how do you change a fluorescent light bulb to led

Ways to Upgrade Fluorescent Lights to LED

Full Answer

Can you replace fluorescent lights with led?

Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.

How do you replace a fluorescent light bulb?

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Replacing the Bulb

1. Make sure that the power is switched off. Before replacing a fluorescent light, you should make sure the fixture is not powered on.
2. Prepare a stepladder or other support. Most likely, you will not be able to reach the fluorescent light fixture comfortably from ground level.
3. Rotate the first tube 90 degrees. ...

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Can you replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes?

The answer is there are three ways. You can replace fluorescent T8 tubes with three types of LED T8 tubes, known as Type A, Type B, and Type C. Here’s the lowdown on each so you know which type of LED T8 to use for your next project: The Type A LED T8 tube is designed to be compatible with existing linear fluorescent ballasts.

How to replace an old fluorescent light fixture?

Replace the Lamp Holders. Disconnect the wiring connecting the fluorescent fixture ballast. Remove the ballast and the starter if applicable on this particular fixture. Remove the existing shunted lamp holders or tombstones from the fluorescent lighting fixtures you want to upgrade. Using shunted lamp holders or tombstones for LED retrofitting ...

Can you put an LED bulb in a fluorescent fixture?

You have fluorescent troffers or strip fixtures already, and you're wondering if you can just pop LED tubes in them or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news: You can absolutely use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!

Do I need to remove the ballast to use an LED bulb?

An LED light does not require a ballast because it uses a component called a “driver” to regulate the power going into the bulb.

Can you swap fluorescent for LED?

If you have fluorescent fixtures and are eying the cost- and energy-savings of switching to LED lighting, you'll find there are two paths you can take: convert your existing fixtures to work with LED or replace those fixtures with new LED fixtures.

How do I replace 4ft fluorescent with LED?

0:522:14How to Easily Replace Fluorescent Tubes with LED Tubes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it will swing out of your way. And hang like so and we've already cut power at the breaker. SoMoreAnd it will swing out of your way. And hang like so and we've already cut power at the breaker. So we're good to go removing these tubes. And with the LEDs.

How do I know if my ballast is compatible with LED?

Simply turn the light on, then take a photo of the fixture using your smartphone or digital camera. If there are no dark bands on the resulting image, you have an electronic ballast that is likely to work with direct drop-in LED tubes (with caveats: see the next section below).

How do you tell if it's the ballast or the bulb?

Take out your current bulbs and replace them with the new bulbs. If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit. You could also try using a multimeter set to measure resistance.

How do you bypass the ballast for LED lights?

How to Bypass A BallastStep 1: Disconnect All Power So There is No Electrical Current. ... Step 2: Find the Ballast. ... Step 3: Locate and Cut Only the Hot and Neutral Wires. ... Step 4: Cut the Socket Lead Wires. ... Step 5: Remove the Ballast (if you wish) ... Step 6: Connect the Wires. ... Step 7: Reattach Any Coverings and Turn On.

What can I replace my fluorescent light with?

Replacement choices include pendant lighting, flush-mount ceiling fixtures, track lighting, monorail lighting, potrack lighting and more. You can even skip the ceiling-mounted light and instead install a couple of wall sconces.

Do LED tubes need starters?

LED tubes do not need to have a starter (fuse) and can be fixed to be used without ballast. LED tubes are mostly used for home offices, garages and storage spaces at home.

Can I replace a T12 fluorescent light tube with an LED tube?

These LED tubes are the newest, easiest to install and most expensive. They work with any kind of existing technology – whether it is T12 (Magnetic Ballast) or T8 (Electronic Ballast). To install them all you need to do is take the old fluorescent tube out and install the LED tube in its place.

How do I know if my ballast is T8 or T12?

0:082:11UNDERSTANDING fluorescent lights t5 t8 t12 electronic magnetic ballastYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 isMoreLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 is the older version of the t8. You can take a t8. And put it into a t12 fixture the t12 is the oldest.

How do you change a two pin fluorescent bulb?

0:562:07How to Change a Fluorescent Light Bulb Tube - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just line the pins. Up slide them in rotate it and then once it's rotated it kind of snaps intoMoreYou just line the pins. Up slide them in rotate it and then once it's rotated it kind of snaps into place.

