Best products from r/askanelectrician
We found 30 comments on r/askanelectrician discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 217 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Klein Tools 92914 Tool Kit, 14-Piece Tool Set Includes Basic Tools, Pouch and Belt for Journeyman, Linesman, Professionals and Homeowners
- 14-Piece tool set provides a solid foundation for the beginner professional tradesperson
- Tool Kit has Lineman Pliers with Journeyman handles that feature a built-in channel to quickly and easily pull flat steel fish tape without damaging the tape
- Journeyman Diagonal-Cutters cut ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire
- 10-Inch Journeyman Pump Pliers feature Quick-Adjust rivet for one-handed fast, easy adjustment of plier jaws
- All items are proudly made in the USA
- Needle nose Journeyman pliers with heavier design for greater cutting power
- Compact, lightweight wire stripper and cutter cleanly cuts solid and stranded copper wire
Features:
2. Enclosed AC/DC Power Relay with Protection & De-Bounce. Screw Terminals. 120V Trigger Input.
- Safe and easy to install. Controls any AC or DC device.
- Durable high current relay for long life and reliable switching.
- De-bounce circuit for safety. Dry contact relay output - connect to any voltage circuit.
- Thermal switch and circuit breaker add safety, limiting current to 15 Amps.
- Includes detachable power cord.
Features:
3. Armacost Lighting 213412 LED Puck Light, Soft White
LED LIGHTS - fully dimmable with virtually any dimmer including Lutron, Leviton and Amazon Alexa compatible dimmers when used with an Armacost Lighting universal dimming LED driver/power SupplyStylish metal construction made with CREE high power xlamp ultra–bright, chip-on-board (cob) LED array te...
4. Honeywell Home RPLS740B1008 Econoswitch 7-Day Programmable Light Switch Timer, White
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR LIGHTS - Add convenience and customization to your home with the Honeywell Home ECONOSwitch 7-Day Solar Programmable Light Switch
- HELPS SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL - Scheduled programming allows the Econoswitch to turn your home lights and motors on and off automatically, helping you save both time and energy
- CONTROL MULTIPLE DEVICES - Schedule your motor-operated appliances such as ceiling fans, bathroom fans, pond pumps, and pool pumps in addition to all your home lighting (one switch per home installation). 1800W, ¾ HP on 120v
- SIMPLE PROGRAMMING - Easily program up to 7 on-and-off schedules per week that can be repeated daily or weekly. 3-button interface makes programming simple
- VERSATILE LIGHTING - Compatible with LED, CFL, incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting for outdoor or indoor operation
- INSTALLATION - Single-pole installation that requires a neutral wire. This switch cannot be used if there is no neutral wire (white wires joined together) inside the electrical box. Wallplate not included
- MULTIPLE MODES - Manually control your lighting or let the ECONOswitch run automatically on a programmed schedule
- CONVENIENT UPDATES - Automatically adjusts to daylight savings to ensure that your programs run correctly and on time. Programs protected during power outages. The Random Setting turns timed light on and off for extra home security while you’re away
- SLEEK DESIGN - Sleek wall mounts blend in with virtually any home interior and a large backlit screen provides clear viewing at night
- DIMENSIONS - 6. 7 x 9. 1 x 1. 9 inches
Features:
5. Tripp Lite Metered PDU, 48 Outlets (8 C19 and 40 C13), 230V, IEC-309 32A Blue Input 10 ft. Cord, 0U Vertical Rack-Mount Power, TAA (PDUMV32HV)
- Distributes 32A single-phase AC power to as many as 48 servers, routers, switches and other networking rack equipment
- Dual load banks with 24 outlets each (4 C19 and 20 C13)
- Dedicated 20A circuit breakers protect output
- IEC-309 32A blue input plug with 10 ft. (3 m) cord
- 2-year limited warranty
Features:
6. Etekcity Digital Multimeter Amp Volt Clamp Meter Voltage Tester with Ohm, Continuity, Diode and Resistance Test, Auto-Ranging, Red, MSR-C600
- Accurately Measures: AC/DC voltage, only for AC current (not for DC current), resistance, and also provides diode and continuity tests
- Jaw Opening: the Clamp measures the AC current in a conductor up to 26mm without interrupting the circuit
- Additional Features: data hold, max reading, and an easy-to-read large LCD
- Easily Carrying: comes with a handy carrying pouch, perfect for use while you're on the go
- Sleep Mode: automatically enters sleep mode after 15 minutes of inactivity for energy conservation
Features:
7. ADJ Products AC POWER STRIP (PC-100A)
- CREATE AN ORGANIZED BOOTH: The ADJ A/C Power Center allows you to omit clutter and keep cords organized. Don't break your neck in the dark tripping over cluttered wires.
