52A.

That means that watts = 12v x 0.52A = 6.24W

But, it is a 13W bulb.

Hmmmm......

Nothing says they are running the 13W bulb at full power.  They could be driving that 13W bulb at 6W.  

I'm not an expert on flourescent light, but I believe there is a "floor" they can't go below, or the lamp will not run at all, but they don't have to run at 100% of rated power.

Austin

[chasd60]

I am baffled on how they make that math work.
 
Voltage = 12
 
Wattage = 13.
 
Thus, current= 1.08A, since P=IV, Watts (P=power) = Current (I=amps) x Voltage (v).
 
However, their website says it is 0.52A.
 
That means that watts = 12v x 0.52A = 6.24W
 
But, it is a 13W bulb.
 
Hmmmm......

AB is correct.
I have a LINK10 battery system monitor and I can assure you the current draw is in the .4-5A range per bulb in my camper
 
http://www.energyoutfitters.com/products/p_m_electronics/xantrex_link10.shtm