A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Fluorescent Tubes with LED Lights

Switching from fluorescent tubes to LED lights is a smart choice, especially when considering options like lawn light fixtures. Converting to LED not only enhances your outdoor spaces but also brings numerous benefits such as saving energy and money. LED lights use up to 80% less energy, which significantly lowers your bills. Additionally, they last longer, meaning you’ll need to replace them less often. This results in less work and fewer repairs. Worldwide, using LEDs could cut lighting electricity by 30-40% by 2030. Whether at home or work, converting to LED is simple and effective. It’s a fantastic way to achieve better lighting while also helping the planet.

Key Takeaways

• Using LED lights can cut energy costs by 80%, saving money.

• LED lights last longer than fluorescent tubes, needing fewer replacements.

• LEDs give brighter, steady light, making spaces more comfortable and cheerful.

• Some programs give discounts for switching to LEDs, lowering the cost.

• Picking the right LED tube and following steps makes upgrading easy.

Benefits of Switching to LED Lights

Save Energy and Use Less Power

LED lights use much less energy than older bulbs. They need 75% less power than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights. This makes them a great choice for saving energy. LEDs shine light in one direction, so less energy is wasted. They also stay cool, unlike fluorescent tubes that get hot and waste energy as heat.

LEDs save a lot of electricity. By 2030, they could save 190 terawatt-hours of power each year. This equals $15 billion saved on energy costs. Switching to LED lights is smart and helps the planet.

Last Longer and Need Less Fixing

LED lights work for a very long time. Fluorescent tubes last 7,000 to 15,000 hours, but LEDs can last 50,000 hours or more. Some top-quality LEDs even last up to 200,000 hours. This means fewer replacements and less money spent on repairs.

LEDs are tough and can handle hot or cold weather. They are great for many places and don’t break easily. Their long life and strength save you time and effort.

Better Light and More Options

LED lights give better and steadier light than fluorescent tubes. They don’t flicker, which helps your eyes and mood. LEDs come in different colors, so you can pick the right light for any room.

Fluorescent lights need extra parts like reflectors, but LEDs don’t. LEDs give clear and focused light, making them useful for many tasks. Whether at home or work, LEDs make spaces brighter and more comfortable.

Cost Savings Over Time

Switching to LED lights saves money in the long run. At first, LEDs may cost more, but they save you money later. LEDs use less energy, which lowers your electricity bills. For example, running an incandescent bulb costs $1.17 a month. An LED bulb only costs $0.195 a month. That’s a savings of about $0.98 per bulb each month. Over a year, the savings add up even more. Incandescent bulbs use 108 kWh yearly, but LEDs use just 18 kWh. This shows how energy-efficient LEDs are.

LEDs also last much longer than fluorescent tubes. Fluorescent tubes need replacing after 7,000 to 15,000 hours. LEDs can last 50,000 hours or more. This means fewer replacements and less work for you. Their long life makes LEDs a smart choice for homes and businesses.

Some areas offer rebates for switching to LED lights. These programs help lower the upfront cost of LEDs. This makes it easier and cheaper to switch to LED lighting. By using these rebates, you can save money faster.

Switching to LEDs isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about better lighting and helping the planet. LEDs use less energy and need fewer replacements. This helps you save money and reduce waste at the same time.

Types of LED Tube Lights

Switching fluorescent tubes to LED tube lights needs knowing the types. Each type has special features and ways to install. This helps you pick the best one for your needs.

UL Type A (Ballast Compatible)

UL Type A LED tube lights are easy to install. They work with current fluorescent ballasts, so no rewiring is needed. Just take out the old fluorescent tubes and put in the LED ones.

Tip: Use UL Type A tubes for quick upgrades. They’re great when rewiring isn’t possible.

These tubes fit both shunted and non-shunted tombstones, making them flexible. But the ballast must be in good shape for them to work well.

UL Type B (Ballast Bypass)

UL Type B LED tube lights need the ballast removed. You connect them straight to the main power. This takes more work but has big advantages:

• Saves energy by removing ballast power use.