- CONNECT YOUR DEVICES: The A/C Power Unit is constructed with 8 120v 3-prong Edison sockets and a built in 15 amp circuit breaker that provide lasting power to your devices.
- SEE IN THE DARK: Each power socket contains a lighted rocker switch that makes it easy to see in dimly lit clubs. Never lose control of your lighting!
- HIGH QUALITY DESIGN: Constructed by industry professionals, the ADJ A/C Power Center is durably built and lightweight for easy portability and a design that will last years to come!
- EASILY CONTROL YOUR EQUIPMENT: Features 8 LED light rocker switches that make control of your fixtures simple and easy. Turn elements on an off with the flick of a switch. Each socket is individually controllable.
Features:
8. BESTTEN 1U PDU, 8-Outlet Metal Power Strip with 9ft Extension Cord and Surge Protector (900 Joules), 15A/125V/1875W, 19-inch Server Rack Mount Power Distribution Unit, ETL Listed
- 1U Rack-mount metal power strip designed for standard 19 inch racks
- 8 right angle outlets (8 front)
- 9 ft. cord; 15A circuit breaker
- 600 Joule suppression rating surge protection
- 3 year warranty. ETL listed
Features:
9. AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip, 6-Foot Long Cord, 790 Joule - White
- IN THE BOX: 6-outlet surge protector power strip with 1 transformer outlet and 790 joule energy rating
- SURGE PROTECTION: 3-line surge protection rating to protect small appliances, phones, and lamps
- LED INDICATOR: Red "protected" LED indicator light to signify active protection
- SAFETY FEATURE: 15 amp circuit breaker
- SPECIFICATIONS: AC 15A, 125V, 60Hz, 1875W
- CORD LENGTH: 6 foot 14 AWG power cord
Features:
10. Universal Lighting Technologies B234SR120M-A000I Electronic Ballast, Fluorescent, T12, 2-Lamp, 120V, Black
Electronic ballastFor use with T12 lampsWattage: 59/71 WPassive power Factor correction20 ft max Lead remote mounting
11. uxcell NTC Thermistor Resistors 5D-11 4A 5 Ohm Inrush Current Limiter Temperature Sensors Pack of 40
The NTC thermistors are reliable and stable, with wide range of over-current control.With small size and large power, they have strong capacity to inhibit surge current.Large material constant, large B value, with small residual resistance.Thermal shock resistance, with wide range of operating tempe...
12. Leviton DW15A-1BW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Outlet, No Hub Required, Works with Amazon Alexa
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- Control your home from anywhere - no hub required - simply plug-in your 2 or 3-prong device.
- Schedule your lamps, small appliances, fountains, fans and more to turn on when you want them including sunrise/sunset, easily create fun lighting scenes, or use your voice to ask Alexa or Google to turn off all lights and loads.
- Control up to 20 residences, 99 smart devices, 50 rooms, 50 scenes, 50 activities, and 50 schedules per account, plus adjust fade rates, LED activity, preset brightness levels, and more.
- Leviton devices are truly smart – your pre-set schedules live inside each device, so your schedules always run as expected. Total Outlet: 1
- Works with Nest – automate lighting based on sensors or alarms.
