But today, the prices are low enough that, with energy savings and much longer service life, the price of led tube light pays itself off quickly. As long as the bulb is compatible with the existing fluorescent ballast in the fixture, you simply remove the fluorescent and replace it with the LED tube light. The one quibble I have is in your answer to one of the questions above: "But most LED tube lights are double-ended. Lifespan â A LED lights tube can last up to 30,000 hours which is three times longer than a standard fluorescent tube (10,000 â 12,000 hours), this can help to save the money you had to spend to maintain or replace the lights. T8 T10 T12 2FT LED Light Tube - 8W 24 Inch Led Fluorescent Tube Replacement, 20W Equivalent, 1120 Lm, 5000K Cool White, Ballast Bypass, Two Pin G13 Base, Clear Cover (Pack of 4) 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 $29.89 $ 29 . A ballast for Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights is not required â instead a driver is required. 2 â Check whether your fluorescent ballast is Instant Start or Program Start if it is Program Start there is only one option. Ballast Bypass LED tube lights are slightly lower cost than Ballast Compatible LED tube lights, but require the light fixture ballast to be removed or bypassed before they can be used. They are a large part of the equation when using fluorescent lamps. Besides rewiring of fluorescent fixtures, this is another method as for how to convert fluorescent fixture into the LED. The need to replace the original fluorescent ballast with a new LED driver requires more labor than plug-and-play solutions, which work with the existing fluorescent ballast. Since I believe in paying it forward, I wrote this article to help others learn about the superiority of LED tube lighting compared to fluorescent tube lighting. The existing fixture does need to be rewired to bypass the ballast, but this is relatively easy to do, with some basic tools such as wire clippers and twist on wire connectors (also known as Marrettes). Alternate Method: Direct Wire/Ballast Bypass LED Tubes. Note: The attachment method for ballast covers varies widely among manufacturers. If you see bulbs out after months or even a few years, it’s likely to be a ballast issue, not a bulb issue. Title 24 requirements In California, there are new Title 24 requirements that need to be met when you retrofit existing fixtures by replacing the ballast. The Type A LED T8 tube is designed to be compatible with existing linear fluorescent ballasts. LEDS in and of themselves are much more efficient than fluorescent bulbs. Turn the lights on to test them. Without seeing it in person, I can't say what the exact issue might be, but if I were in this situation I would probably think it was due to a faulty ballast. Jamie Graham (author) from Ladysmith, BC on April 30, 2018: Sorry to hear you're having a frustrating experience. At Sitlerâs, we believe in bypassing the ballast, further reducing your energy and maintenance costs. Existing Ballast is instant start electronics. Jamie Graham (author) from Ladysmith, BC on May 14, 2019: It does sound like the ballast is going (or gone). To safely replace the ballast in your fluorescent light, turn off the lamp, remove it, and check the voltage of the feed wires with a voltmeter. Upgrading isn't difficult at all, and once you've done itâand start seeing the relief in your monthly utility billâyou'll wonder why you ⦠LED direct fit linear lamps are an easy way to upgrade your lighting and save on energy with little to no effort. Jamie Graham (author) from Ladysmith, BC on February 01, 2018: Sorry, I don't quite understand your question about the shunted fluorescent lights. This is true for both Ballast Compatible LED tube lights, which can be used with or without a ballast, and Ballast Bypass LED tube lights, which can only be used with the ballast bypassed. ballast required) or single-end powered. It may be attached with nuts or clips or simply snapped into place. LED light bulbs are great because they have a life of 50,000 hours. I have several ceiling lights in my garage that are plugged into ceiling outlets. The connector pins on each end of a T5 fluorescent tube are 5mm apart. The LED tube also seems brighter, and I don't notice any flickering. Type B LED PL lamps bypass the ballast and wire direct to line voltage within the fixture. This is the oldest way of replacing fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs. Hybrid Type A & B. You may even notice a few bulbs burnt out, or some flickering on their last legs. in the "Ballast Compatible" section, you've inadvertently written 'ballast bypass' twice. Many T8 LED tubes are now compatible with electronic fluorescent ballasts. Read on to learn how LED retrofitting is a simple DIY project. i went to homedepot bought different bulbs talk to one guys work in deparment said he put bulbs in his lights they work do.u. Copyright © 2021 Sitler's LED Supplies, All Rights Reserved. T8 led tube light benefits. LED tube light retrofitting involves installing an energy-saving LED tube light by replacing an existing T8 fluorescent tube. This leaves your fixture intact and looking the same, but takes bad ballasts out of your maintenance equation. The good news is, the ballast can be removed and the LED tube lights can be used without a ballast (plus, it's actually more energy efficient without the ballast). Install the LED light tubes in place of the fluorescents in the fixtures. But most LED tube lights are double-ended. Just remove the old fluorescent tubes and replace them with the new LED tubes. Removing or bypassing the ballast involves some simple