Is my fluorescent fixture suitable for an LED fluorescent tube?
To determine whether a fluorescent fixture is suitable for an LED fluorescent tube, you need to check if the fixture is designed for use with LED tubes. When replacing halogen with LED, there are a few things to keep in mind. Older fluorescent tubes in the fixture use a ballast (the current generator) and a starter (which ensures the lamp turns on). With LED tubes and fixtures, both the ballast and starter are no longer needed. Therefore, LED tubes can be connected directly to the mains power (220V). In addition to LED tubes being more energy-efficient, the fixtures are as well. LED fixtures no longer use a ballast and starter; these two components also consume power alongside the light sources.
If you want to use the old fixtures of your current fluorescent tube (non-LED), there are two possibilities:
1.You keep the current fixture intact and replace the old starter with an LED starter. The LED starter acts as a dummy and is often supplied with a new LED tube.
2. You remove the starter and the ballast and then connect the LED tube. This saves extra energy by removing these two components.
When keeping the current fixtures, there are therefore two options: using an LED starter or removing the starter and the ballast. Both options are explained in more detail below.
Replacing fluorescent tubes using an LED Starter
You can recognize a traditional fluorescent fixture with a starter in various ways. The fluorescent tube flickers for a moment when you turn it on, and this can often also be recognized on the outside of the fixture.When you want to install an LED fluorescent tube in your current fixture, you need to replace the starter with an LED dummy starter. This dummy is often included with LED fluorescent tubes, which is always indicated on the product page. Before you begin, it is always important to turn off the power so you can work safely. You can follow the steps below for the replacement.
- Turn off the power/electricity.
- Twist the fluorescent tube a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
- Twist the starter a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
- Insert the new LED dummy in the place where the old starter was located.
- Insert the LED tube in the place where the old tube was located.
- Turn the power/electricity back on.
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| LED dummy starter |
The method above is the easiest and fastest way to replace fluorescent tubes. An optional step is to remove or bypass the ballast. This saves additional energy and also ensures a longer lifespan for the LED fluorescent tube. The image shows the old and new situation.
Removing the starter and ballast
With this method, both the starter and the ballast are removed. This allows you to connect the LED fluorescent tubes directly to the mains power (220V). As a result, the old fixtures will function in the same way as new LED fixtures. Removing the ballast and starter saves an additional 30% in power consumption, so it is certainly worthwhile to retrofit your entire fixture.
For this reason, many people choose this option instead of simply replacing the starter. You can follow these steps for the replacement:
- Turn off the power/electricity.
- Twist the halogen fluorescent tube a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
- Open the fluorescent fixture and locate the small block labeled ECG or ballast.
- Cut the wires leading to the ECG and connect them to the base of the LED fluorescent tube.
- Next, remove the starter. This works the same way as removing the ECG. Cut the wires and connect the wire to the base of the fluorescent tube. Please note: LED fluorescent tubes are powered on one side only. Therefore, connect both wires to one side of the fixture.
- Insert the new LED fluorescent tube into the fixture.Please ensure that the power side of the tube is placed on the power side of the fixture.
The method above is the most energy-efficient way to replace fluorescent tubes. The image shows both the old and new situations. It also indicates which cables need to be cut.
Replacing a double fluorescent fixture with LED
In addition to single fixtures, there are also double fixtures, which contain two or more fluorescent tubes. Converting these fixtures is slightly more complicated than converting single fixtures. A double fixture contains the following parts:
- Two fluorescent tubes
- Two starters
- One ballast
Just like with single fixtures, you can choose to replace only the starters with LED starters.Most people choose to remove both the starters and the ballast, as this saves the most electricity. You can follow the steps below to convert double fixtures:
- Switch off the power/electricity.
- Turn the fluorescent tubes a quarter turn to remove them from the fixture.
- Open the fluorescent fixture and look for a small block labeled VSA or ballast.
- Cut the wires leading to the ballast and connect them to the pins of the LED fluorescent tube.
- Next, remove the starters. This works the same way as removing the ballast. Cut the wires and connect them to the pins of the fluorescent tubes. Please note: LED fluorescent tubes are powered on one side only. Therefore, connect both wires to one side of the fixture.
- Install the new LED fluorescent tubes into the fixture.Please note that the power supply side of the tubes must be placed on the power supply side of the fixture.
The image shows the old and new situation. It also indicates which cables you need to cut and how to connect them.
Order LED fluorescent tubes online at LedLoket
You can buy LED fluorescent tubes affordably and safely online in our webshop. LedLoket supplies high-quality LED fluorescent tubes at a competitive price. The LED tubes come with a warranty of up to 5 years and a lifespan of 25,000+ burning hours. This ensures you of high quality. Should you still have any questions about purchasing LED fluorescent tubes or converting your current fixtures, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts are always ready to assist you.
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