Replacing Fluorescent Lighting.

[quizbag]

I have a large room which is presently lit by an eight foot long fluorescent tube that I would like to replace as it constantly flickers. I have looked for a comparison in ordinary light bulbs but, being a bit thick, I cannot understand the explanations. The room is approx 18 x 18 ft. Would one central light be sufficient to light the room or would I need two pendants and if so what wattage would the bulbs need to be? I know this may not be very clear but I don't want to run to the expense of getting an electrician in until I know what I need. I am grateful for any help. Thanks.

[buildersmate]

An eight foot fluorescent is 100W. Double rating that if it is a double tube housing. As you know, fluorescents are quite efficient.
If this is a garage, this might be fine, but you might want to experiment with either one multi-bulb central fitting (which you could install yourself) or go to the trouble of an electrician hacking about to install two pendants, one each end.
It would look silly re-using the one central fitting and installing another elsewhere in the ceiling - all lopsided.
Personally I find strip fittings horrible for use in the house.

The issue, as you are recognising, is that a room that big really needs the 'spread' of light provided by two fittings apart. That's my view.

[Old_Geezer]

Always difficult to judge I find. One makes a decent guess then wishes one had added a bit more.

Does the fluorescent provide enough light ? If so find out how many lumens it is putting out. Should be a site somewhere that tells you. And you will want to replace with a lighting system that provides the same. Better that way than comparing wattage since different lamps have different efficiencies. Try to convert both old and new to lumens for comparison.

At 18' x 18' I don't think I could get the constant lighting across the room I'd want from a single source, but whether you have multiple ceiling sources or wall lights or lamps, or a combination of all, is personal choice.

[buildersmate]

Around 8500 lumens for a 100W fluorescent.
There are some 125W types at 8 feet long with an output of around 9500 lumens.

[quizbag]

Many thanks for your help. I now have a better idea of what I might do.

[Hopkirk]

How about a couple of free standing uplighters, and just don't turn the strip light on.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

What is the room used for?

[Clanad]

If you're only objection to the light is the flickering, be sure to check the ends of the tube for discoloration... brwon or light brown is Ok, black means a new tube is required. Just as importatnly, if the fixture is more than say 5 to 10 years old it will most likely be equipped with a starter ... It'll be located by seeing a smallish metallic cylinder somewhere behind the tube. It presses in and rotates about a quarter of a turn counter-clockwise (be sure the power's off for any such remedial work!). They can be purchased at any DIY or electrical store... at least here in the U.S. Additionally, before replacing the tube after the starter exchange inspect the pins at each end of the tube and assure they are straight... they can easily be bent in trying to install the long tubes. If you find one bent, it can be straightened with a pair of thin nosed pliers... but... very carefully...

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Here in the UK 100w and 125w T12 (12/8) fluorescent tubes are on the 'baddie' list and will soon become obsolete.Anyone wishing to re-use the fitting will either pay a premium for the T12 tubes or buy an adapter.

[quizbag]

The room is used as a sitting /television/jigsaw doing/living room so I need bright lighting. When we bought this house it was a converted workroom which had been incorporated into the living area and I have never got around to changing the light fitting. Interesting to read that some fluorescent lights will soon be obsolete. That will make me do something.
Thanks for help.