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Team LEDMyPlace on 30 March 2023
If you're looking for a more energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting solution for your home or business, then converting your 4ft fluorescent lights to LED is a great option. LED technology is rapidly improving, and it is now possible to find high-quality 4ft T8 LED tube lights that are brighter, more durable, and longer-lasting than traditional fluorescent lights.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of converting your 4ft fluorescent lights to LED. We will discuss the benefits of using LED lights, the different types of LED tubes available, and the steps you need to take to make the switch.
Table of Contents
- Why switch to LED lights?
- Types of 4ft T8 LED tube lights
- How to choose the right LED tube light
- Steps to convert 4ft fluorescent light to LED
- Benefits of converting to LED
- Troubleshooting common problems
- Maintenance and cleaning of LED lights
- Frequently asked questions
1. Why Switch to LED Lights?
LED lights are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. They are more energy-efficient than traditional fluorescent lights, which means they use less electricity and save you money on your energy bills. They also have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours, which is about five times longer than fluorescent lights. LED lights also produce less heat, making them safer and more comfortable to use.
2. Types of 4ft T8 LED Tube Lights
There are two main types of 4ft T8 LED tube lights: ballast-compatible and ballast-bypass. Ballast-compatible LED tube lights are designed to work with your existing fluorescent ballast, which means you don't need to rewire your fixtures. Ballast-bypass LED tube lights, on the other hand, require you to remove your existing ballast and rewire your fixture.If you are interested to know about how to bypass ballast for LED t8, please check out this blog.
3. How to Choose the Right LED Tube Light
When choosing an LED tube light, there are several factors to consider. These include the color temperature, the color rendering index (CRI), the wattage, and the lumens. The color temperature refers to the color of the light, which can range from warm white to cool white. The CRI refers to how accurately the light shows colors. The wattage and lumens refer to how bright the light is.
4. Steps to Convert 4ft Fluorescent Light to LED
Converting your 4ft fluorescent lights to LED is a simple process that you can do yourself. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the power to the fixture.
- Remove the fluorescent tube and ballast.
- Rewire the fixture according to the instructions provided with your LED tube light.
- Install the LED tube light.
- Turn the power back on and test the light.
5. Benefits of Converting to LED
There are many benefits to converting your 4ft fluorescent lights to LED. These include:
- Energy savings
- Cost savings
- Longer lifespan
- Better light quality
- Safer and more comfortable to use
6. Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you experience any issues with your LED lights, there are several common problems that you can troubleshoot. These include flickering, buzzing, and dimming. Flickering is often caused by a faulty LED driver, while buzzing is caused by a faulty ballast. Dimming can be caused by a faulty LED driver or insufficient wattage.
7. Maintenance and Cleaning of LED Lights
LED lights require very little maintenance, but regular cleaning can help keep them working at their best. To clean your LED tube lights, simply turn off the power and use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface of the tubes. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as this can damage the lights.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use LED tubes in my existing fluorescent fixtures?
- Yes, you can. You just need to choose the right type of LED tube that is compatible with your existing fixtures.
- Is it difficult to install LED tubes?
- No, it's a straightforward process that you can do yourself.
- How much money can I save by switching to LED lights?
- This depends on how many lights you have and how often you use them, but you can save up to 60% on your energy bills.
- How long do LED tube lights last?
- LED tube lights can last up to 50,000 hours, which is about five times longer than fluorescent lights.
- Are LED tube lights safer than fluorescent lights?
- Yes, LED tube lights produce less heat, making them safer and more comfortable to use.
Conclusion
Converting your 4ft fluorescent lights to LED is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your lighting and save money on your energy bills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make the switch to LED lights quickly and easily. Remember to choose the right type of LED tube, follow the installation instructions carefully, and enjoy the many benefits of LED lighting.
FAQs
4. Steps to Convert 4ft Fluorescent Light to LED
- Turn off the power to the fixture.
- Remove the fluorescent tube and ballast.
- Rewire the fixture according to the instructions provided with your LED tube light.
- Install the LED tube light.
- Turn the power back on and test the light.