- Works with Google Assistant; Integrate with IFTTT, utilize auto-shutoff in closets, hallways and bathrooms; plus engage home vs. away – perfect for vacation
- Rated for motor loads up to ½ HP including appliances, lamps, fans, fountains, and more. Five year limited warranty and over 110 years of experience. Leviton stands behind our high-quality advanced solutions
Features:
13. GE Bluetooth Smart Switch (In-Wall), 13869
- Lighting controllable and programmable from smartphone or tablet without the need of a gateway, hub, or router
- Maximizes range of bluetooth technology with new CSR mesh chipset
- Allows scheduling and controlling of any hardwired light sources in the home
- Replaces current light switch using home's existing wiring
- Equipped with screw terminals instead of flying leads
Features:
14. Leviton DW15S-1BZ Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Universal LED/Incandescent Switch, Works with Amazon Alexa, No Hub Required,White
- No HUB: Control your home from anywhere via My Leviton app - simply replace your existing light switch (neutral required).
- CAPABILITIES: Schedule lights to adjust when you want, including sunrise/sunset, easily create lighting scenes, utilize the auto-shutoff feature and vacation (randomization) mode. Easy Wi-Fi lighting for your whole home
- VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants (sold separately). “Alexa, Turn, Outside light on”.
- WORKS WITH: IFTTT, SmartThings, August, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and more.
- VERY SMART: Leviton devices are truly smart – your pre-set schedules, live inside each device, so your schedules always run as expected.
- RATINGS: Requires Neutral Wire; Dimmable LED and CFL up to 600W, incandescent up to 1800W, fluorescent ballast loads up to 15A. Facilitates multi-location (3-way) switching with DD0SR-1LZ coordinating remote (no LED indicator) or DD0SR-DLZ matching remote (with LED indicator).
- LEVITON: Making your home smarter and safer since 1906. Designed, engineered, and supported in USA with a 5-Year Limited Warranty.
Features:
15. Powermax PM4 35A 110V AC to 12V DC 35 Amp Power Converter with Built-in 4 Stage Smart Battery Charger
35 Amp DC Power OutputBuilt-in 4 Stage Smart ChargerReverse Polarity, Overload and Thermal ProtectionSingle Output Mode 13V - 16. 5VQuiet Cooling fanUL and CUL Approved
16. Ampper 12V 48 LEDs Interior Light Bar, 14" 9.6W Strip Light for Car Van RV Boat Trailers Lorries LWB and Home Indoor Use (With On/Off Switch, White, 4 Pcs)
- Widly Usage: protable size 14 X 0.8 X 0.6 in (LxWxH), used as car interior light, van work light, indoor light, desk work light. Allows you to install anywhere that equiped with 12 V Power.
- High Brightness & High Quality: every pcs light bar composed of 48 super high brightness 5730 LEDs, 9.6 W, 600 LM luminous flux white light.
- On/Off Switch: on-off switch on the end of the light bar, you could control the light by a main switch (let the light bar switch normal open) or control the light bar respectively.
- Easy to install & Universal Use: offer 4 WAYS to install these lights. Voltage at 12V fit for automobile decoration, home, office, cabinet, commercial space, showcase, interior decoration.
- 100% SATISFACTION: no reason for return or change.
Features:
17. Forney 57601 Male Electrical Plug, Crowfoot Type, Nema 10-30 10-50
- Heavy duty vinyl crowfoot design electrical plug
- Three heavy duty brass blades
- 30/50 amp, 125/250 volt capacity
- Has an extra blade to convert to 30 amp plug
- Electrical receptacle with 10-50 and 10-30 NEMA
Features:
18. Bussmann BP/FNM-AH High Amp Cartridge Fuse Assortment, Carded (2 Pack)
- Bussman BP/FNM-AH Fuse Assortment
- Bussmann series solutions comply with major industrial standards and agency requirements such as: BS, IEC, DIN, UL, NEMA, SAE, CSA, CE, C-UL, etc.