• Cuts maintenance costs with simpler wiring and fewer parts.

• Gives better lighting while lowering energy bills.

UL Type B tubes save money over time. Without a ballast, you avoid fixing or replacing it. This makes them popular for long-term upgrades.

UL Type C (Remote Driver)

UL Type C LED tube lights use an external driver for power and efficiency. This setup gives better performance and flexibility than other types. The driver keeps power steady, helping the lights last longer.

UL Type C tubes are great for places needing precise lighting. They work with LED kits, making them a solid choice for upgrades.

Note: Installing UL Type C tubes takes more effort, but their features make them worth it for top-quality lighting.

Compatibility with Shunted and Non-Shunted Tombstones

When switching fluorescent tubes to LED tubes, know about tombstones. Tombstones, or sockets, hold the tubes and give power. There are two types: shunted and non-shunted. Knowing your type helps with easy installation.

Shunted tombstones connect electrical contacts inside. They are used with instant-start ballasts. Non-shunted tombstones keep contacts apart. These are found in rapid-start or programmed-start ballasts.

Many LED tubes work with both tombstone types. This makes upgrading easier. Always check the LED tube's details before installing. This ensures they fit and avoids problems.

• Key Points to Remember:

  • Most LED T8 tubes fit both tombstone types.

  • Checking LED tube details ensures correct installation.

UL Type A LED tubes often work with current tombstones. UL Type B tubes may need rewiring if tombstones are shunted. UL Type C tubes, using a remote driver, might need new tombstones.

By knowing your tombstone type and picking the right LED tubes, you can make the switch simple. This avoids issues and keeps your lights working well.

Step-by-Step Guide to LED Replacement for Fluorescent Tubes

Method 1: Plug-and-Play (UL Type A)

The Plug-and-Play method is the easiest way to switch. You don’t need to rewire or change the fixture. These LED tube lights work with your current ballast. First, turn off the power to the light. Take out the old fluorescent tube and put in the new LED tube. Turn the power back on, and you’re done!

This method is great for a fast and simple upgrade. But make sure your ballast works with the LED tube. If the ballast is too old or broken, the LED might not work.

Tip: Always check the LED tube’s details to ensure it matches your ballast.

Method 2: Ballast Bypass (UL Type B)

The Ballast Bypass method skips the ballast and connects the LED directly to power. This needs some rewiring but has big advantages:

• Saves 50-60% more energy than fluorescent tubes.

• Cuts costs since ballasts won’t need replacing anymore.

• Works better because LEDs have their own driver.

• Safer for the planet with no mercury inside.

First, turn off the power and remove the fluorescent tube. Take out the ballast and rewire the fixture as the instructions say. Put in the LED tube and turn the power back on. This method saves money and lasts longer.

Note: Follow the wiring guide from the manufacturer to stay safe.

Method 3: Fixture Replacement (UL Type C)

Fixture replacement means putting in a new fixture made for LED tube lights. This is best if your old fixtures don’t work with LEDs. UL Type C LED tube lights use an external driver for better control and performance.

Start by taking out the old fixture and adding the new one. Hook up the external driver to the power and connect the LED tubes. This takes more effort but gives the best lighting and features.

Tip: Choose this method if you want dimming or smart lighting options.

Safety Tips for Installation

When switching fluorescent tubes to LED lights, safety is key. Taking the right steps keeps the process safe and smooth. Follow these simple safety tips:

1. Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power to the light. This stops electrical shocks while working.

2. Remove the Fluorescent Tubes Carefully: Gently twist the old tubes to take them out. Be careful not to break them.

3. Check Your Fixture Type: Look at your fixture to see if it has a ballast or is direct-wired. This helps you pick the right way to install the LED tubes.

4. Bypass the Ballast (if Needed): For direct-wire LED tubes, remove the ballast as the instructions say. Make sure all wires are secure before moving on.

