My shop is lit by a number of 8', 2-tube fluorescent fixtures with r17d tombstones. I've been gradually going through my stock of replacement bulbs, but now that they're gone, it's time to upgrade to LED. After some study, I definitely want to go with direct power (ballast bypass) bulbs. A few options for this:
1) Rewire to bypass the ballast, and buy 8' linear LED replacements with r17d contacts. There doesn't seem to be a broad selection of these, though.
2) Rewire, and upgrade the tombstones with the pin-type contacts that most (?) linear LEDs seem to use.
3) Convert the existing fixtures to accept 4, 4' lamps. Retrofit kits are available.
4) Replace the fixtures entirely, maybe with Costco's 4' fixtures.
Absent any other guidance, I'll probably go with whatever is least money and/or effort. Does anyone see any of these options as big mistakes, or other options I should consider?
Is there a reason to strongly prefer r17d contacts vs. the pin type, or the two-pin contacts that most 4' bulbs seem to use?
Is there a reason to strongly prefer 4' vs. 8' bulbs?
Thanks for any guidance,
Kelly