is it instant start? " no light wasted on reflector" - traditional T8 Fl don't have reflectors either.

I wonder if you can run these off straight 110 or 277? Really having the ballast there is just going to waste electricity and increase your odds of blowing the lamp. I used to change bulbs and ballasts at a convention center and ballasts do some pretty weird stuff when they finally go. I also wonder about the increased efficiency, last I heard LED's and fluorescents were just about on par, but the ballast is going to use some power too, especially if its old. I say ditch the ballast if you are making the switch and have the ability to.

I saw that Albeo also makes an LED replacement for fluorescent bulbs. Anyone want to contact them to see how much they are?

http://www.albeotech.com/repleo.htm

Maybe they could have a resistor thing in the box that you can use if it has a ballast that can't be removed, or you can leave off if the ballast can be removed? I'd hate to see something so nice and so expensive die because of an arbitrary voltage change.

well normal tubes emit light in 360 degrees around the tube - so they are often mounted with reflectors to maximize the down light. Perhaps these only emit light in 180 degrees or something to reduce the need for reflectors (and power consumption)?

It´s better to take off the ballast, the ballast consumes energy and produces heat...

We are offering T8 Tube replacements, that start instantly, you can choose in warm white, or cool white.

To be frank (I have them in my office), you need to use them only when you don´t need to use the 360º that gives a normal fluorescent lamp, for example, in office use for downlight, for home, parking lots or buildings, and that kind of uses where you only need abou 120º of light.

You can reduce about the 50 or 60% of energy waste, and the maintenance... they last about 50K hours or more.

We have them more cheap than everled... (in our lamps you need to remove the ballast).

http://www.mexled.com/t8-fluorescent-replacement-led-lamp-16-watts-pack-of-10-pcs-p29801.html

Regards,

Chris

check these out, they are high quality more light output and less expensive, I replaced my entire showroom with these overhead and they are wonderful, plus i have a plaque touting my business' eco-friendlyness :)

http://LED.section9tech.com

Another product that I also like is:

ReLED Systems, a division of Bartco Lighting, introduces the Re-LT5 LED Component System. This solid state fluorescent replacement consists of high brightness diodes packaged in standard fluorescent lamp formats, coupled with a low profile driver. The durable, extruded aluminum Re-LT5 LED lamp conforms to the dimensions of a linear T5 lamp and installs into fluorescent G5 base lamp holders just as easily. Likewise, the electronic Re-DR Driver installs as simply as a fluorescent ballast. The strait-forward design of the components simplifies the utilization of LED technology into retrofit and new construction applications. Realize the benefits of solid state lighting such as low energy consumption, long lamp life, wide operating temperature range and no UV emissions with minimal effort.

I've been looking at the developments of LED technology, and it's pretty exciting. I'm wondering if there are any government initiatives or incentives for switching to LED lighting on a large scale? Does anyone have any knowledge of this?

There are government incentives around the area of .60 cents per sqft if you save 50% on your lighting. There are other provisions for other things like HVAC that you could add to it. I found the best LED lights on the market. And this is no joke, check out.

www.seevisiontechnologies.com

Does not use the ballast 120 degree light so none is waisted and an endless supply chain. I have been doing some research and Everled and Mexled are all made in Mexico with Mexican parts. Seevison quality checks every bulbs before they send it out and even gives a two year warranty.

Let me know what you think.

Let's get switching to LED then...
I live in UK and found these guys helpful..

http://www.reliaLED.com

Why's everyone taking so long to switch?

I only wish the UK goverment had incentives to switch. I may move to US!

Hey guys,

We may be able to help.
We are an Energy Efficient Lighting Distributor from just outside Toronto, Ontario, Canada specializing in LED Fluorescent Tube Replacements.

If you are interested, we have 2-6' LED tubes in different colors and lumen.
As well we offer MR16, GU10, E27 and PAR38 LED spot lights.

Email Greg@atpcanada.ca (sales manager) if you are interested in having information/pricing sent to you.
Also refer to www.atpcanada.ca for more about our company.

Thank you,

Sanjay Modi
President

The LED tube Replacement conventional fluorescent- Instantly upgrade your flashlight to be brighter and more efficient

So if you have interest in the tube, we china factory can provide wonderful goods for you

Eddy