Connecting a LED fluorescent fixture often raises questions. That makes sense, as a LED fluorescent tube works technically differently than a traditional fluorescent tube. Fortunately, it is quite possible to make existing fixtures suitable for LED fluorescent tubes or to install new fixtures. In this article, LedLoket clearly explains how traditional and LED fixtures differ from each other, how you can safely convert an existing fixture, and what the possibilities are with retrofit tubes.
Table of Contents
The difference between traditional and LED fluorescent tubes and fixtures
Traditional fluorescent fixtures work in combination with a starter and a ballast. These components ensure that the tube can ignite and remain stably illuminated.There are two types of traditional fixtures:
- Fixtures with a magnetic ballast and starter (below right)
- Fixtures with an electronic ballast without starter (Below left)
With traditional fluorescent tubes, the mains voltage is supplied to both ends of the tube. As a result, the wiring is symmetrically distributed across both sides of the tube.
LED fluorescent tubes and fixtures work differently. An LED fluorescent tube is always powered on one side with 230 volts of mains voltage. The other side has no voltage and only serves to secure the tube in the fitting.On the live side of the tube, there is a marking with an L and N or a symbol indicating that the voltage must be connected here.
Ballasts and starters are unnecessary with LED fluorescent tubes. This not only means simpler installation, but also lower energy consumption. After all, a ballast and starter together often consume an extra ten to twenty percent power. By removing these components, you immediately save on energy.
Please note: when converting traditional fixtures, the CE mark of the fixture becomes void. This may have consequences for insurance in the event of damage. For individuals and especially businesses, it is therefore often wiser to completely replace old fixtures with new LED fluorescent fixtures that are already suitable for single-sided power supply.
View our LED tube lights and fixtures
How LED tube fixtures and LED tube lights work
LED tube lights must be powered on one side and are therefore connected to the 230v mains power supply on a single side (figure 3).The side of the LED tube that needs to be connected to the mains power can be identified by the sticker on the end cap. This sticker displays an L or an N.
Next, insert the LED tube into the fluorescent fixture correctly. You do this by placing the side of the LED tube with the sticker into the side of the LED fixture marked with the power symbol, and then giving it a quarter turn.
If an LED tube is accidentally installed the wrong way around in the LED fixture, the earth leakage circuit breaker will likely trip. The LED tube will not be permanently damaged by this. Simply turn the LED tube around in the LED fixture and switch the power back on. The LED tube should now light up properly.
Converting a current fixture into an LED tube fixture
If you want to keep your existing fixtures, you can convert them to make them suitable for LED fluorescent tubes. This is technically feasible, but does require precision. Below you can read the steps you need to follow.
Preparation
Always turn off the power at the fuse box and check with a voltage tester that there is no longer any voltage on the fixture. Make sure you have the following tools and materials at hand:
- A pair of wire cutters
- Connecting terminals or wire connectors
Connecting terminals are used to connect 2 or more electrical wires together. With these materials, you can cut old wiring and safely establish new connections.
Tip!
You can also watch our handy video in which we show step-by-step how to connect an LED fluorescent fixture. In this video, the most important steps are explained visually, so you know exactly what to do. In addition, you will find a clear step-by-step guide in this blog, allowing you to read everything at your own pace and apply it immediately.
Step 1: Remove the old fluorescent tubes
Twist the fluorescent tubes a quarter turn and carefully remove them from the fixture. Fluorescent tubes are made of glass and contain mercury, so handle them with care. Dispose of them as small chemical waste.
Step 2: Remove the old fluorescent tubes and the ballast
Start by removing the existing fluorescent tubes. Turn the tubes a quarter turn and carefully remove them from the fixture. The tubes are made of glass and can easily break. They also contain mercury and must therefore be disposed of as hazardous waste at a designated collection point.
Next, remove the ballast. Use wire cutters to cut the wires on both sides of the ballast. The image on the right indicates the cutting points with red crosses. LED fluorescent tubes do not use a ballast. By removing it, you immediately save between ten and twenty percent on energy consumption and simplify the installation.
Step 3: Remove the starter
Next, cut the wiring on both sides of the starter and remove it completely. In traditional fixtures, the starter is responsible for igniting the fluorescent tube, but this is no longer necessary with LED fluorescent tubes.
One side of the fitting will be de-energized after this step. This is because LED fluorescent tubes are always powered on one side with 230 volts. In total, you have now cut four wires: two at the ballast and two at the starter.
Step 4: Adjust the wiring for single-sided power supply
LED tube lights are powered on one side only. This means that the mains voltage is connected to only one side of the tube, while the other side remains unpowered and serves solely to hold the tube in place.
Choose which side of the fixture you want to use for the connection. This must correspond to the side of the LED tube light marked with L and N or a power symbol. Remove or neatly conceal any unnecessary wires. With LED tube lights, current no longer flows through the ballast and starter, but directly through the tube.
Step 5: Connect the new wiring and finish up
Use connection terminals to reconnect the correct wires. The L wire that previously ran through the ballast is no longer used. Neatly tuck this away so that it is not visible and cannot cause any interference.
Next, connect the wire that originally ran through the starter to the remaining L wire. This brings the phase and neutral wires together on one side of the fixture. This side will soon supply power to the LED fluorescent tube.
Neatly tuck away all other wires so they are not visible from the underside of the fixture. Then insert the LED fluorescent tube. Pay close attention to the marking on the base of the tube and place this end on the side where the power is connected. Turn the tube a quarter turn until it is securely in place and turn the power back on. The tube should now light up correctly.
Once the wiring has been properly adjusted, place the new LED tube into the fixture. Pay close attention to the marking on the end cap of the tube. This side must correspond to the side where the power is connected. Insert the tube into the fitting and turn it a quarter turn until it is secure. Then, turn the power back on and check that the tube lights up correctly.
The image clearly shows what the new wiring should look like. This helps you verify that your connection has been made correctly.
Retrofit LED tubes in existing fixtures
An alternative to modifying fixtures is using retrofit LED tubes .These tubes can often be placed directly into old fixtures without modifying the wiring. You replace the existing fluorescent tube and insert a special LED starter instead of the traditional starter.
Although this is quick and easy, it brings significant risks. The old ballast and capacitor remain active, while an LED tube requires much less power. This causes overloading of the wiring and of the tube itself. This can lead to energy loss, overheating, and a greatly shortened lifespan of the tube. In some cases, cables can even melt or a fire can start.
Warning! Never install more than ten retrofit LED fluorescent tubes in a row in conventional fixtures controlled by a single switch. In such a situation, excess current can accumulate in the wiring and in the LED tubes, greatly increasing the risk of damage or malfunctions.
Therefore, for situations involving many lamps in series, such as in commercial properties or larger spaces, it is wiser to choose new LED fluorescent fixtures or to completely convert existing fixtures.
In short
Connecting LED tube lighting does not have to be complicated, as long as you know which method best suits your situation. You can choose to convert your existing fixtures or use retrofit LED fluorescent tubes. Conversion is often the safest and most sustainable solution in the long run, especially when you have a large amount of lighting in use. Retrofitting can be convenient for quick replacements, but it also carries risks that should not be underestimated.
Want to learn more about LED lighting, smart solutions, or energy saving? Below you will find our other blogs with useful tips and clear explanations, so you can always make the right choice for your lighting.
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