Fluorescent Tube Replacement Bulbs
LED tube lights are an excellent choice for retrofit projects, replacing traditional fluorescent tubes with energy-efficient, non-toxic LEDs. They provide instant-on functionality, even in subzero temperatures, making them ideal for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, retail stores, warehouses, and food processing facilities.
We offer standard sizes, including T5, T8, and T12, along with ballast-compatible (Type A), ballast bypass (Type B), and combination Type A/B options. Additionally, T8 U-Bend and T9 Circline tube lights are available.
Most Popular LED Tube Light Lengths:
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2ft tube lights
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4ft tube lights
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8ft tube lights
T8 Tube Lights |
T5 Tube Lights |
T12 Tube Lights |
T9 Circline Lights |
T8 U-Bend Lights |
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T8s are the most common linear tube bulbs with a 1-inch diameter and G13 medium bi-pin base. They are commonly used in fluorescent troffer and strip fixtures. |
T5s have a smaller 5/8-inch diameter with a G5 bi-pin base. They often provide higher output and are labeled T5HO for high bay fixtures in high-ceiling applications. |
T12s are 1.5 inches in diameter and often share the same G13 medium bi-pin base as T8s, allowing for interchangeability in LED models. |
T9 LED Circline bulbs range in diameter from 6.5" to 16" and feature a four-pin base for easy installation. They are compatible with fully enclosed fixtures. |
U-Bend LED bulbs come in leg spacings of 6” or 1.6”. They have bi-pin bases and can be installed in shunted or non-shunted sockets. |
Benefits of LED Tube Lights
Energy Savings
Property managers may overlook the energy savings potential of LED tubes compared to fluorescent ones. To get accurate savings, consider both fluorescent bulb wattage and ballast factor, then calculate based on the number of fixtures and operating hours. In facilities running 24/7, converting 100 fluorescent fixtures to LEDs can save over $5,000 annually.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
LED conversions reduce maintenance significantly. Fluorescent systems require regular upkeep of bulbs, ballasts, and starters. LEDs, with "plug-and-play" compatibility or direct line options, offer minimal maintenance with a lifespan of 50,000 hours, providing significant long-term savings.
Rebate Incentives
LED retrofits for fluorescent systems often qualify for utility rebates, covering up to 80% of upfront costs. LEDs are typically DLC-listed, helping utility companies and users select the right products for rebate eligibility.
What is Ballast Compatibility?
LED T8 tube lights can be compatible with different types of ballasts, which are devices in fluorescent systems that regulate current and provide sufficient voltage to start the lamps. There are three types of ballast compatibility for LED T8 tubes:
- Plug-and-Play (Direct Fit): These LED tubes are designed to work with existing fluorescent ballasts and can easily replace fluorescent tubes without rewiring. However, compatibility should be checked as they may not work with all ballasts.
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Ballast Bypass (Direct Wire): These require bypassing or removing the existing ballast and wiring the LED tube directly to the power source. This option is more energy-efficient as it eliminates energy losses from the ballast, though it requires basic electrical knowledge for safe installation.
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Hybrids/Type A/B Tubes: Hybrids/Type A/B Tubes offer the flexibility to work in two different ways, combining features of both Plug-and-Play (Type A) and Ballast Bypass (Type B) tubes. These tubes can initially operate with an existing fluorescent ballast, making installation quick and easy. If the ballast fails later or if users prefer to increase energy efficiency, the tube can also be rewired to bypass the ballast, eliminating the need for a future tube replacement due to ballast incompatibility.
Not all LED T8 tubes are compatible with all types of ballasts, so it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications for compatibility to ensure proper performance and avoid potential damage.