Can you use LED bulbs with a ballast?

No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or "plug-and-play" LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.

Do I need to change fluorescent ballast when changing to LED fluorescent lights?

The advanced technology of LED tubes allows for traditional direct-wire or the newer plug-and-play installation options. Plug-and-play (ballast-compatible) lamps operate with the fixture's existing fluorescent ballast, so no rewiring is necessary.

How do you bypass a ballast to install LED tubes?

How to Bypass A BallastStep 1: Disconnect All Power So There is No Electrical Current. ... Step 2: Find the Ballast. ... Step 3: Locate and Cut Only the Hot and Neutral Wires. ... Step 4: Cut the Socket Lead Wires. ... Step 5: Remove the Ballast (if you wish) ... Step 6: Connect the Wires. ... Step 7: Reattach Any Coverings and Turn On.

How do you bypass a t12 ballast for a LED bulb?

0:522:27How to Bypass a Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst disconnect the hot neutral. And ground wires that are connected to the ballast. Then cut allMoreFirst disconnect the hot neutral. And ground wires that are connected to the ballast. Then cut all the wires leading from the ballast to the lamp sockets. Be sure to cut them close to the ballast.

What is LED lighting?

LED lighting is the latest technological lighting advancement on the market right now. LEDs offer a variety of outstanding benefits because they operate differently than traditional fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Compared to the traditional forms of lighting, LEDs are not only more durable, but they also have a prolonged lifespan ...

What is the T in fluorescent light?

“T” refers to tubular when referring to fluorescent lighting, and the number that follows is the diameter of the lamp in an eighth of an inch. The most popular size of fluorescent lighting is T8, meaning the tube is eight-eighths of an inch or one inch. Other sizes of fluorescent lighting tubes include T5 and T12; these are most common in older lighting fixtures.

What is ballast bypass conversion?

Ballast Bypass Conversion very literally means that the lighting fixture must be rewired to bypass the ballast. The significant advantage of this is that an individual will not have to replace the ballast when converting his or her fluorescent lighting fixture into an LED one.

Why is LED lighting so popular?

LED lighting is growing in popularity because of the environmental and money-saving benefits it offers. LED lighting will not have to be replaced often because of their long lifespan, saving customer money while also not creating waste.

Which is better, LED or incandescent?

Compared to incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lighting, LED lighting is the best choice. Not only are LED lights going to save energy and money, but they are also brighter. Below are comparisons between standard forms of light and LED light.

How long do LED lights last?

LED’s last up to 80% longer than standard light bulbs, illuminating a space for up to 30,000- 50,000 hours.

Can you retrofit a fluorescent light fixture?

Modifying an already existing lighting fixture is more affordable than replacing an entire lighting fixture to install LED bulbs. There are various methods for converting fluorescent lighting fixtures into LED ones. However, the simplest way is to use some sort of retrofit kit. These kits attach to already existing lighting fixtures and allow for LED bulbs to be housed in them. There are a variety of these kinds of LED retrofit kits available, a recommended choice being ZLEDLighting’s Magnilumen Retrofit Kit, which allows a fluorescent lighting fixture to be converted into an LED fixture in about 15 minutes.

Why do you want to use the same fluorescent fixtures?

Ideally, you would want to use the same fixtures due to cost and time considerations of changing the fluorescent fixtures. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no choice but to go through a costly conversion process before these newer tubes can work on the existing infrastructure.

Where are fluorescent bulbs used?

Fluorescent bulbs where once the most popular lighting fixtures in the world. You’ll find them in offices, warehouses, schools, residential, and industrial spaces, but as technology has progressed LED lighting has turned the tide.

How big is a T8 LED bulb?

For instance, the more popular and often the best, T8 LED lamps have a one-inch diameter (1/8). While T12 LED lamps are 12/8 and T5 measures 5/8 inches. All these bulbs can be used vice versa so long as they share the same bi-pin connections on the base (the 2 pins at the end of the tube) and have the right milliamp (power supply) requirements.

What does the T mean on fluorescent lights?

For example, the initial “T” means the fluorescent fixture comes in a tubular shape and the number next to the ”T” is the estimated diameter in inches. If you are unable to find the label for whatever reason, you can just measure to find the correct diameter size.

