Single-ended and Double-ended LED Tubes Explained (2024)

Confused by LED T8 tube options? Unsure if you need single-ended or double-ended LED tubes? Orilis can help by simplifying the jargon!

In a nutshell - Single-end powered simply means your light fixture is wired to one end of the led tube(s) only (The other end is un-powered). Double-end powered means your light fixture is wired to the tube(s) on both ends. Remember that these tube types are not interchangeable. The wiring will be different for each type.

Double-Ended LED Tube

A double-ended LED tube is a tube that has the live and neutral pins on the opposite side of each tube. Fluorescent tubes are typically double-ended as well, making retrofit applications easier to complete with double-ended LED tubes.

A double-ended tube can use either shunted or non-shunted tombstones. When upgrading to LED tubes using an LED Retrofit Kit, you can the existing tombstonesif they are in good condition, helping to reduce the average retrofit installation time. Check any tombstones to be reused for damage. It is not uncommon for old tombstones to be broken either from long exposure to heat or from replacing the tubes. If damage is found it is best to replace them.

Single-ended and Double-ended LED Tubes Explained (1)

Single-Ended LED Tube

A single-ended LED tube is a tube that has the live and neutral pins on the same side of the tube. This end will be the “Input” end. A simple way to know if you have a single ended tubeis tolook for the L/N or AC INPUT stickerat the end of the tube. Since the single-end powered tubesonly use one side of the tube, both live and neutral power will be on the same side, but different pins. The "L" indicates the pinthat live power will go into. The "N" indicates the pin that neutral power will go into.

If the tube is being installed as part of an LED Retrofit Kit into a fluorescent fixture, you will need to replace the existing fluorescent, shunted tombstoneswith non-shunted tombstoneson at least one side of the fixture, the ‘live’ or powered end of the fixture.

Single-ended and Double-ended LED Tubes Explained (2024)

FAQs

Single-ended and Double-ended LED Tubes Explained? ›

Unlike a single-end installation tube, a double-end installation tube has pins that are energized on both ends. With power running through both sets of pins, you will connect the live wires to one end of the tube, and then connect the neutral wires to opposite side.

What is the difference between single end and double-end LED tubes? ›

Single-ended configurations will typically have a sticker label on one end of the tube with the words "AC INPUT" or similar. Some single-ended configurations can accept power from either end. In a double-ended configuration, the two pins on each side of the tube are the same polarity.

What is the difference between single and double LED lights? ›

When an LED lamp is “single-end powered”, this means the LED lamp is powered from one end only. But, when electricity is wired to power the LED lamp from both ends, this is a “double-end powered” lamp.

What is single ended vs dual ended? ›

In a nutshell - Single-end powered simply means your light fixture is wired to one end of the led tube(s) only (The other end is un-powered). Double-end powered means your light fixture is wired to the tube(s) on both ends. Remember that these tube types are not interchangeable.

What is the difference between type A and type B LED tubes? ›

Type B LED Lamps are more efficient than Type A LED Lamps, because there are no ballast-driven power losses. However, most Type B LED Lamps lack dimming and control capabilities. Note the light fixture's incoming power wires are connected directly to the sockets.

What are the two primary types of LEDs? ›

LED Anatomy

The two basic types of LEDs are indicator-type LEDs and illuminator-type LEDs. Indicator-type LEDs are usually inexpensive, low-power LEDs suitable for use only as indicator lights in panel displays and electronic devices, or instrument illumination in cars and computers.

Which LED tube light is best for home quora? ›

Determining the "best" LED tubelight brand can be subjective and may depend on specific preferences, budget, and requirements. However, some popular and reliable LED tubelight brands in India include Philips, Syska, Havells, Bajaj, and Crompton.

Which type of LED lights are better? ›

Three-Way LEDs

A three-way LED is one of the more common types of LED lighting for reading lamps or desk lamps because it offers three levels of brightness with less energy consumption than incandescent three-way bulbs.

What is single vs dual LED flash? ›

According to the inverse square law, the intensity of illumination changes in inverse proportion to the square of the distance from the source. A dual LED flash can emit twice as much light as a single LED of the same type, which means you can illuminate objects further away.

How does a single LED emit different colors? ›

How LEDs Change Colors. Each LED light consists of three separate chips, each emitting one of the primary colors: red, green, and blue. By controlling the intensity of each color, the LED can produce different shades and hues. By combining red, green, and blue in various proportions, virtually any color can be achieved ...

What is the difference between single-ended and double ended converter? ›

The single-ended forward converter transfers energy to the secondary of the transformer when SW is turned on. In a double-ended forward converter, energy is transferred to the secondary of the transformer when SW1 and SW2 are turned on at the same time.

What do you mean by single-ended? ›

single-end·​ed. : having the principal or working portion at one end only. a single-ended boiler.

What is the difference between single-ended and double ended differential mode? ›

A single ended input amplifies the signal on the input (first point) with respect to ground (the second point). A double ended input amplifies the difference between both signals.

Which is better, single-ended or double-ended LED tubes? ›

Which One is Better? The answer is the double-ended LED lamps. It's safe-to-install and will save on labor costs, giving the double-ended LED lamps the edge over its single-ended counterpart.

What LED tubes work without ballast? ›

Type A+B: Also known as 'Hybrid' T8 LED tubes, Type A+B tubes work with or without a ballast.

How many types of LED tubes are there? ›

Most of what differentiates these tube types from each other depends on whether it uses a ballast or bypasses it, as well as whether it uses single or double ended wiring. The main types are Direct Wire (also known as ballast-bypass or Type-B), Electronic Ballast Compatible, Hybrid, and Universal Ballast Compatible.

What is the difference between single contact and double contact lights? ›

Single-contact (SC) bayonet bases have one contact point at the bottom and are typically used for simpler, single-function lighting. Double-contact (DC) bases have two contact points, allowing for more complex functions like dual-filament configurations in automotive headlights.

Are there different types of LED tubes? ›

Most of what differentiates these tube types from each other depends on whether it uses a ballast or bypasses it, as well as whether it uses single or double ended wiring. The main types are Direct Wire (also known as ballast-bypass or Type-B), Electronic Ballast Compatible, Hybrid, and Universal Ballast Compatible.

How do I choose an LED tube? ›

In picking an LED tube, it is important to ensure that (1) light levels in the space (footcandles) are adequate and appropriate, and (2) the distribution of light from the fixture is acceptable. The most common replacement is to use an LED tube that produces the same lumens as the previous fluorescent lamp.

What is the difference between long and short end of LED? ›

The longer leg is called the anode (positive). The shorter leg is called the cathode (negative). The anode needs to connect to the power source (positive) while the cathode should be connected to ground (negative).

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