Type A Dual-EndDual-end Type A installation is a "plug-and-play" option that allows for direct replacement of the original fluorescent tube with an LED equivalent, utilizing the existing ballast. This is the simplest solution for relamping your fixture, provided the ballast is confirmed to be in good working condition. |
Type B Single-EndSingle-end Type B installation involves bypassing the existing ballast and rewiring the fixture's sockets (tombstones). This method is a popular choice for relamping, as it eliminates the risk of future ballast failure. |
Type B Dual-End
Dual-end Type B installation requires bypassing the existing ballast and installing the tube, ensuring the wiring polarity matches. This is the most common retrofit solution when opting to bypass the ballast. |
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Type A/B HybridA/B hybrids can be installed as dual-end Type A, where the "plug-and-play" tube directly replaces the original fluorescent tube, or as a single-end Type B, which requires bypassing the ballast and rewiring the sockets. |
Type A/B 3-in-1 UniversalType A/B 3-in-1 universals are the most versatile tube lamp solutions. It allows for "plug-and-play" installation with the existing ballast, or the ballast can be bypassed for installation similar to single-end or dual-end Type B setups. |
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Connection Type
When replacing fluorescent tubes with LED tube lights, understanding the connection type is essential for proper installation. LED tubes can be designed for either single-end wiring or dual-end wiring, and each type has specific installation requirements. Both single-end and dual-end wiring have their advantages depending on the specific retrofit project, so it's important to choose the right connection type for your fixture and ensure proper installation for safe, efficient lighting.
Single-End Wiring
With single-end wiring, power is supplied to one end of the LED tube only. This means that both the live (hot) and neutral wires connect to the same end of the tube. The other end of the tube is not connected to the power source and simply serves to hold the tube in place within the fixture.
Installation Notes:
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Often requires bypassing the ballast in existing fixtures.
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The fixture’s sockets (also known as tombstones) may need to be replaced with non-shunted versions to ensure proper operation.
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This type of wiring is commonly used in Type B installations where the ballast is removed, and the LED tube is wired directly to the power source.
Benefits:
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Eliminates the need for a ballast, reducing potential points of failure in the system.
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Increased energy efficiency since no power is lost through the ballast.
Dual-End Wiring
With dual-end wiring, power is supplied to both ends of the LED tube. One end connects to the live (hot) wire, and the other end connects to the neutral wire. This wiring configuration is more similar to traditional fluorescent tubes, which often simplifies the retrofitting process.
Installation Notes:
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Some LED tubes can be plug-and-play with existing fluorescent fixtures without needing to rewire, provided the ballast is compatible (Type A).
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In Type B installations (where the ballast is bypassed), dual-end tubes require ensuring the proper wiring configuration, with live and neutral wires connected to the correct ends of the tube.
Benefits:
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Easier to install in fixtures where dual-end wiring was previously used for fluorescent tubes.
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Less modification is needed for fixtures that already use this wiring setup.
Socket Type
Matching the correct LED tube light with the appropriate socket type is essential. Using the wrong socket type can cause electrical shorts, leading to potential system failures or safety hazards. Always check whether your existing fixture uses shunted or non-shunted sockets and choose the compatible LED tube for safe and efficient operation. Read more information about shunted and non-shunted LED tube light socket types here.
Non-Shunted |
Non-Shunted With Jumper Wire |
Shunted |
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Non-shunted sockets have separate electrical contacts for each wire, allowing electricity to flow through two individual tracks. The contacts remain unconnected, providing independent paths for the current to each pin of the tube light. Best Use: Non-shunted sockets are required for rapid-start ballasts or ballast-bypass installations, such as in single-end wiring configurations for LED tube lights. |
In non-shunted sockets, the electrical contacts inside are separated, allowing for individual connections to each pin of the tube light. A jumper wire is used to bridge these two contacts, ensuring that power flows correctly to both pins when retrofitting the fixture with LED tube lights. Best Use: Non-shunted sockets with a jumper wire are commonly used in ballast-bypass (Type B) installations, where the ballast is removed, and the LED tube is wired directly to the power source. This setup is ideal for single-end wiring configurations, providing an effective solution for ensuring the proper electrical flow in retrofit projects. |
In shunted sockets, the electrical contacts inside are connected, creating a single path for the current to flow from the ballast to both pins of the lamp. Think of shunted sockets as having "joined" or "connected" contacts that direct the current to the lamp in one unified circuit. Best Use: Shunted sockets are typically used with instant-start ballasts and are common in older fluorescent fixtures. |
