Replacing your fluorescent fixtures with LED retrofits can be confusing and intimidating. Our goal here at Premier Lighting is to demystify the process and make it as easy as possible for you to get started! We’ve put together this guide to answer some of the most common questions customers have about converting their old fixtures to LED.
Choosing the Right LED Tube for Your Fixture
There are many different types of LED tube lights out there and it’s important to know which one will work best for your application. Some of the key considerations to look at are light quality, energy efficiency and dimming ability.
Type B: Single-Ended Power Tubes
These LED tubes have neutral and live pins on the same side of the bulb. They can be compatible with shunted or non-shunted tombstone sockets. However, if your existing fixture uses shunted sockets you will need to replace the sockets.
Alternatively, you can install these tube lights using direct wire which allows them to be directly connected to the lampholders. This is typically the easiest way to go because it eliminates rewiring, but be sure to check the wiring instructions on your LED tube light to make sure you have the correct connection.
Type C: Double-Ended Power Tubes
These double-ended power LED tubes can be direct-wired into the fixture, meaning they’re wired with line on one end and neutral on the other. These are compatible with shunted or non-shunted sockets, but be sure to check the wiring instructions to make sure you have the correct connection.
Some manufacturers also offer ballast bypass LED tubes which can be polarity neutral, but they are not as common as the double-ended power versions. They are a little more expensive and require some knowledge of how to rewire the fixture.
You can also install these type of LED tubes using a UL Type C LED driver which is a separate device that connects the LED tube to mains electricity. These are a little more expensive and require some additional knowledge of how to rewire the fixture, but they can be a great option for those looking to save some money on their energy bills.
Changing the Bulbs to LEDs
Changing the bulbs in a fluorescent fixture to LEDs is an easy, cost-effective solution that can significantly cut down on maintenance costs and energy bills. LEDs will last significantly longer than their fluorescent counterparts and because they don’t use mercury, they’re also more environmentally friendly.
The lifespan of a new LED is around 30 percent more efficient than a fluorescent lamp. The LED’s lifespan is also not affected by controls being administered, so you don’t have to worry about replacing your fluorescent bulbs as often as you would if they were replaced with an LED.
If you’re considering replacing your old fluorescent fixtures with LEDs, be sure to ask about tax incentives and rebates available in your area. These can be a great way to make the switch even easier and help you to get an immediate ROI on your project!