How towireLED tubelights without ballast

The big difference between the Type B LED tubes are that instead of an internal driver, Type C LED tubes utilize a remote driver to power the LED. One remote driver can power multiple LED tubes; this system is quite similar to how linear fluorescent lighting operates. Type C installations still require fluorescent ballasts being removed. They boast maximized functionality such as motion-based control systems and crisp 0-10V dimming. Like a Type B installation, Type C requires an extensive installation process that costs more than Type A.

How to install t8 led tube lightballast bypass

Fluorescent was once the cost-effective and environmentally preferred lighting solution. Those days have been over for a while as technology has grown over recent years, turning the tide in LED's favor and making it hard to find fluorescent tubes. Yet there are still millions of fluorescent tubes in use waiting to be retrofitting to LED. Despite fluorescent being efficient themselves, T8 LEDs hold a number of advantages when comparing the two.

Type B LED Tubes require the ballasts be removed from the existing light fixture and the power is then wired directly to the sockets. This results in no power loss as power is not wasted in the ballast, making them much more efficient than Type A bulbs. Not having the ballast also lessens future maintenance costs as it will not have to be replaced. Naturally the downsides include initial maintenance modifications, as the ballasts are removed as well as potentially having to replace the sockets. That said, most Type B LED tubes these days can be single or double-end wired, meaning if your sockets are in good shape you can leave the shunted sockets as is and just bypass the ballast. Installation can also be dangerous with connecting sockets to power wires - strict safety measures are required. This adds to a higher total installation cost though the long-term efficiency far outweighs Type A's setup.

T8 LED tubeWiring Diagram

Type A LED tubes need an existing T8 electronic ballast to operate. If you have T8 electronic ballasts this makes installation very easy. All you need to do is remove the existing T8 fluorescent lamp and install a new T8 LED Type A lamp. However, using an existing ballast is not as efficient as the methods further below as their lifespan is affected due to the ballast needing to be replaced before the LED itself. It is also contingent on the Type A LED tube being compatible with your particular ballast. Residential-grade ballasts rarely work well in this instance but if you have a commercial-grade ballast you may have better luck. But be sure to check ballast compatibility sheets if you go this route.

The initial factor in holding down LED tube sales was cost, but now with fluorescent lamps hard to find and quality commercial grade LED coming down in cost, it's a no brainer. Also consider tax incentives and local rebates, and you will find that LED's will produce a ROI that pays for itself very quickly. Premier Lighting will work with you to analyze your unique situation and provide a cost/benefit analysis for your LFL to LED switch. You will have a few options for going forward with LED T8s.

New to the LED T8 market are ComboDrive LED T8 lamps, also known as Dual mode. ComboDrive LED T8 lamps will run on existing fluorescent ballasts (if compatible), and then when the ballast dies they can be wired up direct to line voltage (120-277V). As always if you intend to re-use on an existing ballast, make sure you check the compatibility sheet as they only tend to work on quality, commercial-grade ballasts. In bypass mode you will find that some of these lamps are single-end wired only or double-end wired.

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