A local restaurant has asked me to do a T8 "upgrade" on 45 suspended ceiling 2x4 foot "troffer" fixtures. They are curretly 4 tube T12 120 volt magnetic rapid start. They are older, mixed up fixtures wih mixed up color tubes. I am thinking high CRI 5000K for the tubes. What are yall's reommendations for GOOD fixtures/ballasts? I have had TERRIBLE luck with those "centerion" Advace ballasts. I also want to avoid those cheesie snap in "ratcheting keyhole" type sockets and would like a good lens/door design. Thanks for the information and help. By the way, this would NOT be my suggestion, but it is a recommendation from the local EMC power company an they will give her a rebate once the job is complete. I will also get to keep the removed fixtures/tubes.

The best ones would be a sylvania programmed start or universal/triad

Thanks. Now, what fixture manufacturer has these type installed? Programmed start is not a big issue here, as they are started once a day and left on for 8 to 10 hours. I just want a reliable ballast!

not sure,i suppose you could order the fixtures and ballasts separate which is sometimes done, from what ive heard programmed start ballasts outlast most instant start ballasts because they have EOL protection

Voltage or inspection requirements ? For myself i'd get 240V to the lights and use Perfect Start or Switch Start (Preheat) with 240V Euro ballasts. But i think it may be against code or something so not an option in that case