how to buy tube lightsReplacing existing fluorescent lights (commonly referred to as T8/T10/T1200) is easy. LED tube lights can save up to 80% energy cost and are toxic-free
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There are 3 general types of T8 LED tubes. Before LED’s all fluorescent tubes have to be powered by what’s called a “ballast.” Simply a ballast is device placed in line with the load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. LED’s can be powered by the ballast or run off the direct line voltage.
TYPE A or Ballast driven LED tub
Type A tubes are designed with an internal driver that allows the tube to operate directly from the existing linear fluorescent ballast. This method offers the simplest installation process. The benefits of Type a lights are they can be configured to be dimmable and use more or less power.
The downsides to this option are once again a higher per unit upfront cost, alongside the continued worry that if the ballast fails the LED tube will not illuminate. Individuals and organizations have to weigh these potential pitfalls against the ease of installation and lack of downtime. It is important to consider the age of your ballasts when choosing this type.
If you’re not sure whether your fixtures are old we don’t recommend this option
type A is going to be the best solution for your project depends greatly on your maintenance story.
The downsides to this option are once again a higher per unit upfront cost, alongside the continued worry that if the ballast fails the LED tube will not illuminate. Individuals and organizations have to weigh these potential pitfalls against the ease of installation and lack of downtime. It is important to consider the age of your ballasts when choosing this type.
If you’re not sure whether your fixtures are old we don’t recommend this option
type A is going to be the best solution for your project depends greatly on your maintenance story.
TYPE B or ballast-bypassing LED Tubes
Type B bypasses the ballast completely, allowing the user to run directly off the line voltage The benefits of this type are that they come in different wattages and beam angles, and lumen output for this type can be controlled by the existing ballast: Low Power (LP), Normal Power (NP), and High Power (HP). . Virtually all of these tubes can be operated on typical instant start T8 ballasts and some are able to operate on programmed start and dimming ballasts.
For Large properties, we recommend this option. The installation for ballast bypass tubes are more complex, there are greater advantages. Their unit costs are lower compared to all other options.
For Large properties, we recommend this option. The installation for ballast bypass tubes are more complex, there are greater advantages. Their unit costs are lower compared to all other options.
TYPE C or Hybrid Tube
Type-C LED. They work with both T8 electronic ballasts and can be wired directly the way a ballast bypass tube light does in case the ballast fails.
That is an advantage that mixed type facilities have since the same tube light may be used with a faster implementation time. The main disadvantage to hybrid tubes are they have a higher cost and at times their lower efficiency compared to ballast bypass types.
They typically offer the longest life, and dimming capability that the others do not. The reason they’re not chosen as often is due to their higher price point..
That is an advantage that mixed type facilities have since the same tube light may be used with a faster implementation time. The main disadvantage to hybrid tubes are they have a higher cost and at times their lower efficiency compared to ballast bypass types.
They typically offer the longest life, and dimming capability that the others do not. The reason they’re not chosen as often is due to their higher price point..