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Replaced the kitchen 110v fluorescent fixture

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 11:08 am
by chuckster
Hello beloved SFriends,

I just replaced the old “garage shop light fluorescent tube fixture” above the kitchen in my ‘01 Safari Zanzibar with an Artika FLP14T-C 110v LED panel that I picked up at Costco for $39. When my wife and I were first shopping this coach in August 2020, my wife immediately pointed out the kitchen overhead fluorescent fixture and said “Ugly. That HAS to go if we buy this.” Having been looking at coaches for 3 months at the time and seeing that I really, really wanted this one I was quick to agree that it could be easily done and that I would do so immediately. Fast forward 6 months. :lol: I just happened to be shopping in Costco and came across this “LED garage light” and mused to myself...”Hmmmmm. Me thinks that this is pretty close to the same size as the funky shop light and since Costco eagerly accepts returns, what the heck!”.

I removed the oak frame from the roof held in place by 6 drywall screws and popped it off. I then measured the opening and depth to insure the new panel would fit and then began the task to replace. I removed all of the old fixture and hardware leaving just the 3 electrical wires.I then fastened the light to the top of the oak frame (properly centered) with some “L’ metal brackets that I fashioned with proper length wood/metal screws and then once mounted I used some white window weatherstripping to fill the small gap between the LED panel and the oak frame. I then prepped the frame for paint by sanding the old varnish coating and making sure I had a smooth, clean surface to apply a couple of coats of paint and then painted it an eggshell finish close to the color of the roof. I then reconnected the electrical with wire nuts and wrapped each connection tightly with a few winds of electrical tape and then mounted the new lightweight panel without assistance. I grimaced and then turned the switch on....wah-lah!!!

I have included a few photos I have added. I am very sorry that some are rotated in the wrong direction. They look right on my iPad photos app and I couldn’t see any control to flip them on the SafariFriends site once uploaded. :?

I ordered a Leviton dimmer that is compatible with this light from Am@z0n for dimming as it is quite bright at full strength. Next up will be the nine 12v fluorescent fixtures throughout the coach and the 110v overhead dining fixture and the 110v sconces in living room and bedroom.

Re: Replaced the kitchen 110v fluorescent fixture

Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 12:48 pm
by 05wingrider
I did kind of the same thing, only using two LED clip in panels instead, mounted into a finished plywood frame that I glued into the existing oak frame. The difference in available light is amazing (plus I got rid of the hum that the old ballast was starting to make)

Re: Replaced the kitchen 110v fluorescent fixture

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:21 am
by chuckster
05wingrider wrote: Sat Mar 06, 2021 12:48 pm I did kind of the same thing, only using two LED clip in panels instead, mounted into a finished plywood frame that I glued into the existing oak frame. The difference in available light is amazing (plus I got rid of the hum that the old ballast was starting to make)
:D

Nice!

Re: Replaced the kitchen 110v fluorescent fixture

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2021 12:05 pm
by stuplich@ymail.com
I removed both of the 12V florescent lights from the bedroom window valances and added them into the kitchen ceiling fixture.