LED Linear Fluorescent Replacement Tubes

LED tubes can be a convenient, simple, cost effective way to convert fixtures that see limited usage or where maximum lifetime is not a requirement.  LED Tubes are available in three categories, based on the wiring and installation method.  The three types of tube categories are:

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  • Type A (Ballast compatible plug and play)
  • Type B (direct wire)
  • Type A+B (Ballast compatible with direct wire capability)
  • Type C (External LED Driver)


Type A Tubes
Type A LED Tubes, also known as "plug and play" tubes are the easiest to install.  Just remove the Fluorescent tube and install the LED tube, leaving all the electronic components "as-is".  Though not as energy saving as Type A or Type C tubes, the simplified installation is sometimes worth the effort.  These tubes work through an electronic ballast (does not work with magnetic ballasts), and requiresa ballast.  If the ballast fails, the fluorescent ballast must be replaced in order for these tubes to work.  The ballast will consume 4-8 Watts of electricity, reducing the total electricity savings of the conversion to LED.Type B Tubes

Type A tubes are direct-wired to mains power.  The mains voltage is connected directly to the tombstone lampholders, with no connection through a power converter such as a ballast or driver.


Type B Tubes

Type B LED Tubes, also known as "plug and play" tubes are the easiest to install.  Just remove the Fluorescent tube and install the LED tube, leaving all the electronic components "as-is".  Though not as energy saving as Type A or Type C tubes, the simplified installation is  sometimes worth the effort.  These tubes work through an electronic ballast (does not work with magnetic ballasts), and requires a ballast.  If the ballast fails, the fluorescent ballast must be replaced in order for these tubes to work.  The ballast will consume 4-8 Watts of electricity, reducing the total electricity savings of the conversion to LED.


Single-End Type B Tubes

Single-end Type B tubes are connected through one end of the tube, with one of the pins connected to the Hot Line and the other pin connected to the Neutral


Dual-End Type B Tubes

Dual-end Type B LED tubes connect the Hot Line to the tombstone lampholder on one end of the tube, and connect the neutral wire to the tombstone lampholder on the other end of the tube


Single-End Type B Tube with 0-10V dimming

All 4 pins are used, with each pin serving a different purpose.  Hot Live is connected to one pin of the tombstone and the Neutral wire is connected to the other pin on the same tombstone.  The other end of the tube is connected to the 0V-10V dimming controller, with one pin connecting to the dim+ and the other pin connecting to the dim-.



Type A+B Tubes

As the name implies, these tubes can work as a Type A, or as a Type B, being either direct wired to mains voltage or working through an existing fluorescent ballast.



Type C Tubes

Type C tubes are the safest and most efficient way to convert from Fluorescent to LED Tubes.  Using and external LED driver in place of the fluorescent ballast, low voltage DC is transmitted from the ballast to the tombstone lampholders, instead of sending mains voltage (120V, 208V, 240V or 277V AC) to the lampholders.  There is no shock risk at the tombstones compared to the Type A direct wire tubes.  Drivers are moved away from the heat of the LEDs and the LEDs are moved away from the heat of the Driver, increasing the lifetime of each.  Drivers can be independently replaced for maintenance purposes


LED Retrofit Strips, LED Lamps and LED Tubes

Converting fixtures from traditional technologies to LED is simple and convenient utilizing a range of exciting retrofit options.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages and matching the right solution to the task is critical for optimal performance and lifetime.​