8 foot fluorescent fixtures are everywhere: warehouses, garages, back rooms, sign boxes. Most of them still burn F96T12 or F96T8 lamps that are getting harder to find. Here is how to convert them to LED without guessing at the socket, the wattage or the wiring.
Step one: read the lamp
| Old lamp | Base | Typical watts | LED replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| F96T12 slimline | FA8 single pin | 60 to 75W | 8ft T8 LED tube, FA8, about 40W |
| F96T8 | FA8 single pin | about 59W | 8ft T8 LED tube, FA8, about 40W |
| F96T12/HO high output | R17D recessed double contact | 95 to 110W | 8ft LED tube, R17D, about 40W, or a new fixture |
The base is the part that matters. FA8 is a single pin on each end. R17D is a recessed double contact, two flat contacts sunk into each end cap. They are not interchangeable, so look at the old lamp or the socket before ordering.
Step two: tube or new fixture?
If the fixture body is sound, an 8ft LED tube is the cheapest conversion. Most 8ft LED tubes are Type B ballast bypass: the ballast comes out and line voltage goes to the sockets. With the old ballast gone, there is nothing left in the fixture to fail.
If the fixture is rusted, the lens is yellow, or the sockets are cracked, replace the whole thing with an 8ft LED strip light or vapor tight. A new integrated fixture is often close in price to two tubes plus the labor to rewire, and you end up with a new fixture and a fresh warranty.
Step three: rewire safely
- Kill the circuit and confirm with a meter.
- Remove the ballast and cap the unused leads.
- Wire line and neutral to the sockets exactly as the tube's wiring diagram shows. Single ended and double ended tubes are wired differently.
- Replace any cracked or heat damaged sockets while you are in there.
- Put the bypass label on the fixture so the next person knows the sockets carry line voltage.
Check the rebate first. Many utilities pay for ballast bypass LED tubes and new fixtures, and some pay more for one than the other. On a large count it can change which option is cheaper. See our rebate page to find out if there are rebates in your area.
Light output, honestly
A 40W 8ft LED tube puts out roughly 5,000 lumens. That is less than a new F96T12/HO on paper, but LED light is directional and does not lose output in a dirty fixture the way fluorescent does, so on the floor most spaces read the same or brighter. If you need more, step up to a 72W integrated 8ft fixture or a linear LED high bay.
8ft tubes and fixtures we list
| Product | From the listing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| EDIPAI 8ft T8 Type B tube, FA8, G2 | FA8 single pin, ballast bypass, 20 to 40W and 3000K to 6500K selectable, 5,200 lm | $12.00 |
| EDIPAI 8ft T8 Type B tube, R17D | R17D base for HO sockets, 40W, 5,200 lm, 5000K | $12.00 |
| JEE 8ft T8 tube, FA8, 4000K | FA8 single pin, 40W, milky lens | $9.75 |
| EDIPAI 8ft integrated fixture, 72W | 72W, 10,000 lm, 5000K frosted | $16.50 |
Check each product page and spec sheet for that item's wiring diagram and listings. Send your fixture count for a job quote, or call or text 845-681-2684.
Common questions
What LED tube replaces an F96T12 slimline?
An 8ft T8 LED tube with an FA8 single pin base, about 40W. F96T8 lamps use the same FA8 base.
What LED tube replaces an F96T12/HO?
HO lamps use an R17D recessed double contact base, so you need an 8ft LED tube with an R17D base, about 40W, or a new fixture.
Do I need to remove the ballast?
Most 8ft LED tubes are Type B ballast bypass: the ballast comes out and line voltage goes to the sockets. Wire them exactly as the tube's wiring diagram shows.
How bright is a 40W 8ft LED tube?
Roughly 5,000 lumens. For more light, step up to a 72W integrated 8ft fixture or a linear LED high bay.
Shorter fixtures? Read how to replace 4ft fluorescent tubes with LED.
Shop 8ft LED tubes
FA8 and R17D tubes in 4000K, 5000K and 6500K at contractor pricing, by the piece or by the case.
Shop 8ft T8 LED tubes