Compatibility: Many LED tube lights are designed to work directly with line voltage, bypassing the need for a ballast. Removing the ballast ensures optimal compatibility and reduces the risk of compatibility issues.
Can I put an LED bulb in a fluorescent fixture? ›
Almost all lighting fixtures can house LED bulbs. To confirm that LED bulbs can be housed in a fluorescent lighting fixture, look for LED bulbs that are “ballast compatible,” this means that they can work with the ballasts that are already installed in your current lighting fixture.
Can I directly replace fluorescent tubes with LED? ›
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.
How to bypass ballast on 4 bulb fixture LED light? ›
How to Bypass a Ballast
- Turn off the power. Flipping the light switch to the “off” position does not necessarily end the flow of electricity. ...
- Locate your ballast. ...
- Cut the hot and neutral wires. ...
- Cut the socket lead wires. ...
- Remove the ballast. ...
- Connect the input wires to the output wires.
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.
Is it worth converting fluorescent to LED? ›
LED retrofitting is a cost-effective way to upgrade fluorescent lighting. The days of drab fluorescents in homes and offices is ending. LEDs save energy and last longer, so it's worth the switch. Converting fluorescent fixtures to luminaries for LED lights optimizes energy efficiency.
Can you bypass the ballast on a plug and play LED tube? ›
However, a high-quality plug and play LED tube - like Warehouse Lighting's Triple-Fit 4' T8 LED – can be used in direct wire fixtures as well as traditional fluorescent fixtures with ballasts. In other words, thanks to its flexibility, you use a plug and play led without ballasts or with.
What happens if you bypass a ballast? ›
When bypassing the ballast, you may need to change your sockets from the most common shunted sockets to non-shunted sockets. Non-shunted sockets are required if you're using single-ended tubes. This will require a small amount of additional material cost and more labor to replace them all.
Do LED lights get as hot as fluorescent? ›
Unlike fluorescent lights, LED lights convert 95% of their energy into light and only 5% is wasted as heat; this is all while still using far less power to provide a strong and consistent output at a lower wattage. Less energy usage equals more environmentally friendly outcomes.
Cost to Convert Fluorescents to LED
The up-front cost of converting can be high, totaling between $1000 and $20,000. * This includes $50-$100 per hour for an electrician and the cost of LED bulbs and conversion kits. The efficiency of LED lighting will save you money in the long run.
Can LED and fluorescent be on the same circuit? ›
If you intend to upgrade some lights to LED, ensure that there are no old technology lights remaining on the same circuit. LED drivers contain electronics that may be upset by old technology transformers on the same circuit. Some of the symptoms may include flickering and intermittent operation of the LED.
How to tell if ballast is bad? ›
When a ballast starts failing, it will typically buzz or causes the bulbs to flicker. These issues can sometimes happen while it is operating as expected, so it's important to check the equipment before assuming a replacement is necessary.
How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12? ›
T8 will have one-inch diameter, the T5 will have a 5/8 diameter, and a T12 will have 12/8 inch or 1.5 inch diameter. If T8 and T12 have the same bi-pin base, then you can use the bulbs interchangeably using the same fixture just as long as you check the milliamp requirements for the ballast.
Do you need a ballast for LED fluorescent tubes? ›
You do not need a ballast for LED lights, but instead a driver. This is called a Type C application, with a tube and driver that work together.
How many lumens does a 4 foot 40 watt fluorescent bulb put out? ›
The greater the lumens, the brighter or more intense the light. A 40-watt fluorescent tube, for example, is rated around 2300 lumens. To replace it with the same intensity LED, look for one that rates around 2300 lumens. Of course, not every fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide, etc., lamp will specify its lumens.
How much electricity does a 4 foot fluorescent light use? ›
On a typical fixture with two 4 foot 40 watt T-12 fluorescent lamps, the ballast consumes about 13 to 16 watts of electricity. Thus the total consumption of the two lamps plus the ballast is about 93 to 96 watts. The most efficient ballasts are electronic, or high-frequency ballasts.
What is the LED equivalent of a 60 watt fluorescent tube? ›
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.
