How to Bypass a Ballast: Fluorescent to LED Linear Tube Lights (2024)

FAQs

How to bypass a ballast for LED can lights? ›

Most T8 LED tubes do not need a ballast.

So, if you are going to install a T8 LED tube light, it will require a ballast bypass unless you choose a ballast compatible T8 LED tube. T8 4ft LED Tube/Bulb - Glass 18W 1800 Lumens 5000K Clear, G13 Base, Single En...

Can LED lamps work off of existing ballasts? Yes, if they have an internal driver than can work off that ballast. Philips, for example, has designed a tube that is compatible with an existing electronic ballast. Cue buzzword plug-and-play.

Electronic Ballast Compatible LED Fluorescent Replacement Tubes are a fairly new option. As is suggested by the name, they are intended to work with electronic ballast installations. So they won't function without ballasts or with magnetic ballasts.

Thankfully, LED technology has drastically changed the lighting landscape. LED tubes are an excellent way to retrofit fluorescent fixtures without having to replace the entire housing.

The answer is yes. LEDs use technology that is similar to ballast but is named driver. So, these drivers, aka ballast, regulate the flow of power (voltage and current) to the lighting source and fulfill the function of a ballast among LED light bulbs.

The most common issue with flickering is the dimmer and downlight compatibility issues. The dimmer and downlights must talk together in sync. Using old dimmers designed for halogen lights on LED downlights will most likely cause flickering. This is not to say they won't work, you will just need to test first.

LED Tube and Ballast Compatibility

The tube diameter, package description and the product code (PC) on a ballast can all be used to determine the type of lamp it is compatible with.

A 60-watt LED equivalent is 7-9 watts. A 100-watt incandescent bulb produces 1600 lumens of light, while a 12-14 watt LED gives off the same. A 150-watt incandescent bulb produces 2600 lumens of light, while an 18-23 watt LED gives off the equivalent.

You do not need a T8 LED Tube Dummy Starter when installing LED TL tubes in LED TL fixtures. These fixtures are designed in such a way that you no longer need a starter.

Will LED tubes work with electronic ballast? ›

T8 LED Tubes work with existing ballasts – including High Frequency (HF), Electronic, Magnetic, or can be connected to Direct Mains.

LED 4-Pin Replacement Lamp Lumens

If the existing CFL ballast is compatible, these LED lamps offer a simple direct replacement into the original socket. No wiring is required. The existing ballast will operate the new LED lamp. The rated life of LED 4-pin replacement lamps ranges from 35,000 to 50,000 hours.

Each fixture contains an electronic ballast and uses a pin base fluorescent lamp. Dedicated LED – Each LED fixture contains a driver which regulates the current/voltage to the diode. These should be matched with the specific LED modules that they are designed for by the manufacturer.

In general, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LEDs anywhere, as long as you pay attention to the right replacement. Because from the external appearance, the two light sources are very similar. You can find mechanically suitable LED tube for all types of fluorescent tubes.