Hello everyone. I have some questions regarding the replacement of the T12 fluorescent bulbs in my shop 4 bulb fixtures with new direct replacement LED bulbs. I have 6 of these fixtures to upgrade. These are what I've purchased. [url]https://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-32-Watt-Equivalent-T8-LED-Light-Bulb-Daylight-4-ft-10-Pack-472910/303040479[/url] I bought 2 packs. I chose these vs direct wiring to 120v because of cost. Problem is, the department sales person told me these would work in my old fixtures with magnetic ballasts. He was wrong. I tried them. Then, I learned I had to replace the old ballasts with electronic. Fortunately, I found a newly listed ebay auction for 6 ballasts for $12. What a bargain. I already have them but haven't installed them yet. Over the last week, as I have some bulbs left over, I also decided to replace (3) inline twin bulb T12 fixtures over my workbench, mounted to the bottom of upper cabinetry. However, to save money, I want to fabricate a simple fixture for 3 inline 4' single T8 LED bulbs. I just bought one (3) bulb electronic ballast for this project and I salvaged the medium bi pin sockets from an old discarded 4 bulb fixture. These will be mounted on a special 12 foot aluminum extrusion I have and the middle sockets will be installed back to back. But here is the problem. I don't quite understand how to wire it up. I haven't received the ballast yet, but was wondering if anyone can link me to a wiring diagram for this? I tried to find one online but to no avail. However, I have a couple of other questions. I was researching these medium bi-pin sockets on ebay, and found some that were described as "shunted". I've never heard of this before and thought I should find out if for some reason, the sockets in my fixtures might need to be "shunted" or not. I don't understand what this does in any case. Another question is.. are electronic ballasts "instant start"? And, do they eliminate the typical dim bulb problem when they start up in the middle of winter? I would think so, especially using LED bulbs, but was just wondering. Ok guys.. that's it. Thanks for any insight.

Hi, Trying to help out a friend hang a ceiling fan is his home. He told me the house was built in the 1920's. The house is a two story and were trying to mount a ceiling fan where the original fixture is in the living room on the first floor. What we ran into is what looks like a pancake electrical box. It's about 1/2" or so deep and there is a center "stud". I know it's 3/8" IPS as there was a "hicky" on it that went from that to 1/4" IPS. Now it's not a nipple. It's a solid chunk of iron that is threaded with what appears to be a lock washer under it. I'm assuming there is a joist behind it but, I don't see any nails or screws through the box. The thing feels really solid. I know we have to change it, but I'm wondering how it's mounted to the joist? Is that center "bolt" like a big lag bolt or something? Any help would be greatly appreciated.