Connecting an LED fluorescent fixture often raises questions. This is understandable, as an LED fluorescent tube works differently from a traditional fluorescent tube from a technical standpoint. 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, 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 remains lit stably. There are two types of traditional fixtures:
- Fixtures with a magnetic ballast and starter (below right)
- Fixtures with an electronic ballast without a starter (Below left)
With traditional fluorescent tubes, the mains voltage is supplied to both ends of the tube. This means the wiring is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the tube.
LED fluorescent tubes and fixtures work differently. An LED fluorescent tube is always powered on one side with 230-volt mains voltage. The other side has no voltage and only serves to secure the tube in the fitting.On the powered 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 for LED fluorescent tubes. This not only means a simpler installation but also lower energy consumption. A ballast and starter together often consume between ten and twenty percent extra power. By removing these components, you save energy immediately.
Please note: when converting traditional fixtures, the CE marking of the fixture becomes void. This can have consequences for insurance in case of any damage. For individuals and especially for 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 fluorescent tubes and fixtures
How LED fluorescent fixtures and LED fluorescent tubes work
LED fluorescent tubes must be powered on one side and are therefore connected on one side to the 230v mains (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 base. This sticker is marked with an L or an N.
Then, insert the LED tube correctly into the fluorescent fixture. Do this by inserting the side of the tube with the sticker into the side of the LED fixture marked with the power symbol, and then turn it a quarter turn.
If an LED tube is accidentally installed the wrong way around in the LED fixture, the circuit breaker will likely trip. The LED tube is not immediately defective. Turn the LED tube around in the LED fixture and switch the power back on. The LED tube should now light up correctly.
Converting a current fixture to an LED tube fixture
If you want to keep your existing fixtures, you can convert them to be suitable for LED tubes. This is technically feasible, but it does require precision. Below you can read the steps you need to follow.
Preparation
Always switch off the power at the fuse box and check with a voltage tester to ensure there is no longer any voltage on the fixture. Make sure you have the following tools and materials at hand:
- Wire cutters
- Splicing connectors or wire nuts
Splicing connectors 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 where we show you step-by-step how to connect an LED fluorescent fixture. This video visually explains the most important steps, so you know exactly what to do. Additionally, this blog provides a clear step-by-step guide, allowing you to read through everything at your own pace and apply it immediately.
Step 1: Remove the old fluorescent tubes
Turn 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 take them out of the fixture. The tubes are made of glass and can break easily. They also contain mercury and must therefore be disposed of as small chemical waste at a collection point.
Next, remove the ballast. Use the wire cutters to cut the wires on both sides of the ballast. The image on the right shows the cutting points with red crosses. LED fluorescent tubes do not use a ballast. By removing it, you will immediately save between ten and twenty percent on energy consumption and simplify the connection.
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-ended power
LED fluorescent tubes are single-ended powered. This means that the mains voltage is only connected to one side of the tube, while the other side remains unpowered and only serves 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 fluorescent tube that has a marking with L and Nor a power symbol . Remove or neatly tuck away any unnecessary wires. With LED fluorescent tubes, the current no longer flows through the ballast and the starter, but directly through the tube.
Step 5: Connect the new wiring and finish up
Use terminal blocks to reconnect the correct wires. The L wire that previously ran through the ballast is no longer used. Tuck this away neatly so it is not visible and cannot cause any interference.
Next, connect the wire that previously ran through the starter to the remaining L wire. This brings the live and neutral wires together on one side of the fixture. This side will power the LED tube.
Neatly tuck away all other wires so they are not visible from the bottom view of the fixture. Then, install the LED 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 switch the power back on. The tube should now light up correctly.
Once the wiring has been correctly adjusted, place thenew LED tube into the fixture. Pay close attention to the marking on the base 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 securely in place. Then, switch the power back on and check if the tube lights up correctly.
The image clearly shows what the new wiring should look like. This will help you verify that your connection has been made correctly.
Retrofit LED tubes in current fixtures
An alternative to converting fixtures is to useretrofit LED tubes.
These tubes can often be placed directly into old fixtures without modifying the wiring. You replace the existing fluorescent tube and install a special LED starter instead of the traditional starter.Although this is quick and easy, it comes with significant risks. The old ballast and capacitor remain active, while an LED tube requires much less power. This leads to an overload of the wiring and the tube itself. This can result in energy loss, overheating, and a significantly shortened lifespan of the tube. In some cases, cables can even melt or a fire may occur.
Warning! Never install more than ten retrofit LED fluorescent tubes in a series in conventional fixtures that are operated by a single switch. In such a situation, excess current can build up in the wiring and in the LED tubes, greatly increasing the risk of damage or malfunctions.
For situations with many lamps in series, such as in businesses or larger spaces, it is therefore wiser to opt for new LED fluorescent fixtures or to completely convert the existing fixtures.
In summary
Connecting LED fluorescent lighting doesn't 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. In the long run, converting is often the safest and most sustainable solution, especially when you have a lot of lighting in use. Retrofitting can be convenient for quick replacements, but it also carries risks that should not be underestimated.
Would you like to learn more about LED lighting, smart solutions, or energy savings? Below you will find our other blogs with helpful tips and clear explanations, so you can always make the right choice for your lighting.
