Converting 12/24 volt Fluorescent Lamps

[SquirrellCook]

This is so much easier than you might expect. Basically it consists of removing all the old gubbins.
This one that I converted has a festoon bulb as well. I left the holder in place and will upgrade the bulb with 797-2340 from radio spares. I like these as they are rugged and non polarised. (just put it in and it should work)
The self adhesive LED strip I fitted was also from RS 922-0963 These produce really good light, but are only available in 24 volts. The strip is too long for my housing, so I cut it along the marked section. This way you can join it in parallel. It fact you can join multiple strips this way.

Just a note on cheap LED,s and strips. I have found this unreliable, so if you are going to use them. Make sure they are easy to remove again.

I think the picture says it all. If you do have questions feel free to ask. I've also included a picture of the mess I have made and it's got to the stage where I'm frightened to touch it

 

[Red Dwarf]

Looking good. Why are you frightened to touch it now? Short of a wiring grommet in the case, looks great.
I bought some plug together led lighting strips from Lidl some time ago. They were wired to a mains adapter, though the lights themselves are 12v dc. Cut off the adapter and threw it away, the lights work fine in the van.

 

[Millie Master]

When using these (excellent) self adhesive LED strips I have found that the adhesive isn't all that long lasting, so what I did was stuck them in place and then I ran a fine bead of white Stixall along both sides and 5 years later they are all stuck firmly in place. PS. I ought my LED strips from Toolstation.

Phil

 

[wildebus]

Good job I have one fluro' strip light in my van - lights up the kitchen workshop. I'll have to check how much current that draws and see about doing a swap.

Got a comment about the festoon light fitting... I have a few of those in my campervan roof fittings which I replaced with LED festoon bulbs. I have found that they have a tendancy to rotate around (I guess with vibration when driving?). With the regular bulbs that wouldn't matter of course, but with the LED bulbs I end up loosing some light output as they start to point upwards. Been meaning to put a blob of hot glue or something on the fitting to try and stop that.

 

[SquirrellCook]

Red, it's the work bench that I don't want to touch. It needed tidying around 3 years ago. As the mess grows the less I want to go near it. At the point I can't work there anymore I might do something about it. As you move away from my work patch the greater the density of mess
Yes a grommet or conduit will finish them off.

Phil, I think the RS strips claim to use 3M adhesive. The ones I fitted in Murky some years ago are still in place.

Dave, Good one about the Festoons being naughty. They do get warm, so maybe a lump of solder will stop them spinning around.

 

[wildebus]

Red, it's the work bench that I don't want to touch. It needed tidying around 3 years ago. As the mess grows the less I want to go near it. At the point I can't work there anymore I might do something about it. As you move away from my work patch the greater the density of mess
Yes a grommet or conduit will finish them off.

Phil, I think the RS strips claim to use 3M adhesive. The ones I fitted in Murky some years ago are still in place.

Dave, Good one about the Festoons being naughty. They do get warm, so maybe a lump of solder will stop them spinning around.

aha - a touch of solder is a better idea

 

[Red Dwarf]

Red, it's the work bench that I don't want to touch. It needed tidying around 3 years ago. As the mess grows the less I want to go near it. At the point I can't work there anymore I might do something about it. As you move away from my work patch the greater the density of mess
Yes a grommet or conduit will finish them off.

Phil, I think the RS strips claim to use 3M adhesive. The ones I fitted in Murky some years ago are still in place.

Dave, Good one about the Festoons being naughty. They do get warm, so maybe a lump of solder will stop them spinning around.

Haha, I like my new epithet, Red! Your description of your workbench is exactly how I’d describe mine! I’ve been promising myself a day to sort the workshop out, even with all the time in lock down, I somehow managed to avoid facing the daunting task.... I’m halfway through decorating the house too, so mayhem and disorder rules everywhere here!

 

[trevskoda]

You can buy little lamps for about £2 each in soft or pure white which can be direct mounted or put in a cover as you did.

 

[SquirrellCook]

There are many ways to skin a cat Trevor, but then what does the pelt look like at the end. Also will it have a short life if not properly preserved. I love being able to afford to fit and forget.

 

[trevskoda]

I have had some of them stick on strips and they failed over a short time,not saying they all do .

 

[harrow]

This is so much easier than you might expect. Basically it consists of removing all the old gubbins.
This one that I converted has a festoon bulb as well. I left the holder in place and will upgrade the bulb with 797-2340 from radio spares. I like these as they are rugged and non polarised. (just put it in and it should work)
The self adhesive LED strip I fitted was also from RS 922-0963 These produce really good light, but are only available in 24 volts. The strip is too long for my housing, so I cut it along the marked section. This way you can join it in parallel. It fact you can join multiple strips this way.

Just a note on cheap LED,s and strips. I have found this unreliable, so if you are going to use them. Make sure they are easy to remove again.

I think the picture says it all. If you do have questions feel free to ask. I've also included a picture of the mess I have made and it's got to the stage where I'm frightened to touch it

View attachment 3028View attachment 3029

Thats not too bad, you can still see the worktop, some of the stuff on my bench has been there in the same spot for 35 years.