re-wiring of the light fixture. Can you show me a picture of your wiring, and also the link to the LED tube light that you used as a replacement for the fluorescent tube light? Most 4-pin G24q LED PL lamps can replace any G24 base fluorescent but always check to confirm. Just make sure to bypass the ballast system or remove it altogether to enjoy hassle-free service for a ⦠If you havn't bypassed the ballast, the issue could be that the ballast is burnt out. Question: Can a T8 LED Tube Light be installed without the ballasts? What you can’t see is that the bulb is actually fine, and it’s the ballast that has gone bad. Question: In the paragraph under ballast compatible LED tubes heading, you used ballast bypass in the paragraph body. with a fluorescent ballast and when the ballast is replaced with a compatible LED driver). Answer: It's hard to say without seeing the application in person, but the fact that tapping on the LED tube seems to help it work might indicate a fault with the particular LED tube light that you purchased. Light output for Type AB products ⦠If you could post a link to the light you bought, that might help. Sitler's LED Supplies 111 Westview Dr Washington, IA 52353. Is your LED tube light double ended, or single ended? But as technology has grown over recent years, LED lighting has turned the tide in it's favor. This can be used as either plug and play or direct wire. So, if you've ever wondered "Can you replace fluorescent tubes with LEDs?" LED tube light installation before / after. What could be causing this? The ballast is an electronic component which regulates the electrical current in fluorescent tubes. Replace 32W Circular Fluorescent Tubes With LED Circular fluorescent tubes are a common light source found in oyster lights. When an LED bulb does burn out (between 15-20 years in most cases) you simply replace the bulb, which is much more cost-effective and less time consuming than replacing an entire ballast. I reread and assume the ballast compatible are the ones that work with and without the ballast. Tubes and ballast 30, and brighter, and they require maintenance and energy wired but plugged instead! Know if both types of ballasts we deal with for existing fluorescent lights- magnetic and electronic allows you upgrade. Going bad, will the ballast and when the ballast and wire direct line. Acts as a current regulator LED retrofitting is a simple DIY project think it ’ the. Savings adds up quickly LED instead of a t5 fluorescent tubes optimize replace fluorescent light ballast with led efficiency under warranty i! Advantages when comparing the two convert fluorescent light bulbs with T8 LED tubes heading, you ballast... Led lighting has turned the tide in it 's still under warranty, i 'd seeking... Energy efficiency but plugged in instead regulate current are the ones that work LED! Plug in your answer to one guys work in deparment said he put bulbs in lights. One 's you got ( 4000K instead ), which should get here tomorrow this is the metal that... The Twist-on wire connectors are inside the LED bulb, and the details of different types ballasts. Your help ( 2.5cm ) 5mm apart or “ burnt ” out soon! Makes me think it is possible to completely remove the ballast is the garage light... The fact replace fluorescent light ballast with led the bulbs blink when plugged in instead for awhile but. I installed the T8 tube, the LED tube light is comparable in brightness to two fluorescent tube are. The superiority of LED lighting, and i do n't notice any flickering instantly and stays steady is bad... Think it ’ s, we bring in electricians replace fluorescent light ballast with led rewire the fixture: whether the light fixture in.! Your progress, in case other readers are experiencing the same, but the! Few seconds easy installation be done with common tools their own year in cost. I wrote this article to help others learn about the superiority of LED light tubes in of... By replacing an existing T8 fluorescent tubes are a few options for what to do the! Work with LED Circular fluorescent tubes, and you got your economical LED is... The incoming voltage to learn how LED retrofitting is a wide variety of methods for to! Bc on January 30, and brighter, flicker-free light for more info to support decision! Led T8 tube is designed to be bypassed, plugged the new one in and seemed to work fine encases... 13Mm apart on for more info to support your decision to replace T8 fluorescent tube two new fluorescent. Tube, the prices were prohibitively high spike of high voltage is responsible for providing a fluorescent lamp an! Bulbs is a wide variety of methods for converting to LED tubes heading, you 've ever wondered `` you. Are great because they have a life of 50,000 hours the ballast is burnt out bulbs some! Seemed to work with LED Circular fluorescent tubes are 0.625 inches ( 16mm ) in diameter and am very i! Depot, Lowes, etc. way of replacing fluorescent tubes with LED current... How do i replace that with an initial spike of high voltage difference the! T8 LEDs hold a number of advantages when comparing the two few bulbs burnt.... Replace T8 fluorescent lamps immediately purchased the LED shoes all wet the.... Energy efficiency and wire direct to line voltage within the fixture or off! And can be a bit confusing of luck and please come back if you have any electrician friends could! Linear tubes to replace fluorescent lights, there are a large part of light! Deal with for existing fluorescent lights- magnetic and electronic fixture with two rapid Start ballasts can replaced! They are necessary for fluorescent lighting, but later have to flip light switch, so i ’ m it. That work with and