How to bypass a ballast?

How do you bypass an LED tube ballast? 1 Most important Kill the Power Supply by turning off completely. 2 Locate the ballast and cut the live (hot) and neutral wires. 3 Remove the ballast from the lamp holder or tuck the wires away. 4 Reconnect the wires.

Why do people use LED lights?

Many people convert to LED lamps because they have a much longer lifespan, are a brighter light and are a lot more energy efficient. Yet, replacing the fluorescent light fixtures can be a bit more complicated because the technologies are not compatible on their own.

Can you replace T8 bulbs with LED bulbs?

If you already have T8 fluorescent tubes and fixtures in place, it can be as simple as swapping those bulbs with LED bulbs without the need to do a ballast bypass as it has an Integrated Driver for use on Existing Fluorescent Ballast. so no rewiring is required.

Look for LED bulbs for ballast compatibility or bypass

Type A LED tubes have internal drivers, and they run on programmed start ballasts. These types are the easiest to install.

Convert the fluorescent fixture to LED

Suppose you want to save money, converting the fluorescent fixture to LED costs less. However, there are considerations that you must know before doing the process.

Using a retrofit kit

Retrofitting is adding accessories or technology to an existing one for its improvement. It helps you enjoy the features offered by an LED light.

Replace the whole lighting fixture

You can replace the whole lighting fixture. This method is ideal if your fixture is too old, so getting rid of it won’t matter that much. But take note, it is more costly since you will have to buy a new fixture that can house your LED light. You also have to pay for its installation.

Is LED Light better than fluorescent light?

Fluorescent lights have been used as lighting devices for more than 100 years. But LEDs are surpassing the performance of fluorescent lights. Because of this, more homes are replacing their lights with LEDs.

Summary

You don’t need to be a professional electrician to replace your fluorescent light with an LED light. Changing fluorescent lights to LED seems confusing.

How to replace fluorescent lamps with LEDs?

One of the most concerning issues when not knowing whether to replace fluorescent lamps with LEDs is how to replace them and what tools to prepare? Among the types of LED lights, LED tube lights are often the best choice when replacing fluorescent lamps.

How many times does a fluorescent light have to blink to light up?

Check by watching how long the light stays on. When starting to turn the ON button, the lights will stay on or they will have to blink 2-3 times to light up. If the fluorescent light is always on, your house is using electronic ballast, and vice versa when using a ferromagnetic ballast + starter, the light will flash before it lights up.

How long do LED lights last?

The lifespan of modern light bulbs: As you know, the life of LED lights is many times longer than that of fluorescent bulbs, compact bulbs, or other traditional lights, the life of a common LED can be from 25,000 to 50,000 hours. . Meanwhile, the lifespan of incandescent bulbs only lasts from 1,000 to 2,000 hours. Thus, LED lights have beaten traditional lights with a much longer lifespan. Lamp life is one of the factors that make LED technology more and more popular.

What temperature should LED bulbs be?

LED bulbs as well as led chips are very sensitive to high temperatures. If the lamp’s temperature is higher than 85°C, the lamp life will be shortened. And especially when the temperature reaches 105°C, the bulb may stop working. Note that the temperature of the bulb must be lower than 85°C for the lamp to work properly. Therefore, the heat sink of the lamp must have a very suitable structure and work well, especially the large-capacity lamps and lights installed on the ceiling.

Why do LED lights need to be in a cool place?

Heat is considered the main enemy of electronic devices and LEDs are no exception. If the temperature where the bulb is placed is high, it will greatly affect the lifespan and luminous duration of the lamp. For closed installation lamps such as recessed downlights, if you do not dissipate heat well, the ambient temperature of the lights will rise higher, and gradually affect the led chip along with the control process. This will reduce the life of the LED. LED devices need to be installed in a cool, dry space to dissipate heat, cool quickly, and increase lamp life.

What is the most common type of fluorescent light?

Usually, the most popular fluorescent lamps are the 1m2 and 0.6m types. But like other types of fluorescent lamps, they all have a relatively similar structure and installation, including the following cases:

What are the units of fluorescent and LED?

Before you want to understand and use the conversion chart, you must know 2 units of Fluorescent and LED are Lumens and Watts.