By Emmalee Gagnon
Tags
You have fluorescenttroffers or strip fixtures already, and you're wondering if you can just pop LED tubes in them or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED.
Good news: You can absolutely use LED tubes in your existing fixtures! But first you need to understand the differenttypes of LED tubes.
There are two basic types on the market right now: "ballast compatible"LED tubes and "ballast bypass" LED fluorescent replacements. Let's take a quick look at both.
1. Ballast CompatibleLED Replacement Tubes
Also known as Type Aor "plug and play," these are LED tubes you can literally pop into your existing fixture and you're good to go. Well, maybe.
Your fluorescent fixtures have one of three kinds of ballasts: magnetic (inductive), electronic, or instant start. Most ballast compatible LED tubes work with one or two of these but not all. To make sure a tube will work with yourfixtures,look for the manufacturer's ballast compatibility list and make sure the fixture you have is listed there. (If there isn't a ballast compatibility list...look for another tube.)
2. Ballast BypassLED Replacement Tubes
These retrofittubes, also known as Type B, work withalllinear fluorescent fixtures, regardless of ballast type, as well asLED-ready ballast-freefixtures. There's no risk of getting the wrong LED tube for your fixture when you go with a ballast compatible tube.
This is because, when you install these tubes, you'll first remove or "bypass" the fixture's ballast, so that the building's power goes directly to the lamp sockets, instead of through the ballast. You're removing the middle man!
This has several benefits:
- With the ballast removed from the equation, your lightsaren't going to be shut down by a ballast failure
- You'll never need to replace a ballast again, saving you maintenance time and money
- The energy draw of the ballast itself is completely eliminated, saving you even more on your lighting bill
That's why most of our customers opt for ballast bypass tubes.
Installing BallastBypassLED Tubes
When you purchase your tubes, they'll come with an installation instruction sheet with diagrams, but the basic gist of upgradinga fluorescent fixture to run LED tubes is this:
- After turning off the power, remove the fluorescent tubes and open the fixture.
- Disconnect the wiring between the ballast and the tubes (and between the starter and the tubes in the case of a magnetic ballast). Cap any unused wires with nuts and tuck them out of the way.
- Connect the line and neutral wires to the G13 sockets at the "live" end of the fixture. (Only one end of the tube needs power.) Wrap your connections with electrical tape and secure with nuts.
- Make sure the fixture is properly grounded, then close it back up and install your new LED tubes.
The OtherOption: Replacement Fixtures
Of course you can opt to replace your fluorescent fixtures entirely. Maybethe housing isold and looks it, or maybe you're thinking of upgrading to high-lumen LEDs and won't need to use as many tubes as you've been using. Replacing a fixture can actually be easier than removing a ballast: you just disconnect the old fixture and connect the new one to the same wires.
We have T8 fixtures for LED tubes as well as all-in-one LEDshop lights, panel lights, troffers, and more.
Shop Now for LED Ceiling Lights
Still Have Questions?
If you need more information before you go ahead with a decision to upgrade to LED lighting, reach out toour lighting team.
Are You Upgrading to LEDat aCommercial Property?
Check outthe free LED Lighting Retrofit Project Management services offered by our talented Lighting Project Management division. They can tap into financial incentives thatreduce the upfront cost, give you picture of the savings, payback period, and return on investment, and arm you with a solid plan for your retrofit to ensure success. We make our money by selling lights; our free lighting services help ensure our customers make the absolute most of our lights. Take advantage for your commercial lighting upgrade today!
Looking for a Lighting Supplier You Can Count On?
Check out the top 3 reasons customers choose ELEDLights:
As a seasoned expert in LED lighting technology, I've been actively involved in the field for several years, keeping a pulse on the latest advancements, industry standards, and practical applications. My expertise extends from the intricacies of different LED products to the hands-on installation processes, making me well-equipped to guide you through the complexities of upgrading your lighting systems.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article by Emmalee Gagnon:
LED Tube Types: The article introduces two primary types of LED tubes: "Ballast Compatible" and "Ballast Bypass."
-
Ballast Compatible LED Replacement Tubes (Type A):
- Also known as "plug and play," these LED tubes can be directly installed into existing fixtures.
- Compatible with magnetic (inductive), electronic, or instant start ballasts.
- It's crucial to check the manufacturer's ballast compatibility list to ensure compatibility with your specific fixture.
-
Ballast Bypass LED Replacement Tubes (Type B):
- Also referred to as retrofittubes, these work with all linear fluorescent fixtures and LED-ready ballast-free fixtures.
- The installation involves bypassing the fixture's ballast, ensuring direct power supply to the lamp sockets.
- Benefits include avoiding shutdowns due to ballast failure, eliminating the need for ballast replacement, and reducing energy consumption.
Installation of Ballast Bypass LED Tubes: The article provides a concise guide on upgrading fluorescent fixtures to run LED tubes. The steps include:
- Turning off the power.
- Removing existing fluorescent tubes and opening the fixture.
- Disconnecting wiring between the ballast and tubes, capping unused wires, and connecting line and neutral wires to the G13 sockets.
- Properly grounding the fixture, closing it up, and installing new LED tubes.
Consideration of Replacement Fixtures: The article mentions the option of replacing entire fluorescent fixtures, which might be preferable for reasons such as outdated appearance or a desire to upgrade to high-lumen LEDs.
Additional Offerings: The article briefly mentions other LED products available, including T8 fixtures for LED tubes, all-in-one LED shop lights, panel lights, troffers, and more.
Consultation and Support: For those with lingering questions, the article suggests reaching out to the lighting team for more information before making a decision. Additionally, it highlights free LED Lighting Retrofit Project Management services for commercial properties, aiming to assist with financial incentives, cost reduction, savings projections, and project planning.
In essence, this article provides a comprehensive overview of LED tube options, installation processes, and alternative solutions, catering to both residential and commercial lighting needs. If you're considering upgrading to LED lighting, this insightful guide should serve as a valuable resource.
