There are a variety of different ways to wire a led fluorescent lamp. Some are easier than others. However, all methods require a licensed electrician or lighting technician to ensure the installation is done correctly and safely.
How to Wire a Fluorescent Tube Light
There are several types of fluorescent lamps that can be converted to LEDs, including T8, T5, and T12. While these are not all as energy efficient as modern LED options, they are still very cost-effective. They are easy to install and last a long time, making them a smart option for businesses looking to upgrade their lighting without having to completely replace their existing fixtures.
Type A
In this method, the LED tube functions with an existing T8 electronic ballast (also called a magnetic ballast). The new lamp can be installed right into the fixture and is therefore considered the easiest type of lamp to install. It also reduces maintenance costs, since the existing ballast does not need to be replaced in the same way it would if you were replacing with an LED tube with a direct wire.
Double-Ended Direct Wire
Single-ended direct wire tubes need line to go to the lampholders on one end of the fixture and neutral to the other. Shunted or non-shunted lampholders can be used, but be sure to check the instructions for the particular product you’re installing.
How to Wire a Double-Ended T8 LED Tube
The most common double-ended LED tubes take either line or neutral connection from the G13 sockets at the “live” end of the fixture. Depending on the manufacturer, double-ended LED tubes will have a label that indicates which pin to connect to.
When installing a double-ended T8 LED tube, be sure to use an electrician with experience in commercial lighting. This is especially important if you’re a larger company or if you have a lot of lights to be installed.
How to Wire a Direct Wire T8 LED Tube
Direct wire linear LEDs are similar to plug-and-play options in that they bypass the existing ballast and operate directly off line voltage. However, whereas plug-and-play tubes have the advantage of not losing energy through ballast draw, direct wire LEDs can be more costly to purchase.
How to Wire a Dual Mode T8 LED Tube
A new generation of T8 LED lamps that work in both bypass and plug-and-play modes is available on the market. These products are compatible with existing fluorescent ballasts if they’re compatible, and they can be run as a direct-wire lamp when the ballast dies or needs to be replaced.
These lamps also feature a unique switch that allows you to change from one type of lamp to another without removing the tube or changing the power cord. This feature is known as ComboDrive and makes them a great option for reusing a ballast that has failed or is too old to be compatible with plug-and-play T8 LEDs.
These advantages make direct wire linear T8 LEDs a great choice for a number of applications, including restaurants, office buildings, and industrial facilities. They are more cost-effective than traditional plug-and-play alternatives and can be installed easily by a qualified electrician or lighting professional.