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View Full Version : PC to T5 Conversion

camsc69
02/02/2011, 03:22 PM
I have a Current USA Sunpaq all in one light. It has 2 150w MH and 2 130w PC lights for actinics. The bulbs are hard to find for the PC and are about $50 each. Was wondering how to go about converting to T5 or if it would be worth while to even do. Will I need a new ballast or can I utilize the current ballast as long as I am running a lower wattage.

Thanks for your help and suggestions,
Bruce
MattShack
02/02/2011, 04:42 PM
You would need a new ballast for the t5's.

IMO it would be easier, if you want to keep the MH's, to retrofit the T5's next to the fixture and just remove the CF lamps if you have the space.
camsc69
02/02/2011, 05:06 PM
Sorry I didn't say so in the beginning of the post. I want to keep my fixture, it is all built in. Basically I want to rip out the 48" PC light and install a T5 in it's place.
MattShack
02/02/2011, 10:26 PM
You will have to change out everything (endcaps, ballast, etc.) None of it is compatible.
camsc69
02/03/2011, 01:53 PM
Bummer!

Thanks MattShack!!!
jeff@zina.com
02/03/2011, 02:01 PM
That's not as bad as it sounds though. Look for a retrofit kit and you can find one for not much more than a couple of the PC bulbs.

Jeff
chimmike
02/03/2011, 02:03 PM
probably better off buying a whole new fixture than going to all that trouble. You could sell the fixture you have in its current state.
Brickyardgreg
02/03/2011, 06:11 PM
Your better off taking it apart and retrofitting the t5 set up. No ones buying pc s these days for alot of the reasons that you mentioned.
thebanker
02/03/2011, 06:17 PM
Sounds like a fun project. How long are the PC bulbs?
bandsaw2
02/03/2011, 06:19 PM
If your handy you should be able to retrofit t5s into that fixture and save some money.
MattShack
02/03/2011, 06:25 PM
If you really don't want to replace the entire fixture, the actual work won't be too difficult to do. You would install end caps the correct distance apart for the lamps you use and replace the ballast with the correct T5 ballast (F54T5HO Ballast for 48"). Depending on the fixture, you might have to retrofit some different reflectors.
Mike31154
02/03/2011, 08:15 PM
Check the ballast you have currently for the PCs. It actually may be compatible with T5HO depending on the brand and maximum rated wattage. If you can determine the manufacturer, you'll be able to find out if it's able to run T5s. PC lamps are actually nothing more than T5s bent into stupid u-shapes. If it turns out not to be compatible you can still go ahead with trying to fit a retrofit system complete with new ballast into the fixture.