5. Install the LED Tubes: Put the new LED tubes into the sockets. Make sure they fit tightly.

Tip: Wear safety gloves when handling glass tubes to avoid cuts or injuries.

It’s also important to get rid of old fluorescent tubes the right way. These tubes have mercury, which is bad for the environment. Take them to recycling centers for safe disposal.

Before starting, check the type of fluorescent tube you’re replacing. T8 tubes are one inch wide, and T12 tubes are 1.5 inches wide. Look for markings on the tube or measure its width. Also, know the type of ballast. T8 fixtures usually have electronic ballasts, while T12 fixtures use magnetic ones.

By following these tips, you can safely upgrade your lights and help the planet.

Cost Considerations for Fluorescent Replacement

Upfront Costs of LED Tubes

Switching from fluorescent to LED lights has upfront costs. LED tubes are now cheaper and compete well with fluorescent lights. Prices depend on the type of LED tube you pick. For example, 8-foot LED shop lights cost $100-$200. A similar fluorescent setup costs $50-$100.

Choosing UL Type B or UL Type C LED tubes may need extra labor. Rewiring fixtures for these types can increase costs, especially for big projects. For example, rewiring three 4-lamp fixtures might cost over $8 per lamp due to electrician fees. Even with these initial costs, LEDs save money in the long run. Their benefits outweigh the upfront expenses.

Long-Term Savings on Energy Bills

LED tube lights save a lot of energy over time. They are 18%-44% more efficient than T8 fluorescent lamps. This means they use less power but give the same or better light. For example, replacing a 60-Watt bulb with a 10-Watt LED saves over €15 yearly in Denmark and Germany. In Poland, the savings are €7.29 per year.

These savings grow fast, especially in places with many lights. Using less energy lowers your bills and helps the planet. Most businesses recover their LED costs in 2-3 years. This is due to energy savings and lower maintenance needs.

Rebates and Incentives for LED Upgrades

Many rebates and programs help lower the cost of switching to LED. These incentives make upgrading easier and cheaper. Here are some examples:

These programs cut the upfront cost of LED tubes, making the switch affordable. Check with local utility companies or government offices for rebates near you.

Switching to LED lights has many great benefits. It saves energy, lowers costs, and improves lighting. Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED tubes can cut power use by 50%. This can save thousands of dollars each year. For instance, a 100,000 sq ft building could save $32,000 yearly. Electricity use would drop from 7.4 kWh to 5.36 kWh per square foot. Since LED programs began, energy use has fallen by 98,400 MWhs. This has reduced carbon emissions by 43,453 metric tons. That’s like the carbon absorbed by 43,586 acres of U.S. forests in one year.

Choosing the right LED tubes and installing them correctly is easy. Start upgrading to LED lights today. You’ll save money and help the planet for years to come.

FAQ

What are the main benefits of switching to LED lights?

LED lights use less energy and last much longer. They give better light and lower electricity bills. They also need less fixing, making them eco-friendly and budget-friendly for everyone.

Can I replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes without rewiring?

Yes, UL Type A LED tubes let you skip rewiring. These tubes work with your current ballast. Always check if the LED tube fits your fixture before starting.

How do I safely dispose of old fluorescent tubes?

Fluorescent tubes have mercury, which harms the environment. Take them to a recycling center or hazardous waste site. Never throw them in regular trash bins.

Are LED lights compatible with all fixtures?

Not every fixture works with LED lights. Check your fixture and the LED tube details. Some setups may need rewiring or a new fixture to work properly.

How much energy can I save by switching to LED lights?

LED lights use 75% less energy than fluorescent tubes. This big energy cut lowers bills and helps save natural resources.

See Also

Your Complete Guide to Switching From Fluorescent to LED

Understanding LED Replacement Lights: Varieties, Advantages, and Setup

Selecting the Ideal LED Replacement Lights for Home or Office

Choosing the Best LED Bulbs for Various Light Fixtures

An In-Depth Look at LED Light Bulbs and Their Advantages