- Manufactured at facilities that are ISO 9000 certified
Features:
19. GFCI Inline with 18" Single Outlet Cord
- Class A GFCI | 15 Amp | Automatic Reset
- NEMA 5-15 P&R connectors | 12/3 SJTW cord
- UL and CUL designated rainproof for outdoor use | OSHA compliant
- Portable GFCI cord set with automatic reset to protect users and equipment from ground faults and open neutral connections
- Inline GFCI
Features:
20. Invincible Marine Waterproof in-Line ATC Fuse Holder
Made using the highest quality componentsPerformance and quality testedThe most trusted name in marine accessories and equipmentATC fuse holder protects on board electronicsTakes up to a 30-amp fuseUsed in most recreational vehicles, this fuse holder comes with cap to seal out moisture12-gauge wire ...
Depending on how adept you are at dealing with electronics, you might consider popping the power supply open and looking for burnt NTC thermistors. An NTC thermistor is a device that is used as a current inrush limiter. When you plug 120V devices into 230V outlets that is often what goes first. If there is a fuse that may have gone as well.
NTC thermistors are both common and cheap and if you have an old dead
ATX PC power supply you probably have one in there already.
But yeah, the power supply is most likely the problem and a replacement is definitely worth a shot. It's possible you can fix the power supply yourself too though if you want to take a look. In these cases it's often possible to see parts which have literally burnt making it easier to identify the problem.
EDIT: (A disclaimer of sorts)
And please remember to use common safety guidelines when working with AC connected devices. A new power supply is probably the cheap and fast way to go for most people and almost certainly reasonably priced on-line but if you're interested in learning about power supply repair I recommend the topic and the NTC trick is one that has saved me a few times. I learned about stuff like that from resources like DiodiesGoneWild, (Amazing!) ElectroBoom, BigClive, PostApocalyptic Inventor etc. There are so many great electronics resource out there these days and that's more the nature of this question than for an electrician. Good luck and play safe.
Here is a typical-looking one in a photo on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Thermistor-Resistors-Current-Temperature/dp/B07KZZ8WV8
On an ATX power supply you will often find them near the part where the AC lines are going into the board before the big capacitors.
In this photo you can see a pair of blue NTCs on the bottom left corner right between the fan and the bridge diode.
https://i1.wp.com/makezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_2737.jpg?resize=1024%2C575&ssl=1
Figure out which option you want to go with, then let me know if you need more help [especially if you want to complicated version]
Don't worry too much about the input (120 volt) input - in terms of input vs output, watts are going to be close to the same for a battery charger. That means a 12 volt, 20 amp charger is going to put out about 300 watts (12 volts x 20 amps is 240 watts, but a lead-acid battery charger is going to put out close to 14.5 volts, which is technically 290 watts - I'm rounding). That means the input at 120 volts is going to be about 1/10 of that, because the voltage is 10 times larger. I say about, because there are always losses due to heat and efficiency, but most modern power supplies should be at least 85-90% efficient, so the input should be less than 360 watts for a 12 volt, 20 amp charger. At 120 volts, 360 watts is 3 amps. Even a tiny 18 awg or 16 awg extension cord will be more than sufficient for that small amount of power.
As to the charger, I'd keep looking. The one you linked would indeed charge at 20 amps (max), but there are newer rules about battery chargers that prevent newer models from charging batteries too quickly. This has much more to do with inexperienced consumers charging cheap car batteries way too fast, the batteries giving off a lot of hydrogen gas, and fires/explosions happening. The charger you linked isn't for continuous or regular use; it's more for occasional use.
I'm retrofitting an older RV, and I'm probably going to go with one of these models. The advantages are automatic charging, mounting ability, and it's a constant-duty unit. It will provide 12 volts DC while charging your batteries, so you can run your house lighting/accessories while plugged in at a camping site.
