Is my fluorescent fixture suitable for an LED tube light?
To determine whether a fluorescent fixture is suitable for an LED tube light, you must check whether 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 fixtures use a ballast (the power generator) and a starter (which ensures the lamp turns on). With LED tubes and fixtures, both the ballast and starter are no longer required. 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 consume power in addition to the light sources.
If you want to use the old fixtures of your current fluorescent tubes (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 included with a new LED fluorescent tube.
2. You remove the starter and the ballast and then connect the LED fluorescent 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 further detail below.
Replacing fluorescent tubes using an LED Starter
You can recognize a traditional fluorescent fixture with a starter in several ways. The fluorescent tube flickers briefly 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 tube light in your current fixture, you need to replace the starter with an LED dummy starter. This dummy is often included with LED tube lights, 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 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.
- Place the new LED Dummy in the spot where the old starter was.
- Place the LED tube in the spot where the old tube was.
- Turn the power/electricity back on.
 |
| LED dummy starter |
The method above is the easiest and fastest way to replace fluorescent tubes. An optional step in this process is to remove or bypass the ballast. This saves extra energy and also ensures a longer lifespan for the fluorescent tube. The image shows the old and new setup.
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 operate in the same way as new LED fixtures. Removing the ballast and starter provides an additional 30% savings in power consumption, making it well worth converting 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.
- Rotate the halogen fluorescent tube a quarter turn to remove it from the fixture.
- Open the fluorescent fixture and locate the small block labeled VSA or ballast.
- Cut the wires leading to the VSA and connect them to the base of the LED fluorescent tube.
- Next, remove the starter. This works the same way as removing the VSA. 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.
- Install the new LED fluorescent tube in the fixture.Please note that the power side of the tube must be placed on the power side of the fixture.
The method above is the most energy-efficient way to replace fluorescent tubes. The image shows 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 components:
- 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 energy. To convert double fixtures, you can follow these steps:
- Switch off the power/electricity.
- Rotate 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 running to the ballast and connect them to the end caps 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 end caps 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.
- Place the new LED fluorescent tubes into the fixture.Please note that the power supply side of the tubes must be placed at 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 MeinLED
You can buy LED fluorescent tubes affordably and safely online in our webshop. MeinLED 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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| LED Tube Lights | 60cm Fixtures | 120cm Fixtures | 150cm Fixtures | T5 Fixtures |
