With T-12 fluorescent bulbs no longer being manufactured, many old fluorescent light fixtures are now obsolete. For most situations, replacing the fixture is the right choice, but for some applications, retrofitting the old fixture with a 4-foot-long LED light kit is a better option.

Step 1: Purchase a 4-foot retrofit LED light kit. Depending on the lighting needs for the space, a single LED kit may produce enough light to satisfactorily replace multiple bulbs. Additional LED kits can be easily added if desired.

Step 2: Use the circuit breaker or fuse in the electrical service panel to turn off the power to the light fixture in question.

Step 3: Remove the diffuser, light bulbs and reflector panel from the old fixture to expose the electrical ballast and wiring.

Convert an existing fluorescent light fixture to LED technology.

Step 4: Use a voltage sensor to confirm there is no electrical power running through any of the wires.

Step 5: Locate the hot and neutral wires that carry power to the fixture. Disconnect or cut these two wires from the ballast and mark each with a piece of electrical tape.

Step 6: Disconnect or cut all of the other wires, and remove them and the old ballast from the fixture.

Step 7: The wiring cable from the LED kit will need to run through the reflector plate into the light fixture. There may be an existing hole that will work for this purpose. If not, drill an appropriate size hole in the reflector plate and run the wire through. Tie a knot in the LED wire to stop it from pulling out from the hole in the plate.

Step 8: Use the manufacturer’s quick connect plug or standard wire nuts to connect one of the LED wires to the hot wire marked with electrical tape.

Step 9: Connect the second LED wire to the neutral wire marked with electrical tape. When installing multiple LED tubes, one wire from each tube should be connected to the hot wire, and the other wire from each tube should be connected to the neutral wire.

Step 10: Wrap the wire connections with electrical tape. Reattach the reflector plate to the fixture. Install the ends of the LED tube into the old lamp holders and replace the diffuser.

Step 11: Turn the power back on, recycle the old ballast and wires, and bask in the energy efficient glow of your new light.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.