I'd also look into solar panels. You can easily fit 500 watts of solar panels (about 3 x 6 feet, give or take a bit) on the roof of a van, and 300 watts is 25 amps at 12 volts. That's likely more than you'll draw at any given moment (unless you're running a microwave oven), and it's a one-time purchase that gives you free power almost anywhere for a couple decades. It can get pricey - a 300 watt solar panel and charge controller will cost around $500. I'm looking at something lie this setup, but I might go bigger. I have a 32' Class A, so roof space for solar panels is abundant - if only money was...lol
LED does not always translate into less heat. The harder you drive an LED the more heat it will make.
I recently purchased these for in my RV to upgrade the 12volt fluorescents. While they only pull around .7 amps they get warm enough that it's uncomfortable to keep your hand on them.
Price seems to be the driving factor in design. I have what is a cheap 60-watt equivalent LED hanging in a suspended light in the kitchen. After 10 minutes of usage, you can burn your hand on the base. There's a more expensive one in the bathroom that barely gets warm.
There's a huge difference in the workings of LED compared to an incandescent bulb. An incandescent is just a filament creating a short circuit that heats up and glows. An Led us to have circuitry to drop the voltage to where it's usable. If it's poorly/cheaply designed you're going to create heat.
I bought some other bulbs to replace the rest of the 12 incandescents in the RV, Off the top of my head I don't remember the Lumen output, but I bought two different levels. There was a 200-lumen difference.
Appearance wise they looked exactly alike. performance wise the brighter ones got noticeably warmer. Testing them I figured out that the brighter ones were running at a slightly higher voltage. Disassembling them I found they used the same LED, but the brighter ones had a lower ohm resistor in the circuit.
My conclusion is, don't buy cheap ones.
You didn't hear this from me, but you can. If you have the 10-30 I prefer that because it has a lower amperage rating, but lacks a neutral. With a GFI pigtail at 15A you can cut off the male end and expose the black, white, green wires underneath. On your nema 10-30 male plug you land the white on the center blade, the black on one of the side blades and leave the other side blade alone. Safe off the ground.
This is not safe because 30A is available and your device is rated at 15A. If there was anything but a direct short this GFI and anything plugged into it will melt and probably catch fire.
Let's make it a little safer. Connect the white like I said, but put an inline fuse at 15A on the side blade instead of landing the hot directly. Connect the other side of the fuse holder to the black wire from the cord. Put in a 15A fuse. There should be enough room in the big plug housing for it to fit. If not have the fuse itself stick out next to the cord.
It technically still isn't 100%. While the low voltage fuse can handle 15A. If it blows it may not actually break the arc. The thing is it has a chance better than not using it and will hopefully save the gfci part of the cord on an overload.
So what are we going to do to make it safer? This is for one and only one appliance, your bike charger.
To make it safer use this fmn fuse holder with this fuse 15A and even 20A is acceptable here, the package I linked has one of each. The fuse holder will need to be crimped to the bare wire and electrical taped over the crimped ends. This will not fit in the plug housing but otherwise should be used instead of the low voltage holder.
If you have the nena 10-50 connect the white to the center flat blade, the green to the opposite bent peg, and the black to one of the side blades, ignoring the other one. Insert the fuse holders in between the gfi and the nema 10-50 plug like I described above.
All this assumes the building super left the power on those circuits. I'd test them first before you get to deep in this project.
It looks like you are planning on joining the union...They should have a tool list for you to follow.
As far as your list. I highly recommend that Veto pro pac backpack, The bag is such a key investment and will outlast any other cheaper.
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Also recommend this:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OHHU5I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Buy more as you see fit.
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This is my local IBEW 617 current tool list.