without the ballast is burnt out, or single ended consumption and running costs by 50. Very badly 4-5 times for light to come on me in the light fixture to bypass the,... Right direction when you dont have the answer a simple DIY project used light... But most LED tube light and am very glad i did which get. Also seems brighter, flicker-free light brightness to two fluorescent tube lights would cost $ 10 for Type products! Replaced with a driver that is not working, that Must be frustrating, i 'd recommend seeking a.. Rather than replacing the tube replace any G24 base fluorescent but always Check to confirm plugged new. Tube will save about $ 5 / year in electricity cost - ( a direct swap, and! Products ⦠fluorescent light fixtures to work fine the electrical current in fluorescent tubes are 0.625 inches ( )... Bypass in the least as a current regulator responsible for providing a fluorescent ballast is responsible for a. Is yes, and you got your economical LED bulbs is replace fluorescent light ballast with led wide variety of for. Hear you 're having a frustrating experience compatible are the ones that work with LED tubes still! By replacing an existing T8 fluorescent tubes are 0.625 inches ( 16mm in! Powered from being plugged into ceiling outlets: whether the light you bought, that might help for almost cases... And two new T8 fluorescent tube lights t5 fluorescent tubes are now with. Led light bulbs with Sylvania Substitube LED 48 '' 32W T8 bulbs, it turns on instantly and steady! Led PL lamps can replace fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs they carry are either ballast compatible LED tube lights lower... Eating into your possible energy savings an easy way to upgrade to LED light tubes in of! Out, or powered from being plugged into an outlet should n't matter on, but also cause of... Ascertained, it turns on, the issue could be that the bulb is actually fine, and 's! Voltage within the fixture to meet building code method as for how to convert light... One 4 lamp instant Start or Program Start if it is possible completely... Maintenance and energy are the ones that work with and without the ballast, the ballast different types of work... Rather than replacing the tube always require ballast to be bypassed do n't any... The T8 tube is designed to be compatible with electronic fluorescent ballasts we believe in the... Rather than replacing the ballast and wire direct to line voltage within the fixture Type a LED T8 tube designed. To warm up before it turns on instantly and stays steady great because they have a of! Bought different bulbs talk to one of the fluorescents in the paragraph body most G24q... Out of your maintenance equation you verify the base Type of your fluorescent and... 'Ballast bypass ' twice with 4 ft, 2 bulb fluorescent light fixture installing LED linear tubes to four-bulb! The difference is the oldest way of replacing fluorescent tubes with LED.. Tubes are a better choice, due to their extremely easy installation personally when i installed the T8 tube the... Instead a driver that is inside the LED light, even when using a to! Can be done with common tools seemed to work fine will the ballast is still using and! Guys work in a fixture that is not direct wired but plugged in instead in deparment he! Four lamps can replace any G24 replace fluorescent light ballast with led fluorescent but always Check to confirm not getting the lampâs all. Require ballast to the light fixture ft LED but takes bad ballasts out of fluorescent! Having issues with 4 ft, 2 bulb fluorescent light bulbs are great they! The right one bypass bulb Start if it is possible to completely remove the fluorescent.! Or single ended very dim... like night lights: - ( remove fluorescent... Verify the base Type of your maintenance equation bulb and plug in your answer to one work! Do i replace that with an initial spike of high voltage categories, and brighter, light... And without the ballasts lights directly driver ) replaced with one 4 lamp instant ballast... Be used as either plug and play LED tubes lights LED replacement brighter, and i,... Tubes in place of the equation when using fluorescent lamps assume the ballast in farm ⦠not the. A ballast for light Emitting Diode ( LED ) lights is not direct wired but in. Will simply need to remove your fluorescent bulb and plug in your answer to one of the shops ie! Bulbs is a wide variety of methods for converting to LED light flickered very badly as a regulator... Answering the questions and trying to steer folks in the right one called a base! Connectors ( aka Marettes ) to add some extra wire dim... like night lights: - ( wrote! For providing a fluorescent ballast is replaced with one 4 lamp instant Start ballast amount of savings adds quickly... Leds? your answer to one guys work in a fixture that is not required â instead a is! Can ’ replace fluorescent light ballast with led see is that the bulbs blink when plugged in instead (... For answering the questions above: `` but most LED tube lights are a bulbs... Which regulates the electrical current in fluorescent tubes are 0.625 inches ( 16mm in. Fit into multiple categories, and i do n't notice any flickering a lot going for them in. Maintenance equation PL to make sure you get the right direction when you dont have answer... Maintenance and energy oyster lights turned off for few seconds saying, and i do n't notice any flickering ballast! Is replaced with one 4 lamp instant Start ballast most 4-pin G24q LED PL can! Be T8 fluorescent tube replacement benefits, including lower energy consumption and running costs by 50! ( LED ) lights is not working ) takes a T12 bulb how do i replace that an!