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TOOL LIST:
Section 2.16
Journeyman Wireman shall supply a full set of hand tools. The Inside wireman and
Apprentice tool kit shall consist of a minimum of the following:
Awl
Center Punch
Chalk Line
Chisel –½ inch cold
Chisel –½ inch wood
Flashlight
Hacksaw Adjustable frame
Hammer
Knife
Overalls (Union and American made)
Padlock and Key
Pliers –2 pair Channel Lock
Pliers –Diagonal Pliers
Long Nose Pliers
Side Cutting Pliers
Plumb Bob
Protractor
6 foot Wood Rule
Safety Lockout Device
Screw Driver Phillips
Screw Driver Slotted
Sheet Rock Jab Saw
Spin Tights – up to ½ inch
Tap Wrench to ¼ inch Bolt
Tape – ¾ inch Steel
Tape –50 foot Steel
Tester – 600V
Tester Continuity
Tin Snips
Torpedo Level
Tri –Square
Wire Stripper
Wrench –6 inch Adjustable
Wrench –10 inch Adjustable
Wrench –4 inch Chain
Wrench –10 inch Pipe
Working Agreement
Local Bylaws
I.B.E.W. Constitution
Current Code Book
Tool Box with Locking Device
Thanks for the response much appreciated.
I’m trying to connect this PDU to the 14-30r:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B016A4CKC0/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1
To that pdu I’ll be hooking up 3 devices to the c19s which should draw a total of 24amps max.
It doesn’t say anywhere if it’s 50hz or 60hz though. Do you think it’s safe
Edit: the product I’m attaching is this and under frequency it says 47-63hz. Given that, you think it should be ok to just wire a 14-30 plug onto the pdu manually?
https://support.bitmain.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012411694-Introduction-to-APW3-
Just as an update and thanks for all the feedback.
I bought this: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B017743I7S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hooked up the fireplace switch cables to the ON and the COMMON wire. Plugged it into the smart outlet and then to the wall. Works perfectly and it all fits under the fireplace with the rest of the controls.
Thank you so much Nawb. The solution I went with was that
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- All the wires are already getting 12V. So I wanted to just re-use this.
- I bought 12V LED puck lights from here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07998XPS1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Connected them and they work great!
Thank you so much for the response
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https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=V4RK6EJQLE81&keywords=programmable+light+switch&qid=1557905889&s=gateway&sprefix=programma%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
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I would prefer that both lights don't come on together. I also don't care for how the switch looks at all, I'm only concerned with function.
Instead of flipping each breaker for an hour, try this. Get a multimeter that tests amperage. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NWGZ4XC
You'll have to carefully remove the panel cover from your circuit breaker panel. Set the meter to amps and put the clamp around the black wire coming off each breaker. You'll be able to tell pretty quickly what circuit is using all the power, and you won't have to shut anything off.
Would this still be an issue if I were only plugging in EVGA computer PSUs? Those come with overcurrent protection I believe and won't pull more than what they're rated at. If not, would any of these work?
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https://www.amazon.ca/Bestten-Outlet-Rack-Mount-Aluminum-Protector/dp/B01DKDI9VU
https://www.amazon.ca/ADJ-Products-PC-100A-8-Channel-Center/dp/B00KFZ98YO/
https://www.amazon.ca/Cyberpower-CPS1215RM-Rackmount-Power-Strip/dp/B00077IG3O
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Or even a cheap thing like this? https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-6-Outlet-Surge-Protector-Power/dp/B00TP1C1UC
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Thank you!
What's the difference between T8 and T12? Looks like the currently working one is T12.
This one should work, right? I'm not looking for anything fancy. These were cheap shitty lights that I'm only planning to use for my garage at home. My lighting sucks and I do a lot of DIY work in the garage.
EDIT: LMAO! I'm at -1! Who the fuck downvotes comments asking for help and clarification in a sub dedicated to asking for help and clarification?!?! Reddit kills me sometimes.
The ones that I took out have two pins, the ones I replaced them with do as well. These are the ones I picked up to replace them.
I was thinking of swapping it out with a T8 and getting new T8 lamps as well, just write off the $7 on the replacements. I did find a T12 ballast online though that I figured would be just as simple a fix and would use the new lamps I just picked up.